The Six Ps of Project Management

Project management is a complex, multi-layered task, that, when done well, can add tremendous value to an organisation. This begs the question: what are the considerations that make one project manager (PM) more successful than another? The answers require an examination of the technical skills necessary to be a PM, a discussion about whether project management excellence is an art or a science and the role of people skills.   

To put it in context, there are six critical characteristics PMs need to possess to execute projects well and advance in their careers. They include process, people, proficiency, passion, patience and perfection.  

Process

In-depth knowledge of project management processes is critical to a PM. Starting from the process groups per Project Management Institute's (PMI®) Project Management Framework from the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®), through the organisation-specific Project Management Life Cycle (PLC) processes to the scorecards and other reporting requirements, the PM needs to be up to date on the processes.  

Following a standard set of processes always helps the PM address challenging and ambiguous projects. Processes help the PM ask the right questions to the stakeholders to bring clarity to the scope and level of expectations set. Understanding the processes will ensure that there are no surprises.  

However, processes alone cannot make one a successful PM. The right application of the processes will make the PM successful. A PM needs to have the right skills and know when and how to use the available tools and practices. The PM also needs to tailor the processes as necessary for a given project. Knowledge of the processes, leveraging the right process at the right time and customising those processes for a given project are all equally important to the PM.&nbs...