Project Manager

2 THE ROLE OF THE IT PROJECT MANAGER

This chapter looks at the role of the project manager in an IT organisation. It’s a big chapter and it covers:

• why the role exists;
• what makes a top performing project manager;
• the competencies and soft skills required to succeed in the role (technical skills, processes, tools and methods are covered in Chapter 3).

The term ‘IT project manager’ and ‘project manager’ are used interchangeably.

By the end of this chapter you will have a good idea of the behaviours, interpersonal skills and personality traits that will help you do well as an IT project manager. But first, let’s start with an awkward truth.

THE TROUBLE WITH BEING A PROJECT MANAGER

There’s one small problem with being a project manager.

If ...