What Do Project Managers Care About?

In the world of project management, the focus varies widely from one individual to another. Some project managers prioritize every single step, treating project management like micro-management, while others may not be overly concerned about the details. However, from my extensive experience, a fundamental principle remains constant: project managers must prioritize the people involved.

Without the right team and the ability to lead them effectively, achieving a project's goals is virtually impossible. A single project manager can rarely carry a project alone unless it's a one-man job. Hence, it's crucial for a project manager to be a true leader, setting clear goals, expectations, and explaining why specific goals must be reached. Accomplishing this requires motivational measures and ensuring that everyone is aligned as a team to deliver the project according to the required standards.

Additionally, every individual within a team is unique, bringing in a diverse set of skills and perspectives. Therefore, every project manager is distinct in their approach. Hundreds of project scenarios can arise, and in many cases, the project manager becomes the decisive factor between success and failure.

Three Key Areas for Project Managers

While leading a project, the project manager shoulders an additional responsibility to ensure the project is executed flawlessly. Based on my experience, here are three primary areas that project managers focus on:

Sticking to the Timeline

The ability to stick to the timeline is crucial in project management. Keeping to the timeline not only ensures that the project progresses efficiently but also provides a sense of control. However, it's important to note that being rigid with the timeline can sometimes be unfeasible. Nevertheless, the project manager should always encourage their team to meet the deadlines.

Staying within Budget

Staying on budget is directly linked to adhering to the timeline. Overspending can lead to financial strain and could potentially harm the project's success. Extra days often mean extra costs and resources, which can stretch the budget, leading to project delays or cuts in the quality of work.

Accuracy to the Projected Final Product

Project managers should have a clear vision of the final product and strive to stay as close to that vision as possible. Accuracy to the projected final product helps maintain the project's integrity and ensures that the project meets or exceeds the client's expectations.

In conclusion, while team members also care about their individual contributions, these aspects often take top priority for project managers. By focusing on timelines, budgets, and the final product, project managers can increase the likelihood of project success. Understanding these priorities can help both project managers and team members work together more effectively and achieve project goals.