Everyone at one point in their lives has been a project manager. Whether you were planning a birthday party, or coordinating a night out with the guys/girls, or working on a special project at work, its all project management. But for those of us project managers that make a career out of it, its something that we live, breathe, and sleep in. Its in every facet of our lives! And in order to move up the corporate ladder and become the best, we have to be the best. No longer are we dwelling in basic-bitchness. It takes pizazz, creativity, innovative thinking to become a boss-ass project manager. In this post, I will guide you from being a basic style PM to a fashion icon PM! Let’s get it! Oh, and before we go further, I would like to add that “PM” is interchangeable for project management and project manager.
So let’s do a refresh first. There are 5 process groups of project management which are initiating, planning, executing, monitor & controlling, and closing. I like to think of these elements as the 5 piece suit. And within the five piece suit we have our underwear, Spanx, socks, purse, jewelry, makeup etc which are the knowledge areas. This is the complete package of our roles as a PM. Not every organization utilizes these process groups in this particular order, but you get the gist. This is our foundation, our livelihood, what we study and have to know like the back of our hand to become project management professional (PMP) certified. If you know these processes and their steps, all 46 by the way within the entire cycle, then you are ready to take on a project, or are you???
There are specific skill sets that are mentioned in the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) that are necessary to lead your project team to greatness and ultimately project success. PMBOK calls this the Talent Triangle with the three key areas:
- Technical project management
- Leadership
- Strategic and business management
“While technical project management skills are core to program and project management, PMI research indicates that they are not enough in today’s increasingly complicated and competitive global marketplace. Organizations are seeking added skills in leadership and business intelligence” (PMBOK, 2017). So my recommendation is to be a monument! Be as big as Beyoncé with the mindset of Jay-Z. It’s time to pull out those extra competencies from deep within and act accordingly. Here is a list of Lominger competencies that will demonstrate your true value and lead you to icon status. Discover more about how you can elevate your skill sets with Lominger here.
Soft skill competencies are developed over time through enriching experiences, highs and lows, project failures and successes. These skills are not going to be developed overnight. However, with consistency and a passion for self-development, you will gain the respect of your executive leadership and PM peers in no time. Here are 3 key tips to start you on your journey to greatness.
As a fashion-techy PM, I use my phone for everything! Task management, budgeting, planning, organizing, marketing, everything! And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. We re in a age of technology evolution. Our phones and tablets are so advanced and are built to help you be all you can be. If you have an iPhone or Samsung or whichever brand of smart phone, find out what you can truly do with it and those billions of apps that are meant to make your PM life easier. A few apps that are extremely valuable are:
Aso, who is your glam squad at work? Do you have one? I am not the master of all things but I definitely know who are my go-to guys and gals that can help me when I need it. That is your glam squad. Learn how to delegate tasks and use your resources.
Lastly, you have to reset darling!
I am a busy body, always have a million and one things going on, but to prevent myself from burning out, I have to put my superwoman cape away and relax. Meditation is a big one for me. It soothes my mind and helps me sleep well at night. I am not having crazy ass dreams of projects and what I did or didn’t do. I am not sitting home wondering what mistakes I made or regretting certain things. You have to clear your mind and generate the peace your body deserves. You work hard, you have to relax. Reward yourself for a job well done.
One of the most important items on the last tip is feedback. Giving and receiving feedback is sometimes difficult, especially when it comes from a negative place. So when you see something that is done right, give someone that positive feedback. Be specific and genuine. When giving negative feedback, you must think about how their behavior has impacted the customer (you or external) and also be specific as well. Release that negative energy so you can move forward with your day.
So now you have some great tools and tips that will take you to that next level in your PM journey and make you a fashion icon! Keep me posted on your journey and let me know how you are doing, what challenges you have faced along the way, and if you have any questions. Until the next time…
Syreeta R.B.
Reference:
Project Management Institute. (2017). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK® guide) (6th ed.). Newtown Square, PA: Author.
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