Here's how you can develop the key qualities to become an effective leader as a project manager.

I agree with this recommendation. Furthermore, defining a clear goal and objectives is necessary to align the team. All decisions, priorities, and actions should be derived from these objectives. This will help the project manager and the team members to simplify many of the debates and conflicts.

Encouraging feedback and promoting open communication are key to team empowerment. Create an environment where team members feel valued and heard. This not only enhances their confidence but also leads to better collaboration and innovation. Empowered teams are more likely to take initiative and contribute to the project's success.

It's not too hard to make decisions, it's harder to weight all the outcomes that will be associated with this decision. In order to excel in it, develop a group of people whose opinion you will seek and listen to. It will be your secret Board of Directors. These people may not be aware of each other, but their expertise and opinions will help you to shape your own decisions. Make sure to ask these people why they think this way. Sometimes you learn more as each one of them have their own stories of failures and success, and their knowledge is invaluable for supporting your own steps to infallible decision making.

To empower your team and promote autonomy: Set Expectations: Communicate objectives and expectations clearly. Delegate: Assign tasks according to individual strengths and expertise. Provide Resources: Ensure access to tools and support for success. Encourage Decision-Making: Foster confidence in owning work and choices. Offer Support: Provide guidance without micromanaging. Recognize Achievements: Celebrate successes, reinforcing empowerment. Encourage Feedback: Promote open communication and value input. These steps cultivate an empowered team, boosting confidence, innovation, and accountability.

Move beyond the mind and task / command orientation. This approach does not empower or engage a team. Develop the ability to be visionary, heart led and authentic in sharing your vision. Generate positive powerful feelings within your team so they can see and connect to the vision you are asking them to continue to and be a part of. Then, delegate project tasks and phases in alignment with talents, growth opportunities, and desires of your team members. Doing this ina way that empowers and lights up your team as well as deliver what is required is the real skill of a talented leader. Keep holding the vision of the project's success alight for the team - connect and celebrate all the achievements on the way to the end game.

Developing key qualities to become an effective leader as a project manager involves strategic foresight and fostering transparency. One powerful technique I utilize is conducting pre-mortem sessions. These proactive meetings bring leaders together to anticipate potential challenges and brainstorm solutions before they occur. By creating an environment where team members feel safe to openly discuss potential issues, you enhance transparency and collaboration. This approach not only mitigates risks but also strengthens team cohesion and trust. Mastering this skill is crucial for effective project management and leadership, as it prepares your team to navigate complexities with confidence and agility.

Think and talk in terms of outputs (deliveries). This is a good practice that has an amazing impact on the people around you. The one you manage, your peer, and your superior. For example, when you are asked to add a feature / fix a bug that was not included in your commitments. First, analyze the work required and its impact on the committed output (quality, risk, schedule, etc.). Present your message using the expected impact on the output rather than explaining why it is wrong.