10 Traits of Highly Effective Project Managers

At Advantage Route Systems, we care about your operations and understand the importance of having effective project managers to manage and grow your business. Here are the top 10 traits to look for when hiring a new project manager or developing the talent of one you already have:

1. Strategic Business Partner Top project managers offer strategic leadership in addition to technical skills. They understand how their projects fit within overall organizational goals, enabling them to make decisions that benefit both the project and the organization.
2. Extraordinary Organizational Skills Effective project managers are highly organized. They plan meticulously and understand how their projects interconnect with other organizational activities, allowing them to adjust plans and resources as needed.
3. Flexibility The best project managers are adaptable and flexible, ready to adjust course when priorities shift or unexpected issues arise. This adaptability is crucial in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
4. Extreme Awareness They have an acute awareness of resource capacity and utilization. This allows them to anticipate project needs accurately and set realistic deadlines, ensuring better project scheduling and execution.
5. Stakeholder Management Skills Skilled project managers excel at managing relationships with various stakeholders. They understand different perspectives and tailor their communications and plans to address each stakeholder’s unique concerns and needs.
6. Authority Understanding They know who holds authority over different project aspects and ensure that all key players are aligned. This involves managing networks and understanding the responsibilities and power dynamics within the organization.
7. Tool Selection Savvy Effective project managers choose the right tools and methodologies for each project. They understand the pros and cons of various options and select those that ensure swift execution and goal attainment.
8. Clairvoyance They anticipate potential challenges and plan for contingencies. This forward-thinking ability helps them stay on track and maintain control, even when issues arise.
9. Effective Communication Communication is key. Top project managers are excellent communicators, actively listening to their teams and stakeholders, and conveying clear, concise, and relevant information. This helps in avoiding misunderstandings and managing expectations.
10. Motivational Ability They inspire and motivate their teams, even without direct authority. Effective project managers use their communication skills and persuasive abilities to keep the team engaged and focused on achieving the project’s goals.

By recognizing and developing these traits in your project managers, you can ensure your business remains competitive and agile in a fast-evolving landscape. At Advantage Route Systems, we’re dedicated to supporting your success every step of the way.