|
Different Skill Set Needed for Today’s PM
Principals, your Project Managers (PM) need a different skill set for projects today. Being an effective PM requires much more than just technical skills and abilities. Architects, engineers, and environmental (A/E/E) firms are being asked to do more with less. Having only technical skills was enough in years past; however today project owners are placing increased pressures on project schedules, costs, and project risk.
The time and cost associated with the potential of litigation is also driving changes to the PM’s roles and responsibilities. These ongoing, and ever changing pressures driven by market conditions, project objectives, and associated risk require that Project Managers not only must have the technical ability, they must also have the capability to manage, and protect the financial viability of projects, ensure the quality of services rendered, be an effective communicator to clients and the project team, and have the ability to manage overall project risk.
Project Manager (PM) Skill Set
Technical competence remains important for Project Managers today, but having leadership skills, and knowledge of business practices and risk management are essential.
Owners and senior managers of A/E/E firms should define, and outline a commitment for Project Managers, and the processes and practices used within their firm. Operation procedures should clearly define how authority, information, and data are managed, and shared among its principals, functional managers, and project managers.
Accomplished PM’s are responsible for leading, staffing, and managing all aspects of the project. This includes, at times, the work of the entire project team, and the work performed by all administrative, engineering, and construction disciplines, even if the PM isn’t trained in the other disciplines.
The priority for a project manager is leadership, responsibility, and accountability. This includes all aspects of the project from initiation through closeout, including the quality of the design and construction efforts and the financial profit or loss for the firm.
The PM is the person who ultimately is responsible for getting the project finished, the one who is the project champion when things are tough, who “eats, breathes, and sleeps” the project. At any given time the PM must be able to explain exactly how well the project is proceeding. The PM is ultimately responsible for the success of the project and the client will undoubtedly consider them to be the single greatest reason to return with more business to your firm.
Effective client communication is essential for every PM. Based on industry claims data, the majority of claims filed against an A/E/E firms come from the project owner. Of those claims, close to 1/3 are caused by incomplete, ineffective project communication and documentation efforts. A client communication plan should be established at the beginning of each project identifying the frequency and methods of communications that meets the clients needs, and expectations, as well as project requirements.
Communication efforts should include progress reports or meeting minutes that are a record of the discussions, decisions made, directions given, and assignment accepted during the course of a project. PM's must understand and realize that these reports are an effective way to communicate with team members on assignments and responsibilities; however, it is also an effective risk management tool.
Final Thought
The role of the project manager for A/E/E firms continues to evolve, change, and redefine itself. Successful firms realize that an investment in their PM program helps in the overall success of their firm regarding project performance, profitability, client satisfaction, and reduced risk. The duties, responsibilities, and skill set of project managers today are changing based on market conditions, pressures, and risk. Firms that are not making the proper adjustments will soon be left behind.
You are welcome to forward this newsletter to others who may be interested.
Thank you.
|
artRisk