Project Managers are essential!
At first glance, the role of the Project Manager in IT might seem deceptively simple —requesting updates, compiling reports, and keeping track of deadlines. In reality, the Project Manager does so much more. He plays a crucial role in every project. So, what makes Project Managers essential, and what does it take to excel in it?
“Is a Project Manager ‘the boss’ of an IT project? If you ask me, not at all!”, says Nicolas De Greef, Agile consultant and Project Manager. “No one is ‘the boss’ of a project, certainly not the Project Manager. Yes, the PM is responsible, for taking the lead in the project and reporting on the progress. But they do this from a servant leadership point of view”, he continues.
“A good Project Manager services the team and the project to the best of their ability. They clear impediments and bumps in the road so the team delivers true value to the project. In return, the team helps the project manager with reporting and other issues. In this way, it becomes a continuous virtuous cycle.”
A well-oiled machine
“The Project Manager ensures that all the cogs keep turning within an IT project. They continuously check that everything is running. So that all the team members are focused on what they do best, drawing on their specific technical expertise.” The Project Manager steps in when problems arise, whether from internal dynamics or external pressures. “In these moments, the Project Manager does everything to shield the team so they can keep making progress. They are the motivator and coach, there to help solve problems and sometimes even take a hit or blame for ‘mistakes’ during delivery. This is what truly defines the project manager, although, of course, they do much more.”
The bridge to upper management
Just as important, the Project Manager is the link to upper management or clients. “The PM is the one who explains to the board how the project is doing and why it’s going well or not so well. If there are bumps in the road, it’s up to the PM to convey what the team is doing to get back on track.”
“In this intermediary role, the Project Manager absorbs any criticism or pressure from above. They ensure the team is safely cocooned in a positive environment that allows them to work optimally. They help establish and agree on clear deadlines through collaboration, not imposition. And of course, the PM must never lose sight of the issues. Because when things go wrong, it’s up to them to find out why. So they can explain it to management, and of course, fix them.”
The human aspect
“The best Project Managers are made of special stuff, that’s for sure,” says Nicolas. “You need the right blend of social skills to connect with both (introverted) developers and demanding customers. Building trust and finding solutions together is key. That’s why we at Equalminds recruit first and foremost on the human aspect.”
“You don’t have to start as a developer or analyst to grow into the Project Manager’s role,” Nicolas continues. “Your most important talent is knowing how to get the right people to work well together. You need to be able to identify your team members’ strengths. You have to be a team player and communicate well — with the customer and everyone on your team. In this way, the Project Manager uses soft power to lead the project to the desired result.”
