I've worked with a lot of project teams over the years. And no matter what organization they're working for or where they are in the world, I've noticed the most successful project managers are always ready for action.
Instead of waiting for an opportunity to come their way, they're constantly on the lookout. They're willing to act on instinct, without endlessly analyzing everything. They make mistakes but never quit.
Here are some other qualities of project managers who take initiative:
1. They know what they want.
Author Napoleon Hill once said, “The starting point of all achievement is desire.” I never start a new project without a clear purpose, mission, scope and list of objectives. When I've asked project managers from all across Europe why they believe they're successful, their answer is the same: At the outset of a project, they have clear expectations, so they're positioned to move forward.
2. They push themselves to act.
I follow the principle, “You can if you will.” In my case, what motivates me every day is a belief in my profession. Effective project managers make it a regular practice to push beyond their comfort zone.
3. They take more risks.
Proactive people push themselves to act. They're willing to take a gamble now and then. They also know when to walk away from a situation that's just not worth it.
4. They make more mistakes.
The good news is that those project managers willing to take initiative make things happen. The bad news is that they also tend to make a lot of mistakes. IBM founder Thomas J. Watson recognized that when he remarked, “The way to succeed is to double your failure rate.”
Are you the type who takes initiative? If you haven't pushed yourself lately, you may need a jump-start. Try the following:
- Change your mindset. Determine why you hesitate to take action. Does risk scare you? Are you discouraged by past failures? Do you fail to see the potential that an opportunity offers? You won't be able to move forward until you identify the source of your hesitation and address it.
- Don't wait for opportunity to knock. Take stock of your assets, talents and resources. Then, be on the lookout for people or teams in need of your skills. Who could really benefit from your expertise? Opportunity is everywhere.
- Make the jump. It's one thing to see opportunity; it's another to actually do something about it. Pick the best one and pursue it as far as you can. Chances are your project, your organization and your career will all benefit. PM
Alfonso Bucero, MSc, PMP, is an independent consultant who manages projects throughout Europe and Asia. He is the author of Project Management—A New Vision and Today Is a Good Day: Attitudes for Achieving Project Success, coauthor of Project Sponsorship: Achieving Management Commitment for Project Success and contributor to Creating the Project Office and Project Management Circa 2025.