How to choose a project manager

Choosing the right project manager is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success of your projects and the overall effectiveness of your team. A project manager not only drives project completion but also orchestrates communication, solves problems, and ensures that the team remains aligned with the organization’s goals. Here are key considerations and steps to take when selecting a project manager:

1. Define the Role and Responsibilities: Before starting your search, clearly define what the role of the project manager will be within your organization. Consider the size and scope of projects they will manage, the level of authority and autonomy they will have, and how they will interact with other team members and stakeholders.

2. Identify Key Skills and Experience: A good project manager should possess a blend of technical and soft skills. Key skills include:
– Project Management Expertise: Familiarity with project management methodologies (like Agile, Scrum, Waterfall) is essential. Certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) can be a plus.
– Leadership and Communication Skills: They must be able to lead, inspire, and motivate a diverse team, as well as effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels.
– Problem-Solving Abilities: The capacity to anticipate potential issues and proactively address them is crucial.
– Adaptability: They should be able to adapt to changing situations and make adjustments to the project as necessary.
– Technical Proficiency: Depending on the project, technical skills related to the project’s area (IT, construction, healthcare, etc.) may be necessary.

3. Look for Relevant Experience: Experience in managing similar projects or working in the same industry can be a significant advantage. This ensures the project manager is familiar with common challenges and industry standards, and has a network they can leverage when necessary.

4. Evaluate Their Track Record: Look at the outcomes of the projects they have managed in the past. Successful project completion, budget management, and meeting deadlines are good indicators of their capability. References or testimonials can provide insights into their working style and effectiveness.

5. Assess Cultural Fit: The project manager needs to fit well with your company’s culture and values. Their approach to work and interpersonal skills should align with your organization’s way of working and ethos.

6. Conduct a Rigorous Interview Process: Use the interview to assess their understanding of project management principles and their ability to handle real-world scenarios. Behavioral interview questions can help you understand how they have handled situations in the past. Consider including scenario-based questions to assess their problem-solving and leadership skills.

7. Consider Their Ability to Manage Up and Across: The ideal candidate should be comfortable managing not only downwards but also upwards and across the organization. They need to manage expectations with upper management and negotiate resources and time, as well as collaborate across departments.

8. Leadership Style: Consider what leadership style is most effective for your team and projects. Whether it’s more directive or collaborative, the project manager’s style should help motivate the team and drive the project to successful completion.

9. Decision-Making Capability: A project manager must make decisions quickly and effectively. Assess their ability to balance speed and accuracy in decision-making.

10. Check for Emotional Intelligence: High emotional intelligence can greatly enhance a project manager’s effectiveness in handling team dynamics and dealing with stress and pressure.

11. Plan for an Evaluation Period: If possible, consider a trial period during which the project manager handles a small project or a part of a larger project. This can provide practical insights into their actual handling of tasks and interaction with the team.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select a project manager who not only has the technical skills to manage projects efficiently but also the leadership qualities to inspire and lead your team towards achieving strategic goals.