Chapter 16.3: Project Manager Qualifications Flashcards
(15 cards)
What are the four main categories of project manager qualifications?
Personal characteristics, interpersonal skills, general business skills, and technical skills.
Name three essential personal characteristics of a project manager.
Flexible and adaptable; preference for initiative and leadership; effective communicator and integrator.
What does the acronym LEAR stand for in active listening?
Listen, Explore, Acknowledge, Respond.
What are two key aspects of interpersonal skills for project managers?
Actively listening and reading people.
Why must project managers be generalists rather than specialists?
Because they must handle diverse tasks, interact across disciplines, and manage time, cost, and human factors.
What is the importance of general business skills for project managers?
They must understand the organization and business, including marketing, accounting, HR, and contract management.
What must project managers understand to manage project schedules and resources effectively?
Cost estimation, budgeting, scheduling, contract agreements, and tools for planning and control.
What educational background is typical for high-technology project managers?
A STEM-related degree (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
Why must project managers understand technical languages and concepts?
To communicate with and integrate the work of technical experts.
What are the three sources from which project managers are typically selected?
From product/functional managers, subject-matter experts, and experienced project managers.
What is a challenge with selecting a project manager from outside the organization?
They may lack internal alliances, take time to learn organizational culture, and face political resistance.
What is the benefit of selecting a project manager from inside the organization?
They understand the culture, have relationships in place, and are less likely to be seen as politically biased.
What is the main drawback of promoting a subject-matter expert directly into project management?
They must first unlearn their technical specialty mindset and become generalists.
What percentage of Microsoft project managers learn the job through mentorship and on-the-job training?
90%
According to the chapter, what helps ease the burden when a project manager moves into the role?
Understanding the job, their authority, relationships, limits, and receiving senior management support.
