Based on the author’s experiences working on a difficult project as an intern without supervision, there are several important characteristics in an effective project manager. Adaptability, meaning the willingness to try new ways of accomplishing a task; effective communication, focusing on the quality of what is being said, not the quantity; and openness to criticism, which allows for positive changes to be made when problems are pointed out. Not everything went smoothly, however: a lack of diversity in the teammates’ skill sets along with the absence of a formal leader led to delays in task completion and decision-making.
Key Takeaways:
- Always be willing to try something new when taking on a higher role. The project manager is often an expert when it comes to those abilities as well.
- Sometimes a project may go forward without a manager that is on site. Learn some lessons about project management from those who are actively involved as well.
- Don’t be afraid to try and fail to complete certain goals within the project. Project management lessons from a manager will be a valuable asset for them to follow.
“Try, fail, learn, repeat. Never do the same thing twice if it didn’t work the first time, and that means being willing to try something completely new.”
