Project Managers: What They Do and Why They Are Vital to Success
Project managers are one of the most important roles in a given project team. So much of the success and potential for growth of a given business depends largely on how well a project manager is able to juggle tasks, timelines and resources. But what exactly does a project manager do? In this listicle, we’ll explore some of the key responsibilities of a project manager and why they are so integral to project success.
What is a Project Manager?
Project managers play a vital role in project teams, overseeing and coordinating the various aspects of a project to ensure its completion and success. They are responsible for juggling tasks, timelines, and resources, and their ability to effectively manage projects can significantly impact a business’s growth and outcomes. If you’re wondering how to become a project manager, it typically involves gaining relevant experience, obtaining relevant certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, and developing strong leadership and communication skills.
Here we will delve into the key responsibilities of a project manager and shed light on why their role is integral to project success. From developing project plans and monitoring progress to managing resources, solving problems, and negotiating agreements, project managers wear many hats. Their expertise in aligning project objectives with organizational goals, ensuring efficient resource allocation, and navigating challenges helps drive project success and overall business growth.
5 project manager responsibilities not to overlook
1. Develop Project Plans
One of the biggest responsibilities of a project manager is to develop project plans and oversee the full life cycle of the project, right from inception to closure. This involves ticking off key milestones, developing strategies to ensure the desired outcomes are met, and developing detailed project plans.
2. Monitor Progress
Project managers need to continuously monitor the progress of the project, and make sure that it is proceeding according to plan. This entails tracking timelines, resources, deliverables and budgets, and adjusting plans according to real-world complications.
3. Manage Resources
A project manager will be responsible for managing, allocating, and optimizing resources for the project. This includes managing both internal and external resources, such as personnel, service providers and key stakeholders. They must ensure resources are being used in the most cost-effective manner to achieve the desired outcomes.
4. Identify and Solve Problems
Problems are inevitable in any project, and a project manager needs to be able to identify, assess and solve any potential problems as they arise. This can involve troubleshooting technical issues, mediating between personnel and stakeholders, or finding alternate solutions to a given problem.
5. Negotiate Agreements
Project managers often need to negotiate agreements with stakeholders, partners, vendors and other outside entities to ensure the project can proceed without issue. This requires strong negotiation skills, knowledge of the industry, and the ability to ensure mutually beneficial agreements.
Use Hive for your project management needs
Project managers bring together all the pieces of a project to ensure success. When it comes to project management, Hive offers a comprehensive and user-friendly tool that elevates project managers and their teams. With advanced features like unlimited storage and workspace members, flexible add-ons, shareable forms, time tracking, in-app calendar, cloud storage integrations, as well as Zoom and Slack integrations, you can streamline project workflows, collaborate seamlessly, and stay on top of tasks, deadlines, and deliverables. Hive can supercharge your project management efforts and propel your team towards success. Their ability to juggle resources, plan ahead, and identify and solve problems helps drive project success and overall business growth. There’s no doubt that a talented and experienced project manager is a crucial component of any successful team.
If you’re looking to become a project management or want to improve your project management skills, try Hive today for free. Hive is a project management tool meant to help you (and your team) work faster, smarter and more efficiently.