Our culture at FTTS is structured around training and development; perfecting your craft and learning along the way. Being an IT Project manager is no exception. During my time as an IT project manager, I have learned how to make projects attainable (when they may not seem that way), and that there are certain essential core values you must possess to be successful. Project Managers are ensuring clients have seamless projects, while handling obstacles and challenges that arise. Being a successful Project Manager in the world of technology means you stand out from other consulting firms and leaving the client happy with a project’s result. Here are 5 things you can do to be a better IT Project Manager:
1. Communication
A project manager’s most valuable tool is communication. It is the foundation to project management (no matter if you are in tech, or another field). The key objective to project management is communicating to stakeholders, technicians, and dedicated resources on what needs to be achieved. You are the voice of the project, and are in charge of mediating conflict while delivering a clear, consistent message. When it comes to FTTS project managers, we carry a powerful personal brand/ While inhibiting strong communication skills, but are also charismatic towards our clients and colleagues. Communication needs to be interchangeable to acclimate to your audience.
FTTS prioritizes a user-centric approach when it comes to technology projects, digital transformation, migrations, and onboarding proficiencies. I always say “I am just trying to humanize computers”, which translates to putting the user first, before the technology, creating an emphatic approach. This approach makes the client—and end users feel supported.
2. End User Experience
One of the key components to project management is creating a timeline that is strategic. This ensures technicians have adequate time to ensure hardware and software elements are complete before introducing it to the end user. What good would your product be if the end user doesn’t like it and/or cannot use it. We provide a timeline that includes extensive User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and training to help clients feel supported and comfortable with the technology.
3. Delegation vs. Decision Making
A key component to project management is understanding the difference between delegation and decision making. Delegateaction items among stakeholders, allow time to complete the work, document project completion, but leave the decision making to the experts orclient. Outside of our commitment to the project, we can provide insight—but a good project manager will find a way to support whatever the client deems necessary to move forward. Identify the risks that are applied, and provide resources and support.
When a client hires a project management service they look for qualified and experienced consultants, but they also expect resources to make the project manager stand out. FTTS invests in tools to enhance our organizational skills. The PMO can provide a a level of work that aligns with our values. Sometimes the client just wants the job done and doesn’t require specific software to complete the project, so our project managers come well-equipped with all the tools and templates that can support the project needs. Our project management department can easily acclimate to the just about any process or industry if necessary, but it’s important to BYOT (bring your own templates).
5. All Hands On-Deck
Understanding the technology is a fundamental part of understanding your project needs. The phrase “knowledge is power” rings in my ears when I think about the success of previous projects. We have a vast understanding of what the expectations would be from the technology standpoint, are able to adapt to a realistic timeline, and forecast impending risks. While our main job is to focus on hitting your milestones and mitigating risks, it is important for the entire team to assist with odd and ends tasks. It helps to be a team player and allows for a better understanding of the project, team building with your allocated resources, and may even help with the timeline.
These key components can help develop your skills as an IT Project Manager, but in the end, when it comes to personal development; we encourage you to keep up with technology news and trends. Some of our favorites are: TechCrunch, Wired, and The Verge ; this will keep you up to speed on the current market of technology. Focus on continuing education to fine tune your expertise.
“Operations keeps the lights on, strategy provides a light at the end of the tunnel, but project management is the train engine that moves the organization forward.”?~ Joy Gumz
