6 Things Every Good Project Manager Does

When it comes to project management, excellence isn’t just about managing tasks and deadlines; it’s about embodying a set of habits that consistently drive success. Today, I’ll walk you through six essential habits that every great project manager should cultivate, and share actionable steps you can take to elevate your performance.

The Role of a Project Manager

As a project manager (PM), your role involves much more than just overseeing tasks from beginning to end. You are the architect of the team, the planner of the project, and the provider of necessary resources. You make sure that everything is aligned and moving forward smoothly. While tools like meetings and pay applications may help, your core responsibility lies in three critical actions: build the team, craft the plan, and ensure that resources are available for execution. This framework will be your foundation for success.

Six Steps to Being a Great Project Manager

1. Build a Strong Team

Your first responsibility as a project manager is to build a competent team. There are distinct phases your team will go through:

• Forming: This initial stage involves assembling the right people with relevant experience and complementary skills. It’s all about getting the right people in the right roles.
• Storming: Conflict is inevitable as your team members step on each other’s toes while figuring out their dynamics. This is normal and necessary for growth.
• Norming: As the team starts to rally around common goals, conflicts decrease, and cohesion improves. This is when the real work begins, and trust starts to build.
• Performing: Finally, the team begins to function at its highest level. They’re focused, aligned with the plan, and committed to achieving the project’s goals.

Your job is to guide your team through these stages, fostering healthy conflict, setting shared goals, and holding each other accountable.

2. Keep the Team Focused

A cohesive team is only effective if they have a clear goal to work towards. Once your team is in place, it’s essential to keep them focused on milestones and objectives. By ensuring they understand the next task or target, you drive them to work towards a common purpose. Your leadership keeps them aligned and motivated.

3. Manage Risks Effectively

As a project manager, you must identify and mitigate risks that could derail your project. Whether it’s roadblocks, constraints, or unforeseen events, your ability to manage these risks will determine the project’s success. By proactively addressing challenges and removing obstacles, you keep the team on track and maintain the flow of progress.

4. Track Finances Diligently

Keeping a close eye on your project’s financial health is vital. This doesn’t mean magically creating extra money but ensuring that you aren’t losing money unnecessarily. By monitoring financial projections, buyout contingencies, and other key financial metrics, you ensure that the project remains on budget and that financial resources are used effectively.

5. Always Have a Plan

Having a plan isn’t just about the long-term trajectory of your project. A good project manager also maintains short-term, actionable plans. By breaking down the project into intervals—whether long-term milestones, 90 to 120-day goals, or short-term tasks—you ensure that everyone remains focused and that there’s always a clear path forward.

6. Solve Problems Quickly

One of the most critical responsibilities of a project manager is problem-solving. When obstacles arise or delays occur, your job is to identify, discuss, and solve these issues as quickly as possible. By bringing problems to the surface, addressing them head-on, and keeping the team aligned, you help maintain momentum and ensure that the project stays on track.

Boost Your Career with Continuous Learning

If you’re ready to take your project management skills to the next level, consider joining our Super PM Boot Camp. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge on how to plan and run a lean project from start to finish. Embrace these six habits, and you’ll see your effectiveness as a project manager soar. Onward to success!