What are 5 essential skills to be a Project Manager?

What is a project manager?

5 essential skills for a project manager

Characteristics of a successful project manager

Do you need qualifications to become a project manager?

Summary

In recent years, rapid global changes—such as climate change, digital transformation, and demographic shifts—have compelled businesses to adapt quickly. In Japan, where labor shortages are prevalent and diverse work styles are on the rise, effective project management has become more crucial than ever to ensure smooth global operations.

The “PMI Talent Gap Report” released by PMI in June 2021 highlights a pressing need: by 2030, 25 million people are expected to join the workforce worldwide, with an annual demand for 2.3 million new project management professionals.

This article will explore the essential skills required for a project manager, and the qualifications that can help you advance in this field.

A project manager oversees a project from start to finish, ensuring its goals are achieved efficiently and promptly. While many associate project management with software development, the rise of digital transformation and labor shortages has broadened the demand for project managers in fields like construction and manufacturing.

The specific roles and responsibilities of a project manager include:

Coordinating team members and resources

Managing project progress and adjusting tasks as necessary

Meeting project deadlines

Liaising with clients and stakeholders

Preparing and approving contracts

Conducting project reviews and making improvements

Project managers require a diverse skill set to handle their multifaceted roles. Here are five crucial skills:

Management skills
Effective management is fundamental. A project manager needs a clear understanding of the project’s mission and goals, appropriate resource allocation, progress monitoring, and the ability to delegate authority effectively. Coordination and balance are also key to managing the needs and expectations of various stakeholders.

Leadership
Leadership is a crucial skill for project managers. Peter Drucker, an Austrian-American management consultant and educator, asserts that leadership is not an innate trait but a skill that can be developed by anyone. He defines it as the ability to clarify and establish an organization's mission, set goals, prioritize tasks, and uphold standards. Effective leadership is essential for setting and maintaining project goals and involves earning the trust of your team.

Problem-solving skills
No matter how meticulously a project is planned, various issues will arise as it progresses. When unexpected events cause a project to deviate from the plan, problem-solving skills become essential.
To solve a problem, you must first identify its root cause. It's important not to focus solely on the immediate situation but to investigate any underlying structural issues.
Additionally, problems evolve with changing circumstances. Trying to resolve issues based on the initial situation may lead to delays. Therefore, maintaining a flexible and adaptable mindset is crucial.

Communication skills
Clear and effective communication with team members is vital. A project manager should proactively engage with team members, understand their concerns, and communicate instructions or requests politely and clearly. Various communication methods, including video conferencing and written communication, should be used appropriately.

Logical thinking
For projects with complex processes, logical thinking skills are especially important. A project manager with strong logical thinking can avoid impulsive, intuitive, or emotional reactions when facing problems. Instead, they calmly gather necessary information, accurately assess the situation, and take appropriate action.

Here are some traits that define a successful project manager:

Objectivity Project managers interact with people in various roles. They must quickly understand what clients or team members need, what issues they are facing, and what they genuinely want to convey. Those who can think from others' perspectives and view things objectively have a high aptitude for project management.

Concrete Thinking Sometimes, clients' needs are abstract. Projects often start with vague objectives, causing confusion among team members. Those who can concretize client requirements, clarify output ideas, and organize plans accordingly can effectively fulfill the role of a project manager.

Responsibility Project managers are responsible for the successful completion of their projects. The key is having the determination to see things through to the end, no matter what challenges arise. Those with a strong sense of responsibility and the drive to take action are likely to excel in this role.

Communication Project managers must interact with various stakeholders both inside and outside the organization. They need to present, facilitate discussions, and engage in one-on-one dialogues to ensure clear communication. Those who find it easy to converse with others and are comfortable speaking in front of people will likely thrive as project managers.

Resilience Project managers often mediate between clients and team members, navigating conflicting demands and expectations. In such stressful situations, they need to see the big picture, approach others with a calm demeanor, and lead the team effectively. Having a certain "thick skin" and not getting bogged down by minor details can enhance their performance as project managers.

While formal qualifications are not mandatory, certifications can enhance your career prospects. Some valuable certifications include:

Project Manager Examination: This certification exam, hosted by IPA (Information-Technology Promotion Agency), targets individuals responsible for managing system development projects.

P2M Certification Exam: This private certification, organized by PMAJ (Project Management Association of Japan), is aimed at project management professionals.

PMP Exam: The PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is an international qualification recognized by PMI (Project Management Institute) in the U.S. It requires practical experience to apply, and certification must be renewed every three years.

The role of project manager demands a range of skills and is critical in today’s fast-paced world. While it offers significant opportunities, it also requires a particular set of abilities and is not suited for everyone. Reflect on the skills and traits mentioned above to determine if project management is the right path for you and what areas you may need to develop.

For more information on project manager jobs and in-demand skills, visit Robert Half's Salary Guide or click here to search for project manager jobs.

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