Project management skills: how to become the best manager
The success of a project depends on more than just the professionalism of the team. The project manager’s ability to organize work and establish productive communication with customers and employees plays an important role. Moreover, these skills can and should be developed.
Andy Crow, who studied successful managers, found that only 2% are highly effective. They all share one quality: the ability to build relationships. This involves interacting effectively with different teams, leveraging informal connections, and exerting influence beyond the professional sphere.
The expert highlights several principles that managers should take into account. He considers setting expectations to be key. This process is not limited to a list of tasks and deadlines. It also involves building trust, maintaining confidentiality, and clearly defining each employee’s role. Managers must communicate to their teams what level of interaction each participant can expect. Transparency and clarity in expectations form the basis of trusting relationships and increase work efficiency.
A manager’s commitment to the cause is important. However, commitment does not equate to overtime work and pressuring employees. Rather, the manager devotes time to the project and communicates with the team within clearly defined hours.
How to improve relations with staff
A favorable working atmosphere and a high level of trust within the team are key to the company’s success. Much depends on the manager’s authority, which can be strengthened in the following ways:
- Use active listening techniques. This technique involves remembering information, paying attention to what the other person is saying, and striving to understand their perspective. The main goal is to show the employee that you have truly heard them.
- Encourage them. A complex bonus system is not necessary here. Sometimes, sincere words of gratitude are enough. It is important to show that the employee’s contribution is valuable to the overall result.
- Feedback: It strengthens trust and improves relationships. Initially, such a mechanism may seem intrusive, but it works in the long run. With its help, you can eliminate the risk of various problems and identify difficulties promptly.
Managers must also understand the importance of motivation. Moreover, motivation can differ from one employee to the next. Some employees are inspired by personal conversations, while others value public recognition. Managers must determine what is important to each team member and build relationships based on these characteristics.
Additionally, managers should regularly reevaluate their motivational strategies because employees’ needs change over time. Flexibility in this area helps maintain a high level of engagement and reduces the risk of burnout.
