Project Manager – more project or people manager?

Project management is becoming a more multifaceted discipline, and project managers often find themselves wearing many hats. One of the most important success factors is navigating the delicate balance between managing the project’s technical aspects and the people involved.

In the article, I’d like to consider whether project managers focus more on project management or people management and why both roles are crucial for project success.

Understanding the dual role of a Project Manager

Project management involves planning, executing, and closing projects while meeting specific goals and criteria. However, Project Managers must also handle interpersonal relationships, team dynamics, and stakeholder communications. This dual role can be challenging but is essential for ensuring the project’s success and the team’s cohesion.

Project Management – the technical side

Project management typically involves:

1. Planning and scheduling – creating detailed project plans, timelines, and milestones.
2. Resource management – allocating resources efficiently to meet project goals.
3. Risk management – identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies.
4. Budgeting – managing the project’s financial resources to stay within budget.
5. Quality control – ensuring the project deliverables meet the required standards.

These tasks are critical for keeping the project on track, within scope, and on time. The project Manager’s ability to manage these aspects effectively has a significant impact on the final success.

People Management – the human side

Equally important is the Project Manager’s role in people management, which includes:

1. Leadership – inspiring and guiding the team towards the project goals.
2. Active listening – to understand team members’ and stakeholders’ true concerns and suggestions. Project Manager who held weekly open forums and feedback sessions, significantly enhancing project alignment and team satisfaction.
3. Communication – facilitating clear and effective communication among team members and stakeholders.
4. Conflict resolution – addressing and resolving conflicts within the team.
5. Motivation – keeping the team motivated and focused, especially during challenging phases of the project.
6. Team Development – supporting team members’ professional growth and development.

Effective people management ensures that the team remains cohesive, motivated, and productive, vital for achieving the project’s objectives.

Striking the right balance

Modern Project Managers, to be successful, must understand the importance of balancing project and people management. The following few strategies are examples of how to achieve this fragile balance.

Prioritize communication

Clear and consistent communication is key to managing the project and the team. Regular updates, open-door policies, and transparent decision-making processes help build trust and keep everyone aligned. Often, project failures are due to missing proper communication channels.

Develop emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is crucial for understanding team dynamics, managing stress, and fostering a positive work environment. Project Managers with high EQ can navigate interpersonal issues more effectively and maintain a harmonious team. I’ve encountered many colleagues who neglected the so-called “personal approach” and mainly focused on KPIs and plan-keeping, seeing more “resource” than “person.”

Utilize Project management tools

Leveraging project management tools can streamline technical aspects, allowing project managers to focus more on people management. Various Project Management tools available on the market and used in corporate environments can help in planning, tracking, and managing tasks more efficiently.

Foster a collaborative culture

Encouraging collaboration and teamwork can enhance both project and people management. Project team members’ achievements should be acknowledged in a wide forum, and decisions should be made involving everyone interested in their outcome. When team members feel valued and included, they are more likely to contribute effectively and support the project goals.

Conclusion

Is a Project Manager more of a project or people manager? The answer lies in the balance. A successful Project Manager must excel in both areas to ensure success and maintain a motivated, cohesive team. By integrating strong project management skills with effective people management practices, project managers can navigate the complexities of their role and lead their teams to success.

Final thoughts

The emphasis on people management is growing in the evolving landscape of project management. As projects become more complex and teams more diverse, managing human resources effectively is becoming just as important as technical knowledge. In the future, Project Managers should aim to develop a robust skill set that encompasses both project and people management to thrive in their careers and continue on their never-ending journey of self-development.

By understanding and embracing both aspects of their role, Project Managers can and should create a positive and productive environment that drives project success. Balancing project and people management is necessary and a pathway to excellence in project management.

Sources

The majority of the above is the result of experience and self-awareness. However, I was also gathering insight from:

• ANR #140: Project Management Is People Management
• People Management from a Project Manager’s Point of View
• People Manager and the Project Manager
• Project Management is People Management

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