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Project Management Career - Is it Right For Me? (Let's be Real)

PM Perspective・16 minutes read

The PM Perspective Channel's first regular episode explores project management job opportunities, addressing the suitability of project management as a career path and discussing essential traits for success, including adaptability and critical thinking. Emphasizing the importance of embracing change, making informed decisions, and being comfortable with uncertainty, the episode highlights the dynamic and challenging nature of project management roles.

Insights

  • Pursuing project management requires a genuine interest in people and their well-being, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual objectives and embracing politics as a necessary aspect of the role.
  • Successful project managers prioritize critical thinking, adaptability, and decision-making skills over rigid plans, recognizing that flexibility, skepticism, and comfort with uncertainty are crucial for navigating the ever-changing nature of projects.

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Recent questions

  • Is project management a suitable career choice?

    Yes

  • What are essential traits for project managers?

    Passion, skills, interest in people

  • How should project managers approach decision-making?

    Trust themselves, adapt to change, embrace uncertainty

  • What is the primary focus of project management success?

    Creating a plan, building a team

  • Why is skepticism important for project managers?

    Question assumptions, ensure realistic goals

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Project Management: Opportunities, Traits, and Success"

  • The PM Perspective Channel is launching its first regular episode focusing on project management job opportunities.
  • The upcoming discussions will revolve around securing project management roles for newcomers and those seeking career advancement.
  • The episode addresses the question of whether project management is a suitable career path.
  • Typical reasons people cite for pursuing project management are discussed, highlighting potential pitfalls.
  • Essential traits for successful project managers are outlined, emphasizing the importance of passion and specific skills.
  • Project management is likened to artistry, requiring a unique set of talents and dedication.
  • The primary trait crucial for project management success is a genuine interest in people and their well-being.
  • Embracing politics as a necessary aspect of project management is emphasized, focusing on understanding individual objectives.
  • A healthy dose of skepticism is deemed essential for project managers to question assumptions and ensure realistic goals.
  • Prioritizing the "why" and "how" over the "what" and "when" is advised, encouraging critical thinking and leadership skills.

13:15

Adapting to Change: Key to Project Success

  • Project managers often have a vision of creating a project plan, executing it with the team, and celebrating success, but in reality, plans often need to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
  • Successful project managers embrace the ever-changing nature of projects and are comfortable with adapting to new situations and challenges.
  • The process of creating a plan and building a team is more crucial than the plan itself, as plans are likely to change once execution begins.
  • Project managers must trust themselves to make decisions with limited information and be comfortable with the possibility of making mistakes.
  • Those interested in project management should reflect on their ability to adapt to change, make informed decisions, and be comfortable with uncertainty, as these qualities are essential for success in the field.
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