Learn the key roles and responsibilities of project managers, required skills, daily tasks, and how project management tools can help you succeed.
In the modern workplace, project managers have a lot on their plate. They often juggle people, projects, clients, and modern-day Agile tools. This can lead to a lot of stress and feeling overwhelmed. However, once they understand their project manager roles and responsibilities, they can better manage their time and be more productive.
A project manager is responsible for leading a project from start to finish. This includes developing the project plan, scheduling resources, and ensuring everyone is on track. Project managers must also communicate with stakeholders to keep them updated on the project’s progress.
Who are Project Managers?
A project manager is a professional in the field of Project Management. Project managers have the responsibility of the planning, procurement, and execution of a project, in any domain of engineering.
Because it’s no secret that project managers have a lot on their plate. But what does a project manager do on a day-to-day basis?
What Does a Project Manager Do Daily?
1. Scheduling
Most projects have requirements: release date, budgets, quality, and so on. Project managers must schedule progress so that the project could meet them.
Key scheduling tasks:
- Break the project down into phases and set deadlines
- Ensure enough resources within budgetary limits
- Assume tasks necessary for each phase
- Ensure equipment and talented persons with enough skills
- Clarify dependencies of tasks and prioritize
- Judge whether the schedule is practicable
2. Creating and Managing a Dream Team
Project managers must be able to create a self-governing team that can get the work done without needing constant supervision.
Building an effective team involves:
- Supporting the project team with what they need
- Asking members about situations frequently
- Solving complaints and obstacles
- Suggesting ideas for smoother operations
3. Communicating With Stakeholders
Project managers must communicate effectively with all project stakeholders—the client, the project team, and other departments within the organization.
Communication responsibilities:
- Choose and communicate the information stakeholders need
- Discuss necessary plan adjustments
- Listen to stakeholders and take their input into consideration
- Find compromises when requirements or dates change
4. Maintaining Reports and Documentation
Every project produces documentation and reports. Project managers must effectively manage this documentation and share it with the project team and stakeholders. These are useful for:
- Tracing progress when there are unknown points
- Maintenance after release
5. Monitoring Project Progress
Project managers must monitor the project’s progress and identify any issues that may arise. By doing so, they can take corrective action to get the project back on track.
Monitoring involves:
- Using project management tools and techniques
- Tracking milestones and deliverables
- Creating progress reports
- Sharing updates with team and stakeholders
6. Holding Regular Meetings
Regular project team meetings are important for:
- Keeping everyone aligned on goals
- Identifying problems early
- Facilitating communication between team members
7. Re-allocating Resources
If some tasks are going well but others have difficulties, project managers allocate human resources. Concentrate resources on delayed tasks—but remember that some tasks don’t necessarily proceed faster with more workers.
8. Developing Backup Plans
If the project has a serious problem that cannot be solved by adjusting resources, the project manager must design a backup plan that ensures customer satisfaction:
- Request more budget or extend the release date
- Narrow down requirements if necessary
- Decide what to prioritize and what to defer
9. Making the Project a Success
A project manager’s job isn’t done once the project is completed. Project managers must evaluate the project to see how it can be improved for future projects:
- Write a Project Post-Mortem report
- Conduct interviews with the project team
- Identify areas where improvements can be made
Skills Required for a Project Manager
Strong Communication Skills
Project managers must explain project goals and objectives to the team, and keep the client updated on progress.
Solid Organizational Skills
They need to create detailed plans and schedules, and make sure all team members are aware of their roles and responsibilities.
Ability to Take Charge
Project managers must make decisions when necessary and keep the project on time and within budget.
Negotiation Skills
Project managers often negotiate with vendors, suppliers, and clients. They need to get the best deals and ensure all parties are satisfied.
Strong Problem-Solving Skills
Project managers face unexpected challenges and need to find solutions quickly.
Leadership
Project managers must lead the team and motivate them to achieve project goals. They need to inspire the team and ensure everyone works towards the same goal.
Why Do Project Managers Need a Project Management Tool?
We are living in a fast-paced world where technology is constantly changing. From planning to execution, there are many things project managers do daily. That’s why they need all the help they can get.
Project management tools help project managers to:
- Plan, track, and execute projects
- Stay organized and on track
- Communicate with the team
- Keep everyone on the same page
- Effectively manage remote teams
How Can VoicePing Help Project Managers?
VoicePing is a remote collaboration tool that helps project managers effectively manage their projects. With VoicePing, project managers can easily track progress and communicate with the team.
Key features for project managers:
- Project Tracking: See which tasks are completed and which are pending, plus the progress of each team member
- Project Timeline: View the project timeline, start/end dates, and duration of each task
- Project Report: Generate reports showing progress, completed tasks, pending tasks, and task durations
VoicePing has all the features that a Project Manager needs—from Project Tracking to Project Timeline. If you are looking for the best Project Management Tool, VoicePing is a clear choice.
Conclusion
No matter what business you’re in, project managers are essential. They play a vital role in ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the client’s satisfaction.
Planning, execution, and customer satisfaction are just some of the things project managers handle daily. Making sure that the project is a success is a big responsibility.
With the help of VoicePing, project managers can easily stay connected with their team and get the job done.
Try VoicePing free and see how it can help you manage your projects more effectively.
