The Value of Having a Project Manager

Business are continuing to invest more in projects to reach their objectives, but not all of them are enjoying the same rate of success. Some firms move projects forward on time and under budget, reach their stated goals and satisfy their stakeholders, while others can languish with incomplete or unsuccessful projects that bust budgets and timelines, and accomplish little.

What makes the difference? Unsuccessful projects can be the result of a number of factors, including:

• Reactive, not proactive, project management
• An inadequate commitment to project management
• Weak processes and inconsistent techniques
• Insufficient time allotted for carrying projects through to completion

Even organizations that don’t do everything right can have successful projects, but it usually takes a great deal of work and energy by people who could be utilizing their time and talents in more productive ways.

Projects can become more successful when an effective project manager takes the helm. Project managers can use their knowledge, skills and experience to manage the complexities, resolve common issues and keep team members involved in the projects on time and within budget.

How Can Project Managers Bring Value

Professional project managers often know the science behind project management. They are well versed in the processes and techniques that are proven to work. They know how to mitigate risk, overcome obstacles and solve many problems that are typical in business projects. These processes and techniques can be utilized to achieve predictable results, rather than a hit-or-miss approach.

Project managers are also knowledgeable in the art of project management. Effective project managers are often valued for their ability to relate to all types of individuals, while assessing their skills and contributions and motivating teams to perform at their best. Becoming a great project manager means honing your intuition, developing outstanding communication skills and learning how to work with and manage people from other cultures, as well.

When project managers employ standardized processes and proven techniques, projects are typically completed more quickly, saving money, time and resources. Their command of planning removes the “what ifs” and can make the entire project more predictable. They can also help businesses decide which projects to pursue and which may be most successful. Their close monitoring of project scopes, timelines and budgets can keep the project from failing or being mired in an incomplete state.

Finally, effective project managers are generally adept at communicating needs, updating stakeholders and team members and managing everyone’s expectations. Good communication through every step of a project can help limit mistakes or confusion and avoid small and large problems.

Why Some Organizations Lack Project Managers

With the amount of value skilled project managers can bring to an organization, why do some companies overlook this position? Here are a few possible reasons:

• Upfront investment – Many companies may resist the transformation to project management because it can require an investment of time and effort. In addition, the necessary change may not be comfortable for many organizations.

• Lack of commitment – Some firms simply do not recognize the value of project managers. To be effective, the entire organization must commit to supporting project management and project managers.

• Poor past performance – If previous project managers lacked the skills necessary to lead successful projects, management might feel they’ve been “burned,” and resist the call for future projects.

• Fear – Companies may fear the discipline and control they believe project managers bring to the table. In creative or more casual companies, the fear of losing the company culture may be prevalent. Others can fear losing the ability to work without supervision, while middle managers might fear handing control over to project managers.

Some of these objections to project managers are rational, while others are likely based in emotion. In reality, effective project managers can work to ensure company objectives are met with the most efficient use of resources.