Description
In short, project managers are responsible for the planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and completion of projects, so they must have a complete understanding of project management. However, that is just the tip of the project management basics iceberg. Here are a few of the main project manager responsibilities:
- Build the plan: Project managers are in charge of plotting out the most realistic course for the project. The plan must include the project scope, timeline, and budget. This can also include identifying the right tools for the job.
- Assemble the team: Identifying the proper team is critical to the basics of project management. Every project team will vary depending on the scope of the initiative and the functions needed to complete the project. Finding specialists and subject matter experts for each of the necessary tasks is ideal.
- Assign tasks: Project managers must provide their team with a clear definition of specific tasks and timeline for every part of the project. Although each team member will be responsible for their own assignments, many tasks will require collaboration from both internal and external team members.
- Leading the team: Now that the team has been assembled and their tasks have been assigned, the project manager must keep the machine well-oiled, covering the project management basics and beyond. This will include checking in on individuals for status updates, identifying and clearing roadblocks, negotiating disagreements, keeping team morale high, and providing training and mentoring.