Why do more and more people need to be able to manage projects?
“This is related to trends in working life, which is increasingly change-oriented. As progress speeds up, companies must be more flexible. Projects offer a beneficial work format, in which both groups and individuals can develop new concepts and ideas.”
How is project management conducted at companies these days?
“As a word of caution, I would like to say that we have seen some inflation in starting projects, and that there are therefore too many in progress to keep them all under control and to benefit from them. In many cases, someone working alone on a task is referred to as a project manager, while it is clear to me that project management is a group-oriented approach. That’s where the strength lies – not in the title.”
What distinguishes a good project manager?
“Being goal and results-oriented and enjoying working with other people. There is often a willingness to try new things, a curiosity that distinguishes many skilled project managers. Once people have worked in a project format, they often don’t want to return to regular operations and appreciate the freedom and opportunities that project work offers. This includes accomplishing something together that no individual in the group could have achieved alone, and project work often means taking on complex assignments requiring the combined skills of the group.”
“Problems often arise where project managers put themselves first or do not trust their teams. This can lead to an unmotivated and disappointed group that fails to deliver. In the worst case, the group may even abandon the project manager.”
Could you tell us a little more about the program “Project Management – with leadership in focus”. How does it differ from other project management courses?
“It is a general program suited to all types of projects. Not only do we address the more formal aspects, such as describing the different phases of a project, instead we focus on what the challenges in our participants’ everyday lives look like and how to deal with them.
One thing we focus on in particular is the importance of understanding yourself, including your strengths and weaknesses. Your own identity is a useful tool and many people need to get to know themselves better to make full use of their strengths and to manage their weaknesses.”
What results can participants expect after completing the program?
“An understanding of what is important at work, and also often difficult. On leaving, participants should feel empowered to manage their projects back at home and they should feel secure in the role of project manager. The employer gains a more skilled project manager, while, for the team intended to work with the project manager, the objective is for the project manager to build a good working climate. Ultimately, of course, all of this leads to satisfied customers and improved delivery.”
According to Lennart, the program attracts people from a good mix of industries and educational backgrounds whose experience also varies.
“Some have a few years’ experience while others have extensive experience, but there are also those embarking on managing their very first project. This brings a nice dynamic and beneficial interaction, in which the role of mentor is often determined naturally.”
Questions? Please contact me:
Karolina Bardland
+46 70 738 36 33
karolina.bardland@exedsse.se
