Leadership in Project Management

Why is leadership important in project management? It’s an interesting question to consider especially as the obvious answer would be the need to provide direction and guidance. But the topic is more nuanced than this – there’s a big difference between a leader who transforms a project for the better and a leader who simply manages tasks and assigns responsibility.

If we look at the best-case example of a leader in project management, this helps us understand how vital this role is. Exceptional leaders not only set the vision, roadmap, budget and goals, but they also inspire, motivate and know how to get the best out of their teams.?

Adaptive leadership?

Adaptive leadership is an approach that many successful leaders use, so if you haven’t tried it already – give it a go. To be this type of leader, you need to see change as an opportunity to thrive, allow your team to try new things, and not be afraid to make mistakes because they are great learning curves. Challenge the `normal’ way of doing things and encourage everyone to get involved in solving problems. ‘Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive through the Dangers of Leading’ by Ronald A Heifetz is an interesting read which touches on this point.?

Leaders must also adeptly manage expectations, delegate tasks based on individual capabilities rather than titles, and navigate challenges as they arise. Success in this role requires a blend of organisational acumen, empathy, and keen situational awareness. Also, most people are using AI now, not simply because it makes work easier but also because it makes business better.

AI isn’t going anywhere, so if you haven’t embraced it already and are keeping track of what’s trending, then go and explore the tools out there. You’ll find a wealth of AI software to help you predict risks, e.g. LogicGate, SafetyCulture and CentrlGPT. If you have an idea of potential problems, this opens up an opportunity for you and your team to take action and change course if necessary. AI can also analyse large amounts of data quickly, and this technology is continually evolving, so the opportunities to make smart decisions will be endless.?

Types of leadership in project management

We can split the types of leadership in project management into three categories – strategic (connecting goals with the organisation’s overarching strategy), operational (focused more on the daily management of project tasks), and team leadership (more about directly managing and motivating employees).

We can also look at leadership in project management in terms of styles, the most common being transformational, transactional and servant leadership. A transformational leader inspires, motivates and brings to life a grand vision. Transactional leaders focus on following clear structures, addressing any non-compliant behaviour towards the set goals and rewarding performance. Servant leaders focus on the team, wellbeing, collaboration and inclusiveness.

Each type and style of leadership has an important role to play, and many great leaders draw on different types of leadership throughout the course of a project, depending on the project’s needs. However, not all leadership types are embraced by leaders, and each type has pros and cons. Transformational leadership through the vibrancy, energy and morale it brings can help boost innovation. However, some argue this enthusiasm can mean the details and practical aspects of the project are missed.

Transactional leadership helps keep people focused, and when performed well, it can improve efficiency. Some may find this approach a bit too rigid in terms of enabling creativity and providing space to address the emotional needs of the team. Servant leadership helps to build trust and encourage collaboration and personal growth. However, some may perceive this as a softer approach that slows down decision-making and wouldn’t fit in with the culture of some organisations.

Ultimately, successful projects are about balance and knowing when to use each leadership technique, why and how to execute it in the best way possible.? Balancing these styles is even more important when scaling Agile practices with frameworks like SAFe, LeSS, or Disciplined Agile to help guide your teams. Agile is widely recognised in the business world, so it’s valuable for your team to have a solid understanding of it. Providing practical training, whether through online courses, in-person sessions, or guidance from an in-house consultant, can make a significant difference in effective implementation.

What is leadership in project management?

The success of a project in terms of leadership is down to various factors which need to work in sync. First, it’s about aligning the project goals with the organisation’s vision so that the messages are on brand and the objectives match. Then leaders need to understand that part of running a project in an efficient and productive way is to keep morale high and get colleagues motivated. Managing conflicts that risk hindering the project is another important role for the leader in a project, especially when there are multiple stakeholders involved.

The key qualities of a successful project leader include the ability to convey information clearly and in an inspiring way. The team must be capable of making quick decisions and adapting to changing situations while also maintaining the project’s vision. It’s humans that run the project, regardless of any supporting technology, so it’s important to provide empathy and support, not only for the benefit of the person, but also to ensure the project runs productively.

Leadership is about continuous learning and being willing to make an objective assessment of your performance so you can be better and stronger at what you do. Regardless of your experience or seniority, there are always opportunities for improvement whether that be through training, education, mentorship, or networking. Have faith in your team, and don’t get stuck in the micro-management cycle, which not only puts pressure on yourself but also demotivates colleagues. Instead, empower your teams and focus on strategic decision making.

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Jay is co-founder of Fractal Systems Consulting, an agile consultancy run by a group of Professional Scrum Trainers, change agents and agile delivery coaches who have deep experience and know-how in creating behavioural change.

If you’re interested in learning in a fun, application-rich environment that focuses on real-world applied approaches, register for one of our training courses.