Recently, I have received numerous inquiries from students asking about transitioning to a project manager role. Coincidentally, I have also been contemplating this issue and would like to discuss it with everyone. Feel free to share and comment; your insights can help more people enjoy the joys of project management!
When it comes to project managers, many people perceive it as a high-end job where the daily tasks involve writing plans, holding meetings, coordinating projects, and preparing reports, often in five-star hotels. The success of a project can be quite glamorous.
However, in reality, the daily work of a project manager looks like this: we deal with various people every day, including clients, leaders, PMO, product managers, finance, procurement, sales, after-sales, team members, and so on. We are like the thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara, capable of doing anything. (Of course, we can also save the world ^_^)
1 What is a Project Manager?
A project manager is a manager who coordinates and mobilizes various resources to complete unique, one-time tasks, ensuring that project work is completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard.
2 Responsibilities of a Project Manager
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The project manager is responsible for ensuring that the scope of work is completed on time and within budget, thereby satisfying the client.
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Developing project plans (emphasizing full participation).
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Organizing and coordinating various available resources to implement the project plan.
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Leading team members to achieve project goals.
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Controlling: ensuring that project objectives are met on time and within budget.
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Decision-maker.
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Conflict arbitrator.
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Controlling communication channels.
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Main negotiator with project stakeholders.
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Motivating team morale.
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Team building.
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…
3 Skills of a Project Manager
Being a project manager is straightforward as long as you master: PMBOK, project management tool templates, ten knowledge areas, SQL SERVER, OA system implementation, HR system implementation, financial system implementation, ERP system implementation, communication management, scope management, cost management, time management, human resource management, risk management, project goal management…
Then, you should be patient, skilled in marketing, able to drive, proficient in PPT, good at communication, charming, able to follow up on payments, skilled in Tai Chi, knowledgeable in Feng Shui, capable of electrical work, renovation, landscaping, maintenance, accounting, finance, bargaining, tea drinking, drinking, singing, playing football, boasting, organizing activities, using WeChat, playing Mahjong, playing dice, playing card games, being stylish, able to stay up late, wake up early, endure pressure, understand safety, business, and entertainment…
4 What Kind of Person is Suitable to be a Project Manager?
PMI believes that project managers should possess the following skills to better engage in project management.
From my personal understanding, project managers engage in management work, which requires more interaction with people.
So when you consider transitioning to a project manager role, first ask yourself a few questions:
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When faced with a problem, do you prefer to research it yourself or collaborate with others to solve it?
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When conflicts arise, do you enjoy debating with others to clarify the situation?
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When you have an opportunity to ask your boss a question, do you feel a strong urge to ask?
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If someone wastes your time when you are busy, do you show your anger?
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Can you adapt flexibly in unpredictable situations?
Secondly, the main abilities of a project manager are reflected in communication and organizational coordination. Are you a good communicator and a person with charisma?
Thirdly, project managers need to have a cheerful and optimistic personality, just like we often say, “Clients may treat me poorly a thousand times, but I treat clients like my first love.”
Finally, project managers need strong execution and perseverance, as well as an attitude of not giving up until the goal is achieved.
If you feel confident in these areas, then set sail towards your project manager journey!
We welcome everyone to actively participate in the discussion, and we also encourage sharing and commenting; your insights can help more people enjoy the joys of project management!