Leadership Skills for Project Managers

Have you ever looked up the definition of Project Management is the practice of using skills and techniques to complete a series of tasks. 

Sounds so boring! I guess technically, yes that is what project managers and scrum masters do.

In reality, Project management is as much about leading people as it is about managing processes. Effective project managers are not just taskmasters; they are inspiring leaders who guide their teams to success. I know my success in project management, program management, and just corporate career life in general was due to my leadership skills. 

Here are some key leadership skills that set exceptional project managers apart:

Vision and Strategy

A great project manager can articulate a clear project goal and inspire the team to work towards it. As a project manager in waterfall projects, this starts with a charter. If you are a Scrum master or in Agile, this is your Product Goal. Help your team understand the strategic direction, breaking down complex objectives into achievable steps, and ensuring everyone understands their role in the big picture.

Communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful project management. A skilled leader can clearly convey expectations, provide constructive feedback, and actively listen to team members. They build trust and foster open dialogue, ensuring everyone is aligned and informed throughout the project lifecycle. This starts with creating an environment where team members are open as well as having a defined communication plan. 

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

Challenges are inevitable in any project. A strong project manager is adept at identifying potential obstacles, analyzing complex situations, and making timely decisions. They create a problem-solving culture where team members feel empowered to contribute ideas and solutions. The ability to be transparent with the team and stakeholders when blockers or impediments come up will transform your team's ability to solve problems fast. 

Emotional Intelligence

Understanding and managing emotions is crucial for building strong teams. A project manager with high emotional intelligence can empathize with team members, build trust, and resolve conflicts effectively. They create a positive and supportive work environment where everyone feels valued. This is another contributing factor to creating the open and transparent environment that facilitates collaboration. 

Adaptability and Flexibility

The project landscape is constantly changing. Successful project managers are agile and can pivot quickly when faced with unexpected challenges. They embrace change as an opportunity for growth and encourage their team to be flexible and open to new approaches. Balance this with a clear vision and strategy, you will be able to successfully support your teams as changes occur. 

Why Leadership Matters in Project Management

Project Management is a balance of many ‘ skills and techniques’ that are used to complete projects and tasks. There are so many methods to learn (Waterfall, Scrum, Nexus, SAFe…). 

One constant among all methods, all industries, and all levels of project management are these key leadership skills. You can always learn process and technical industry knowledge, in the end, leadership is the driving force behind project success. It's about inspiring and motivating teams, building trust and collaboration, and creating a positive project culture. Strong leadership skills enable project managers and scrum masters to overcome challenges, achieve project goals, and deliver exceptional results. 

By developing these leadership qualities, project managers can elevate their performance and become invaluable assets to their organizations.

Do you want to focus on one of these leadership skills in particular for a deeper dive? Grab my Project Leader Career Blueprint and get a personal growth roadmap on how to upskill your leadership skills & showcase your thought leadership on LinkedIn.