Qualities of High-Performance Project Managers

In spite of the advancements in the field of project management, research has shown that time and time again projects fail due to unskilled project managers. This raises two important questions, what is the role of a project manager in the success of a project? What are the qualities of a high-performance project manager (HPPM)?

In the early years of the 19th century when modern large-scale corporations appeared, the market was focused on the basic production technologies such as oil refining, steel, and automobiles. Whereas, today due to an abundance of standard products, customers are demanding more variety in their products. This demand has led to complex products that fit special job descriptions. The specialists are excellent at their job however they don’t work well with other specialists. Therefore, companies are hiring more management roles in order to integrate them. In a Harvard Business Review article by Lawrence and Lorsch (1967) it was mentioned that “in the future more organizations will be operating in rapidly changing environments, and the problem for managers will be to make certain that this integrative function is effectively carried out”. Thus, high-performance project managers (HPPM) understand their role in the company and are suitable to resolve unannounced conflicts between departments in order to meet project requirements. 

To address this issue, it is critical to define the criteria of a successful project. The best definition I found was from a literary text by Baker, Murphy and Fisher (1988, p. 902) which states that overall success is achieved if “the project meets the technical performance specifications and/or mission to be performed, and if there is a high level of satisfaction concerning the project outcome among key people on the project team, and key users or clientele of the project effort” (p. 902). Thus, HPPM’s ensure that the stakeholders are highly satisfied with the execution of the project.  

Figure 1: Typical traits of performance vs. potential

Figure 1 is a straightforward performance vs. potential matrix that distinguishes between an individual with high performance qualities and low performance qualities. HPPM’s exceed expectations by consistently achieving excellent results, which becomes a source of inspiration for their team.

Now, let’s consider some project management strategies that high performance project managers use to consistently achieve excellent results. There is a common saying in the construction business that project management is about effectively using the five M’s Men, Machines, Materials, Methods, and Money. In this case Men refers to human labor and not the male gender. Especially today, when woman have become such an essential part of the industry. A common method used by project managers is the Critical Path Method (CPM). CPM is useful in the planning and scheduling of construction operations. This method identifies the tasks which are most critical to the completion of a project and must be finished on time to deliver the project before its completion date. An excellent project manager produces the best CPM networks and makes effective use of the available float times. A HPPM will set out to deliver the project before the completion date, on a minimum budget, and produce the highest quality of work. Doing everything while maintaining the safety of everyone on site.

Figure 2. Fast, Good, and Cheap triangle

Figure 2 is a well-known diagram in the world of project managers. Traditional project managers will agree that you have to settle with two of the three qualities. However, HPPM’s will not settle. They will find a way to achieve all three qualities and that is their differentiating factor. One of the best ways to deliver a project on a minimum budget and on time is by establishing key performance indicators (KPI’s). Some common KPI’s are actual cost (AC), cost variance (CV), and Labour Productivity (LP). Additionally, KPI’s such as number of site inspections conducted, and customer satisfaction can also be used to measure quality. Experience Modification Rate (EMR) is a common measure used by insurance companies to gauge the likelihood of a business to claim worker’s compensation. Therefore, HPPM’s strictly follow the safety standards and prevent any injuries from occurring. Controlling EMR also helps keep your insurance rates low and gives you an advantage when bidding for government projects.

Refrences

Lawrence, and Lorsch (1967) New Management Job: The Integrator. https://hbr.org/1967/11/new-management-job-the-integrator

Baker, Bruce, Murphy, David, Dalmar, and Fisher. (1988). Factors affecting project success. Project management handbook, second edition (pp. 902-919)

Fig. 1. Bhavin Ghandi (2012) Set your line managers up for success. https://bhavingandhi.com/2012/08/

Fig. 2. Scott Allen (2012) How to Be a Better Project Manager. https://www.scottallen.com/2012/06/how-to-be-a-better-project-manager/