Reflecting on Your High-Value Skills as a Project Leader

As a little girl, I loved dressing up and prancing in the mirror. I had so much confidence and nothing could steal my joy! Now, when I stand in front of a mirror, there is not much prancing, but I still have a high level of confidence.

Imagine stepping in front of a mirror. What do you see? A reflection of yourself, sure—but look deeper. The mirror can also reflect your strengths, potential, and unique capabilities as a project leader.

In the world of project management, this "mirror" is crucial for identifying your high-value skills—the ones that set you apart and enable you to excel. Let’s explore how you can use this reflection to your advantage and become the kind of project leader your team needs.

STOP! ??

This is not your typical article. I encourage you to grab a notebook or a piece of paper to write down your responses to each step! Trust me, you will thank me at the end!

Step 1: Polish the Mirror – Self-Assessment

To see your true reflection, you need a clear mirror. Start by conducting a thorough self-assessment to identify your high-value skills. Ask yourself:

• What do I consistently do well? Think about moments when your leadership shone the brightest. Were you solving complex problems, building rapport with stakeholders, or leading teams through a challenging phase?
• What do others frequently praise me for? Feedback from peers, team members, and managers can serve as a mirror reflecting your strengths.
• Where do I naturally gravitate in a project? The areas you’re drawn to might indicate your inherent skills, whether they’re in planning, execution, communication, or risk management.

Step 2: Remove the Smudges – Eliminate Blind Spots

Even the clearest mirror can have smudges that distort your reflection—your blind spots. Ask for honest feedback from trusted colleagues and mentors to uncover areas where you might need improvement. Are there skills you think you excel in but others feel differently about? Recognizing and addressing these gaps will give you a more accurate picture of your strengths and areas for growth.

Step 3: Angle the Mirror – Play to Your Strengths

Just like angling a mirror to catch the best light, you must position yourself to leverage your strengths. For example:

• If you're a strong communicator, position yourself as the bridge between stakeholders and the team.
• If you're skilled at strategic planning, lead the charge in setting the project’s vision and roadmap.
• If you excel in risk management, take the helm during turbulent phases to steer the project through safely.

Step 4: Shine Brightly – Amplify Your High-Value Skills

Once you've identified your high-value skills, amplify them. Share your successes with your team and stakeholders, not for ego, but to build credibility and trust. Use these skills to mentor others, leading by example, and fostering a culture of growth within your team.

Step 5: Reflect, Refine, Repeat

Regularly revisit the mirror. The project landscape is ever-evolving, and so should your self-assessment. Reflect on new experiences, refine your skills, and continuously look for ways to adapt and grow. Remember, a good project leader never stops learning.

Strategies to Excel as a Project Leader:

• Regular Self-Reflection: Schedule time to assess your progress and areas for improvement.
• Seek Continuous Feedback: Encourage your team and peers to provide constructive feedback.
• Professional Development: Attend workshops, webinars, or training sessions that align with your high-value skills.
• Mentor and Be Mentored: Share your knowledge while also learning from others.

In the end, the mirror doesn’t lie—it reflects who you truly are as a project leader. By identifying and honing your high-value skills, you’ll not only see yourself more clearly but also lead your team with confidence and clarity. You will position yourself for success and advancement in your career.

Let’s make every reflection count!

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.