What Kind of Project Manager Are You?

When I speak with recruiters and potential clients I am often asked “what type of Project Manager are you?” It was a difficult question to answer, because I am just ‘me’…and much of the way I approach life shows up heavily in the way I work. I came up with a phrase about a year ago in speaking about a coworker I felt just wouldn’t engage at the level I wanted him to; I kept telling him (& anyone else who would listen), “I need you to ‘get dirty.’” The project was a software release and he was the executive responsible for delivery; I was merely a stakeholder. The release came to a conclusion and the project completed, teams moved onto the next new thing, but the phrase stuck with me; in a different way.

“Getting Dirty” seems to fit me in the positive form – I am the type of project manager will get dirty as needed. It isn’t my first choice, and I would prefer to provide any team I engage with the following support items (whether or not they are my direct reports):

1. Clearly articulated vision for the project.

2. COMMUNICATION – at all times my project team should know what I am thinking, what needs to be done, what we can feel accomplished about, answer any questions, get any clarifications from sponsors, speak with customers or end users, etc. it is my job to be constantly communicating.

3. Consistent reminders of goals, objectives & of course dates/schedules (see #1).

4. Space to have their own ideas & work in their own styles. There is never one single way to do something; explore and find what styles fit you, just keep #1 in mind all the time!

Last on the list:

• Me in your detailed work product; if you want me to do something with you please ask, I will do it for sure. Don’t ever worry about me getting dirty: Do you want me to unit test your code with you before you hand it over to QA? Do you want me to review your test plan? Do you want me to review your technical manual or training materials? – ASK – I will be happy to do it. I won’t babysit you and I would prefer you stick to philosophy #4 above, as overall I believe everyone I work with is a professional adult (until you prove me wrong). However, I will make time for whatever you need; I will get dirty in the details to help you feel confident in your work product and ultimate contribution to the project!

I was given this image by someone I worked with and he was kind enough to say it captured how he felt about working with me. But I think it sums up nicely how leaders need to lead, what leaders need to provide people so that they can be successful alongside them. I look at it from time to time to remind me how to behave, and it should be how we all work together in our professions, as families, and as a community! I hope it inspires you!

Now when I am asked the inevitable question…’What type of project manager are you?’ My standard response is….’The kind that gets dirty when it’s needed.’

#projectmanagement #programmanagement #leadership #style