Project manager

A project manager is the person who has the overall responsibility for the successful planning and execution of any project.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The project manager must possess a combination of skills including an ability to ask penetrating questions, detect unstated assumptions and resolve interpersonal conflicts as well as more systematic management skills.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Key amongst his/her duties is the recognition that risk directly impacts the likelihood of success and that this risk must be both formally and informally measured throughout the lifetime of the project.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Risk arises primarily from uncertainty and the successful project manager is the one who focuses upon this as the main concern. Most of the issues that impact a project arise in one way or another from risk. A good project manager can reduce risk significantly, often by adhering to a policy of open communication, ensuring that every significant participant has an opportunity to express opinions and concerns.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It follows from the above that a project manager is one who is responsible for making decisions both small and large, in such a way that risk is controlled and uncertainty minimized. Every decision taken by the project manager should be taken in such a way that it directly benefits the project.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~