Project managers are comprehensive thinkers whose skill sets include the ability to break schemes and visions into increments, and whose experience has shown them the necessity to be rational and realistic.
Here are the seven key traits of an effective planner:
- First, an effective planner can take a project apart and divide it into realistic tasks. These tasks can be assigned to a responsible party and given a realistic deadline. They understand that the greatest of structures are put up one piece at a time. And they can install warning points along the way to keep things on track and on schedule.
- Second, they function in the “now” and in the “then.” They think and work short-term and long-term. Effective planners use whatever?tools?they need to maintain progress toward the ultimate objective. Daily tasks lists are coordinated with and subordinated to annual, quarterly, monthly, and weekly calendars.
- Third, they don't wait until deadlines approach to begin. They start early because experience has taught them almost nothing goes off as planned and if anything can go wrong, it will.
- Fourth, effective planners never work in isolation. They use the considerable skills and insights of others who could be in a position to add insight, understanding, and information.
- Fifth, they are good at delegating. The larger the plan, the more people needed to fulfill the objectives. They don't micromanage because they trust the team,?they know they have skills and ability to perform and are constantly supporting and motivating the team to reach the goal
- Sixth, effective planners are tenacious, but not hardheaded. They know how to focus on the target and responsibly pursue it. But, they are not so infatuated with their own ideas and plans that they become inflexible and rigid.?Effective planners can think on their feet and make revisions as needed without losing sight of the objective or compromising the project.
- Seventh, they never promise more than they can deliver. They know how to respond to a request for changes that do not add value to the project,?they analyze the situation before accepting a request. They are aware of their strengths?and weaknesses; if the request is not?feasible and beyond their capabilities, they are not afraid?to say no.
Do you meet these seven criteria?
Want to learn more? Register for the next session of our online course Effective Project Management and start building your project management skills.?Register here?https://epm4dev.eventbrite.com/?aff=mailchimp
