The role of the project manager

Project Management Skills Program area knowledge, standards, and regulations Understand the project environment ASK THE AUDIENCE – what skills are important? (GIVE CANDY!) (CLICK) The PM doesn’t have to be an expert in the application area but – they do need to understand the application area, the standards required, and the regulations that apply (includes functional, technical, financial, and procurement). Understand the project environment! What are the cultural, social and political characteristics you are doing with? (DON”T TALK ABOUT INTERPERSONAL SKILLS) There are big differences between FSP & WIC - and even more between government and private industry! (think about dealing with contractors!) Educate yourself, listen and try to understand.

Project Management Skills General management skills (budgeting, scheduling) Communication skills Interpersonal skills General management skills and knowledge – prioritization, organization, decision-making, supervision, budgeting, negotiation (CLICK) Communication skills!!! Written, oral, presentation! These are essential! Interpersonal skills – this is a high visibility position for the duration of the project! The PM needs to be seen, heard, and understood. Calls for diplomacy, tact, and good listening skills. Maybe mediation.

Show respect Listen Try to understand their point of view The Project Manager has to play of the referee and that of the interpreter between the program and technical subject matter experts throughout the process. If the two are talking over one another, aren’t listening to one another, or just plain at a loss to understand – the PM has to be able to intervene and interpret! These are members of the project team and the PM has to make the team work! PM also needs to make sure the team check’s their egos at the door! This is a team effort after all! This also is true between the Project Team and the developer or the Project and senior managers! Show respect Listen Try to understand their point of view The Project Manager has to play of the referee and that of the interpreter between the program and technical subject matter experts throughout the process. If the two are talking over one another, aren’t listening to one another, or just plain at a loss to understand – the PM has to be able to intervene and interpret! These are members of the project team and the PM has to make the team work! PM also needs to make sure the team check’s their egos at the door! This is a team effort after all! This also is true between the Project Team and the developer or the Project and senior managers! Show respect Listen Try to understand their point of view

The project manager makes things happen! Jumping through fiery hoops and keeping the money coming is only the tip of the responsibilities! Primary role is to make things happen. Jumping through fiery hoops and keeping the money coming is only the tip of the responsibilities!