15 Things YOU can do to be a more effective Project Manager

Feb 26, 2018

Some say that Project Management is a science. We're not sure about that but here are some simple things you can do to be the best Project Manager you can be!
  1. Find out what the client's REAL expectations are. If they are unrealistic, You need to confront them!
  2. Make sure the proposal/contract reflects what you will do. If there's language in there that misrepresents that get rid of it. Don't keep using old standard documents.
  3. Get the best fee you can get so you can AFFORD to do a good job.
  4. Share the client's expectations with everyone who works on the project.
  5. Tell the entire project team everything else you know about the client and the project.
  6. Study the psychology of selling. As a Project Manager, you will have to get other people to do things for you- people who most likely don't report to you. That means you need to understand how to influence people. - Cialdini
  7. Have a well-organized electronic filing system, one everyone can access, and one with a file for every project.
  8. Deal with everything immediately. Respond to calls, texts, and emails promptly.
  9. Send out notes from any meetings or phones calls with the client immediately.
  10. CALL the client. Don't just send emails.
  11. Do a weekly job progress report, whether or not the client requires it of you.
  12. Get out in the field. Go to the project site as often as you can!
  13. Continuously revise the project budget and schedule as the project evolves. Don't wait until set intervals to do this.
  14. Try to work with the same internal team members and sub-consultants on all jobs. The less variation you have, the better everyone will know each other and work together.
  15. Build up your team members. That will make them feel good and want to work with you in the future.
You can find these and more tips in a number of our Training programs here at Zweig Group. You have the choice of coming to one of our open enrollment programs, In-House training option if you have a large team of PM's that need some fine tuning, or you want to take a refresher course online (see below). We've got you covered.
One of the biggest takeaways from this online PM Training is the idea that Project Managers must act. "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today." - Mark Zweig

About Zweig Group

Zweig Group, three times on the Inc. 500/5000 list, is the industry leader and premiere authority in AEC firm management and marketing, the go-to source for data and research, and the leading provider of customized learning and training. Zweig Group exists to help AEC firms succeed in a complicated and challenging marketplace through services that include: Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategic Planning, Valuation, Executive Search, Board of Director Services, Ownership Transition, Marketing & Branding, and Business Development Training. The firm has offices in Dallas and Fayetteville, Arkansas.