Reflection: Identify the essential skills of a project manager

1. In this exercise, you’ll practice identifying core project management skills. Read the scenario below and try to identify the skills the project manager uses. Specifically, you can identify the skills discussed previously, and consider when the project manager:

   • Enables decision-making

   • Communicates and escalates

   • Demonstrates flexibility

   • Applies organizational skills

     Are you ready?

     I'm ready!

2. Scenario: Planning a Corporate Retreat

   An event planning team of five is tasked with planning a corporate retreat for a business with 85 employees. This retreat involves hundreds of to-dos, a large budget, client-initiated changes, and important discussions with the client. The project manager knows there is a lot to do, and they are ready to lead the way.

Right from the beginning of the project, the project manager creates a spreadsheet to track what needs to get done in the project, and what teammates are working on. They also send status update emails twice per week to the stakeholders.

The project has a $100,000 budget. There are many items to purchase and rent, including venue space, retreat materials, food, chairs, and tables. The project manager allows each one of their teammates up to $3,000 in expenses, with anything over requiring an approval.

Shortly after the project begins, the client decides they want to slightly change the theme of the project to focus on the future instead of the past. The project manager has to work with several team members to implement the changes which include graphic design, retreat materials, and signage.

Throughout the process of changing the theme of the retreat, the project manager works closely with the client by phone, email, chat, and video to ensure that the theme updates meet their expectations.

There is an award-ceremony dinner at the end of the retreat. The deadline to finish scheduling the dinner is in two days. Several crucial decisions need to be made: the menu, lighting, and presentation music. To make sure the deadline is met, the project manager has a video meeting with the client to ensure the dinner choices meet their expectations.

I've read the scenario!

3. How did the project manager enable decision-making in the project? Write 1–3 sentences.

    The project manager enabled decision-making in the project by fostering open communication among team members, encouraging collaboration, and ensuring that all relevant data and insights were readily accessible. By implementing structured processes for gathering input and feedback, the project manager created an environment where informed decisions could be made quickly and effectively. Additionally, setting clear goals and priorities helped streamline the decision-making process, ensuring alignment with the project's overall objectives.
   

4. How did the project manager communicate and escalate in the project? Write 1–3 sentences.

    The project manager communicated regularly with stakeholders through structured updates, meetings, and status reports, ensuring everyone was informed of progress and potential challenges. When issues arose that required higher-level intervention, the project manager escalated them promptly by outlining the problem, its impact, and proposed solutions, facilitating timely decision-making and resource allocation. This proactive approach to communication and escalation helped maintain project momentum and alignment with stakeholder expectations.
   

5. How did the project manager remain flexible in the project? Write 1–3 sentences.

    The project manager remained flexible in the project by actively monitoring progress and being open to adjusting plans as new information and challenges emerged. They embraced an adaptive leadership style, allowing for changes in scope or timelines based on team feedback and evolving project requirements. This willingness to pivot and find alternative solutions helped ensure that project goals were still met, even in the face of unforeseen circumstances.
   

6. How did the project manager use strong organizational skills in the project? Write 1–3 sentences.

    The project manager used strong organizational skills by creating detailed project plans that outlined tasks, timelines, and resource allocations, ensuring that every aspect of the project was clearly defined and easily accessible. They employed project management tools to track progress and deadlines, facilitating efficient coordination among team members and stakeholders. Additionally, regular reviews and updates helped maintain focus and prioritize tasks, which contributed to the project's overall success.
   

---