10 Traits of a Great Project Manager

We don’t think that anyone can be a Project Manager, but we do believe that people with a certain skill set, the right tools, and proper support, can easily manage projects.

What are the traits of a great project manager?

#1 – Great Communicator

The Project Manager is responsible for the project and naturally understands the project better than anyone. They must ensure everyone on the team knows what is going on – from the project scope to the project schedule to the status of the projects. This gives visibility and transparency to what is happening (or not happening) in the project.

#2 – Organized

The Project Manager must be organized to manage the many moving pieces of a project. They must manage tasks, resources, and communication. Strong organizational skills reduce the chaos of a project.

#3 – Proactive

One underrated skill needed by a Project Manager is being proactive. A great Project Manager must anticipate what could happen with a project and have solutions ready.

#4 – Leadership

Who is the leader of the project? The Project Manager. To manage, motivate, and encourage the project team to deliver a successful project, a Project Manager must be a great leader. They are responsible for communication, overcoming obstacles, resolving conflicts, making key decisions, and driving the project until the project closes.

#5 – Helpful

A successful Project Manager must support the project team. They must remove obstacles, be a great listener, and work as a positive member of the team.

#6 – Problem Solving

Every project, even the best planned and managed project, will run into problems. And when those problems arise, it is the responsibility of the Project Manager to help solve those problems to keep the project moving forward.

#7 – Personable with Emotional Intelligence

A charismatic leader? Well, Project Managers aren’t running cults, but it is important that they are likeable and well-respected. They must be able to read a room and be trusted by the project team.

#8 – Conflict Resolution

Like there are problems with every project, there are also conflicts. Hopefully no one is yelling in your meetings, but there could be disagreements over scope, timelines, or resource availability. A great Project Manager can understand those conflicts and provide solutions that work.

#9 – Creative

Sometimes a Project Manager must color outside the lines to get manage a successful project. Maybe this means trying a new idea or moving the tasks around in the schedule to meet a specific goal or deadline. If a Project Manager can find creative solutions to the project challenges, it will help ensure the project is successful.

#10 – Fun

Fun? Yes, fun. Because, let’s face it, projects can be stressful. There are a lot of moving pieces, issues that come up, and just general pressure to get the project done faster and cheaper.

Looking for the right Project Manager tools? Buy our Project Manager Toolkit at GrayTreeConsulting.com/toolkit or EasyPMToolkit.com.