The Essentials: Managing Projects

We’re in a project economy, where so much of our work is developing something new — a product, a service, an event. That means that many of us manage projects, even if “project manager” isn’t in our official job title. And we’re typically doing this work alongside others, on a deadline, often with multiple stakeholders involved, while objectives and circumstances continuously change. It’s not easy, and it’s no wonder that people get certified in project management: it’s a discipline that’s surprisingly deep, from planning to close-out.

A former clinical social worker who recently pivoted to project management has already experienced several of the most common challenges, including uncertainty, interpersonal conflict, and lack of responsiveness from the team. She and Amy B talk with an experienced project manager who shares tips for motivating and influencing others, communicating effectively, and solving problems.

Guest expert:

Tamara McLemore is a project manager who is certified by the Project Management Institute to train others in the discipline, and the founder of the Project Business Academy, through which she coaches people on what it takes to pass the Project Management Professional exam.

Resources:

• HBR Guide to Project Managementby Harvard Business Review
• Managing Projectsby Harvard Business Review
• “The Four Phases of Project Management,” by HBR Editors
• “Five Critical Roles in Project Management,” by HBR Editors
• “The Project Economy Has Arrived,” by Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez
• “Does Your Project Have a Purpose?” by Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez
• “Is Project Management the Right Career for You?” by Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez and Yasmina Khelifi

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