5 Common Mistakes Project Leaders Make When Advancing Their Careers

This is the time of year when growth is all around us. The flowers are blooming, and the trees are starting to get their leaves back. I have always liked tall trees. They seem to have no limits, and I can definitely relate.

Imagine a tree striving to reach the sky, its branches reaching out in all directions, each representing a different aspect of a project leader's journey. Just like a tree needs strong roots, nourishment, and proper care to grow tall and resilient, project leaders need the right skills, strategies, and mindset to thrive in their careers. However, just as trees face challenges like bad weather conditions, project leaders encounter obstacles that can hinder their growth. As an Umboxed PM, it is important to identify and rectify common mistakes so you can ensure a successful career path as a project leader.

I want to share the five most common things project leaders get wrong and strategies to overcome them.

?? Lack of Strategic Vision

Mistake: Focusing solely on tactical execution without understanding the broader organizational strategy can limit a project leader's impact.

Strategy: Align your projects with the organization's strategic goals. Engage with stakeholders to understand their objectives and ensure your projects contribute to the company's long-term vision. Regularly review and adjust your project plans to maintain alignment with strategic priorities.

?? Poor Communication Skills

Mistake: Ineffective communication can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and decreased team morale.

Strategy: Prioritize clear and open communication with your team and stakeholders. Use various communication channels, such as meetings, emails, and project management tools, to keep everyone informed and aligned. Actively listen to feedback and address any concerns promptly to foster a collaborative environment.

?? Resistance to Change

Mistake: Being resistant to change and clinging to outdated methods can hinder innovation and adaptability.

Strategy: Embrace change as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Encourage your team to adopt new technologies and methodologies that can enhance productivity and efficiency. Stay informed about industry trends and best practices to continuously evolve and adapt to the changing landscape.

?? Micromanagement

Mistake: Micromanaging team members can stifle creativity, demotivate employees, and hinder project progress.

Strategy: Trust your team's capabilities and empower them to take ownership of their tasks. Provide clear guidelines and expectations, but allow flexibility for team members to use their expertise and creativity to achieve results. Foster a culture of autonomy and accountability to drive engagement and performance.

?? Neglecting Professional Development

Mistake: Failing to invest in continuous learning and professional growth can limit career advancement opportunities.

Strategy: Commit to lifelong learning by attending workshops, obtaining certifications, and pursuing advanced degrees relevant to project management. Stay updated on industry trends, tools, and techniques to enhance your skills and knowledge. Networking with other project and program professionals can also provide valuable insights and opportunities for career development.

Avoiding these five common mistakes and implementing the suggested strategies above can help project leaders overcome obstacles and advance their careers successfully. By focusing on strategic alignment, effective communication, adaptability, empowerment, and continuous learning, project leaders can position themselves for success and truly become an Unboxed PM.

About The Author: Tareka Wheeler

Tareka Wheeler is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with more than 20 years of project and program management experience in the public and private sectors. She is a wife, mom, Senior Project Management Executive, Career & Work-life Strategist, and Podcast Host of the DNA of a Professional Podcast.

She often lends her voice and expertise to various podcasts and conferences, and Tareka serves as a mentor for professionals seeking to advance in project management. Tareka is also an author, along with an incredible group of leaders in project management. Discover a treasure trove of wisdom and practical guidance in Executing Excellence: Actionable Insights from 10 Savvy Project Managers. This practical, thoughtful book brings together a diverse group of experienced project managers from various fields, including construction, consulting, software, and more.

As founder of the career development and consultancy, T. Wheeler Strategic Solutions, her team specializes in empowering professionals and organizations to accelerate their growth and strategically achieve their goals through project management, personal branding, and strategic planning.

Tareka is also the founder of The Unboxed PM, a movement and community designed to reshape the narrative for women in project leadership and empower them to boldly take up space, obliterate gender disparities in project leadership, and secure project leader and executive roles.

When she's not busy serving, leading, and strategizing, you'll find her at home with her husband, spending time with her three children, or hanging out with her family's two fur babies.