Podcast Episode 3: To whom the PM role fits and how to create a Build a successful project team

A successful project manager should have a variety of qualities and skills to be able to plan, execute and complete projects effectively.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS
He must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally. This includes the ability to explain goals, set expectations and share information within the team in a targeted manner.

ORGANIZATIONAL TALENT
A project manager should be an organizational talent and be able to organize tasks, create schedules, and use resources efficiently without any problems.

LEADERSHIP
If you want to successfully fulfill this role, you should be able to lead, motivate and inspire a team. This means, for example, recognizing the strengths of each team member and using them effectively in the project business.

DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY
Project managers also need to be quick to understand and be able to make clear and informed decisions, often under time pressure. The ability to weigh up risks and making decisions that move the project forward is crucial.

CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING
A project manager should have the ability to creatively and effectively solve problems and find alternative solutions. Because in projects often face unforeseen challenges.

FLEXIBILITY
A high degree of flexibility is necessary for project managers to be able to adapt quickly to changes. It allows the project manager to react to unexpected events and to keep the project on track. This means: We create options, show solutions, do not shy away from conflicts and work out the progress of the project.

RESPONSIBILITY
Project managers are responsible for the success of the project. They should take ownership of their decisions and ensure that the team receives the necessary support.

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION
A 100% identification with the project is a basic requirement for every project manager. The ability to analyze complex information is also essential for successful project leading.

EXPERTISE
Depending of the type of the project, a certain amount of experience in the industry and specific expertise is necessary. This helps to understand the specific requirements of the project and manage them more effectively.

Which personality suits us?

At Wisst International Consulting, we ask all of our applicants to take a personality test. This allows us to determine whether the

applicants have the qualities that a project manager should have.

Of course, this alone is not the decisive factor in whether or not we award the position to an applicant. Nevertheless, it is very helpful for us to get an initial feel for whether the project manager position to be filled also matches the personality of our applicant.

The personality types "Consul" (ISFJ), "Executive" (ESTJ) and "Protagonist" (ENFJ) have proven particularly useful for the role of project manager in our company.

At this point, I would also like to briefly emphasize that the selection of the personality types just mentioned for a project manager role is tailored to us alone and is not intended as a recommendation for all companies. The context of the project, the team composition and the corporate culture also play a role in determining the success factors for a project manager.

TO SUM UP, THE FOLLOWING CAN BE SAID:

A project manager should have strong organizational skills, strong communication skills and be able to work under pressure. It is important that he or she keeps the overall goal of the project in mind while supporting the individual team members. In addition, a project manager should be able to adapt to different teams, projects and corporate cultures.

How do I build a successful team?

Now that we've looked at the role of the project manager, let's talk about how you can put together a successful team for your project. Because as the saying goes: a successful project stands and falls with its team.

1. COMPETENCY ANALYSIS
The first question you should ask yourself is: What professional skills and competencies are required to implement your project and which positions in your company have this know-how?

The social and interpersonal skills required to implement your project should also not be underestimated. Are there projects, for example, where particularly empathetic people are needed? Or projects where you need to be emotionally resilient?

2. RESOURCE
In the next step, you should consider how extensive the project will be and how many people will be needed to implement it. Based on this, you can determine how big your team needs to be.

3. TEAM COMPOSITIO
Now it's time to think specifically about which people will be members of your team. When putting the team together, make sure that the team members have good communication skills and are able to work together effectively. An open and targeted exchange of information is crucial for the success of the project.

Consider the personality traits and working styles of team members to promote a positive team dynamic. A balance of introverts and extroverts and different approaches to work can be beneficial.

4. TEAM DYNAMICS
It also makes sense to strike a balance between experienced team members and new team members. Experienced members can serve as mentors, while new members bring fresh perspectives and dynamism.

5. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Probably the most important point, however, is that your team has the necessary resources to complete the tasks. No matter how great a team you have put together, if it is not ensured that the individual team members also have enough personnel capacity for your project, your project will not be completed successfully. This leads to resentment among each of your team members.

And don't forget: projects can change, and it is important that the project team can be flexibly expanded or downsized if necessary.