Unboxing Your Potential and Becoming a Project Leader

As project managers, our journey often begins with mastering the art of organization and coordination. But to truly excel in our field and ascend to higher roles of leadership, we must embrace a mindset of continual growth and innovation. In this edition of the Unboxed PM, I am diving into the strategies and principles that can propel you towards your next project leadership role, drawing inspiration from my real experiences and the transformative power of authenticity.

In today's dynamic business landscape, success is not just measured by meeting deadlines and budgets, but by delivering tangible value to stakeholders. Aspiring project leaders must shift their focus from merely managing tasks to understanding the broader objectives of their projects and the value they bring to the table. By aligning every action with the overarching goals of the organization and consistently delivering results that drive measurable impact, you position yourself as a strategic asset—a leader who not only gets things done but also drives meaningful change.

I have learned over the course of my career that impact and meaningful change matters more than you know. I have seen the greatest shifts in my titles and compensation when I went above and beyond to lead with a desire to make an impact. By making an impact, the value that I brought to the table was highly visible and positioned me for advancement. Stop winning and achieving success in the shadows. Make sure you are shedding light on the impact and change you are making.

One of the most powerful tools in a leader's toolbox is authenticity. Authentic leaders are genuine, transparent, and unafraid to show vulnerability. They inspire trust and loyalty by staying true to their values and leading with integrity. My own journey from an Executive Assistant in 2003 to a Vice President of Customer Success just this year has been guided by this principle. By embracing my authentic self and boldly exhibiting my leadership skills, I've been able to forge meaningful connections, foster collaboration, and drive impactful change in both private and public sector environments. My skills and expertise can only take me so far. It is my uniqueness and authenticity that seals the deal and positions me for success. I am most definitely "unboxed". Are you?

The last thing to consider is being strategic. Advancing into project leadership requires more than just ambition—it requires a strategic plan for growth. Start by identifying your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis) to gain clarity on where you stand and where you want to go. Then, set clear, actionable goals that align with your aspirations, whether it's acquiring new skills, expanding your network, or pursuing leadership opportunities within your organization or industry. Remember, a well-crafted strategic plan serves as your roadmap to success, guiding your actions and decisions as you navigate your path toward project leadership.

Leadership is not a title, but a mindset that we cultivate through action. Aspiring or current project leaders must be willing to step outside their comfort zones, take initiative, and lead by example. Whether it's spearheading a high-stakes project, championing innovative solutions, or advocating for your team, bold leadership is about seizing opportunities and inspiring others to do the same. By consistently demonstrating your ability to navigate challenges, inspire confidence, and deliver results, you position yourself as a natural leader worthy of greater responsibilities. This is what your senior leaders and executives want to see.

By understanding the value you bring to the table, embracing your authentic self, developing a strategic growth plan, and boldly exhibiting your leadership skills, you can chart a course toward your next project leadership role with confidence and purpose.

Remember, the journey may be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. So dare to be unboxed, embrace your unique talents, and let your leadership potential shine bright.

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.