Project Manager: Duties and Skills Required

The project manager is a figure who has a crucial role in the success of a project.

This profession has an important role in determining the success of a project, directing the team, and ensuring everything goes according to plan.

A successful project is not just about meeting deadlines, but also about delivering high-quality results and satisfying stakeholder needs.

With so much responsibility, what is the true definition of a project manager? What tasks do they perform? So, what skills should they have?

What is a Project Manager?

According to the Project Management Institute, project managers are organized people,

Goal-oriented, using innovation, creativity, and collaboration to lead projects that make a big difference.

In carrying out their duties, they need to ensure the team has the tools and resources needed to complete the project.

Usually, project managers will use various project management skills such as:

• Can lead a team well and be flexible when projects experience changes.
• Can organize projects well and manage time so that goals are achieved on time.
• Able to find innovative solutions when facing problems in projects.
• Can communicate clearly and effectively with team members, clients, and management.
• Able to motivate a team, manage group dynamics, and create a productive and supportive work environment.

Project Manager Duties

The project manager is the person responsible for ensuring the project runs smoothly. They coordinate teams, organize resources, and keep projects on track.

To do this, they need specific skills that include leadership, organization, communication, and problem solving.

According to ProofHub, there are several main tasks that must be carried out by a project manager, such as:

1. Establish goals and roles

As a project manager, you are responsible for determining what the project wants to achieve.

Additionally, you need to ensure that each team member knows their respective roles.

For example, who is responsible for design, who handles development, and who will communicate with clients.

2. Maintain team cohesion

You have to keep the team together and working well together.

This can be done by holding regular meetings, communicating with each other, and making sure everyone knows what to do.

3. Delegate tasks

As a project manager, you can't do everything yourself. You must be able to delegate tasks to team members that match their skills.

4. Provide feedback to employees

Providing feedback is an important part of a project manager's job. Feedback can help team members know what they are doing well and which areas need improvement.

5. Plan from start to finish

As a project manager, you plan projects efficiently to achieve the best results with available resources.

For example, by dividing the project into small tasks and setting a clear schedule.

6. Direct the team

This profession is also responsible for keeping the team focused and motivated. Share tasks clearly so everyone knows what to do.

7. Manage time well

Time management is one of the main skills you need as a project manager. You must be able to manage deadlines and prioritize tasks so that projects are completed on time.

If you encounter obstacles, you must immediately find a solution so that the project is not delayed.

8. Monitor the process and overcome obstacles

You should always monitor project progress and identify bottlenecks. If there are obstacles, immediately look for solutions so that the project is not delayed.

9. Hold regular meetings

As a project manager, you need to hold regular team meetings to ensure everyone stays aligned on the project goals. It's best if the meeting doesn't need to be too long, but still effective.

10. Build a shared vision

Every project must have a clear vision. As a project manager, you need to ensure that the team is on the same page.

11. Manage documentation and reports

Documentation and reports are an important part of project management. You must ensure that all project-related documents are well maintained.

This document is important for analyzing project performance and creating reports to clients or stakeholders.

12. Develop a plan b

As a project manager, you must also always be ready with an alternative plan if unexpected problems occur.

13. Coordinate with Clients

Communication with clients is an important part of your job. So, you need to be able to explain project progress, receive feedback from clients, and resolve any issues that arise.

Skills Required to Become a Project Manager

If you want to become a project manager, you need to understand how important this role is in ensuring the success of a project.

Additionally, you will also be responsible for coordinating and overseeing every aspect of the project, from start to finish.

To carry out this task well, you must have a combination of soft skills and hard skills. So, here are some of the skills needed by project managers, quoted from Atlassian:

1. Communication

Communication ability is one of the most important skills for a project manager.

You must be able to communicate verbally and in writing to convey project goals, provide updates, and provide feedback to all stakeholders.

2. Adaptability

Of course, a project does not always go according to plan. As a project manager, you must be ready to face unexpected changes and challenges.

Adaptability is the ability to respond quickly to change and adjust strategies or plans if necessary.

By having these capabilities, you can keep projects on track even when faced with disruptions or obstacles.

3. Problem solving 

This profession also requires mastering good problem solving skills. You must be able to think critically to understand problems that arise, find appropriate solutions, and implement them effectively.

4. Leadership 

As a team leader, you must also have good leadership skills.

You must be able to inspire and motivate team members, provide guidance, and create a collaborative environment.

5. Organizational skills 

The next skill that this profession must master is good organizational skills. This means you must be able to set schedules, assign resources, and monitor project progress regularly.

A project manager is a figure who leads a team to ensure the project runs smoothly and is completed on time.

They are responsible for coordinating the team, setting clear goals, and ensuring the project is completed on time with the expected quality.

Apart from that, project managers must also have the ability to solve problems, communicate effectively, and adapt to change.

The project manager is a liaison between various parties related to the project, including the internal team, clients and other stakeholders.

Want to learn more about this profession? Take The Real Project Management class now!