Tasks and principles for selecting a project manager

The design principle of work is becoming more and more widespread in practice. This is a modern format that has proven its worth. The leader plays the main role in managing the processes occurring during the design work. In carrying out his functions, he decides how the work should go and who should be involved in its implementation. Not every specialist is capable of fulfilling the role of a project manager.

Features of activity

The project manager often solves problems on an equal basis with other participants. At the same time, he is the main responsible person, who is asked the timing of the work and the results achieved. It happens that this position is introduced only to coordinate the actions of the participants.

The tasks to be performed by the project manager are as follows:

• formation of the organizational structure of the project;
• distribution of responsibilities among project participants and setting goals for each of them;
• development and coordination of the calendar plan, work plan;
• conclusion of the necessary contracts;
• development and submission of reports in the course of work;
• project progress control;
• motivation of the working group members;
• attraction of additional specialists for project implementation;
• coordination of specialists' actions;
• compiling a list of necessary resources;
• efficient allocation of resources;
• presentation of project results to customers or senior management.

Some projects involve employees who have a position in the organization. While work is being carried out, they are released from their direct functional duties.

The project manager may not be a senior management representative. It is also not subject to the requirement to belong to a company. This position can be given to a freelancer if the work under his direction is well done.

Manager selection criteria

In order for the project to be effective, you need to carefully consider the process of selecting its participants. There are special requirements for the leader. The project manager should not only be a responsible employee, but also have a wide range of competencies. Basic requirements for this position:

• the presence of leadership qualities;
• strategic thinking;
• ability to create and analyze financial documents and estimates;
• have the technical skills to understand the project assignment;
• have relevant education and experience;
• be able to establish a communication system, since work on a project may involve the involvement of specialists from different countries and their remote participation;
• ability .

It is believed that the project manager should be appointed immediately after the preparation of the terms of reference. He and other team members will be less involved in the work planning process.

Personal qualities of a manager

When choosing a suitable candidate, great attention is paid to what personal qualities he possesses. Among the most relevant:

• good ability;
• openness and communication skills;
• stress resistance;
• a high level of diligence and responsibility, otherwise the work on the project will not be completed on time;
• good abilities in the field of logical thinking;
• the presence of a large number of connections that can be used to solve the problem;
• the opportunity to take on the function of the performer, including to demonstrate the required level of work to the involved participants.

It is important that the person who is going to be made a manager in the process of carrying out design work wants to play the role of leader. Lack of interest, desire, or motivation will result in the task being performed poorly.

How to choose a leader?

If customers or the top management of the organization successfully cope with setting the task, then it can be difficult to select a person for the position of project manager. In such a situation, in order to find the right candidate, their own personnel departments or third-party agencies are involved. For the selection of a specialist, the basic requirements for him and the tasks that will be set for him must be formulated.

It should also be clearly stated:

• the level of wages;
• a list of programs with which the applicant must be able to work;
• the need for physical presence at the project site;
• psychological portrait of the candidate and his experience;
• the need for business trips;
• knowledge of a foreign language and its level.

The average salary of a person who is involved in the position of "project manager" is from 70 thousand rubles. Participation of the agency in his search will require expenses in the amount of 10-20% of the annual income of the future employee.

Where are leaders trained?

In the modern market of educational services, there are many programs and formats that allow anyone to master project management. Such a wide range makes it difficult to choose a specific course.

The main forms of obtaining the necessary skills:

• Educational programs of universities that issue a document confirming the completion of training and obtaining the necessary competencies. These may be retraining or advanced training programs.
• Participation in trainings, seminars and other programs conducted by specialized agencies or individual experts in the field.
• Training during the implementation of other projects.
• Participation in conferences, professional associations, allowing you to acquire not only special, but also.

The work to be carried out may have different time horizons. Sometimes the project manager, for various reasons, is replaced by another, if his participation is no longer possible. Nevertheless, it is undesirable to change the manager in the course of performing tasks, since his ideas and principles for the distribution of powers may not coincide with the opinion of another specialist. This will lead to delays.