Attributes of the Successful Project Leader

Neal Whitten, PMP

PM Network 29 (June 1996)

Why are some project leaders more successful than others? Are there common traits that characterize successful project leaders, traits that set them apart from less successful, less effective leaders?

Like many, I have long had an interest in understanding why some leaders are more successful than others. Over the years, I have observed that the most successful leaders seem to do things and work with people in certain ways. I have converged on a set of common attributes that the most successful leaders seem to possess. These leadership attributes have worked for me, and I have seen them work for others. Being a leader carries a lot of responsibility, and ...

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