Project Management Leadership

Question: Describe about the project management leadership. Answer: This paper attempts to review a journal article that is based on project management in leadership context. The article has been reviewed and the lessons learned from it have been carefully identified and analysed. The journal article that has been reviewed is titled Leadership Techniques for Project Managers and the writer is Bonnie Cooper, PMP, who has extensive experience in Information Technology. This journal article highlights various effective leadership techniques for Project Managers. The article talks about the concept of leadership, raining provided to project managers, various roles and responsibilities of project managers, challenges faced by project managers, and the leadership skills that efficient and productive project managers possess (Cooper, 2010). This journal article by Bonnie Cooper has explained that the most interesting and apt definition of leadership is the one given by American social critic, journalist and author Vance Packard. The definition says that lea dership is the skill or art of getting others or the subordinates to take up a task or do something you feel must be done. In addition to this, a major part of the journal article explains the fundamental behaviours of project management leadership and throws light upon effective ways of infusing active and dynamic leadership into methods of project management. In this way, the article has also demonstrated the application of the project management science that was originally found in the chemical industry before World War II (Kwak, 2003). It has been mentioned in the article that despite doing everything in an appropriate and effective way, most project managers feel that they are not being able to pay much attention to their respective projects. Most of them also feel that even though they manage and accomplish an effort, other people often tend to have a more powerful influence and impact over whatever happens (Cooper, 2010). Another thing that has been talked about in the articl e is that most project managers are often confused about the perfect combination of skills that a project manager must possess in order to come out as an effective leader.Further, the article says that in order to understand and overcome the above misperceptions, the project managers are provided training for controlling the three major project influences of budget, schedule and scope. The article also highlights that the project managers are trained mainly to understand and analyse the nuances and tones of team dynamics. It has been described how some of the leadership traits can actually elevate the game of a project manager when combined with a set of skills of project management (Kwak Anbari, 2009). The fundamental behaviours of project management that have been explained in the article include certain qualities that project managers must demonstrate in order to be effective leaders (Cooper, 2010). They are as follows: A passion for learning: Regular learning and training means staying relevant and productive. Learning and training also means developing and harnessing new innovative ideas that may challenge the present circumstances or business situation (Cascio, 2010). The article suggests that a passion for learning in a project manager means he/she curiously asks questions, passionately connects the dots, gains in-depth insights, believes in getting beyond the superficial, and gaining a data base that positions him/her as a go-to professional. A personal dedication towards success: It has been pointed out in the article that commitment, as well as dedication fuels accountability and responsibility which automatically transforms into positive behaviours. The author says that a project manager must always be ready to advocate at all levels, be it for identifying what encourages an employee and providing it, helping the subordinates get unstuck, or empowering the stakeholders who do not have a say in decisions. This helps in personal and organisational growth. Taking calculated risks: The author says that the project managers should not only focus onto mitigating or eliminating risk, but also keep in mind that there is always an opportunity aspect of every risk. The article indicates the importance of taking calculated risks when managing a project. For example, a calculated risk in the context of a project is to mentor or train a less skilled subordinate or to try a latest technology, knowing that it may require additional costs or slow down various processes, but the outcome, if successful, will be advantageous for the project. Delegating effectively: As per the article, delegating effectively results in a dynamic atmosphere. By doing so, a project manager become capable of focusing onto activities of higher level project management and all the team members are empowered to make substantial contributions. All of these leadership traits have been aptly described by the author in this journal article. It is vital for a project manager to demonstrate these essential trains in order to be effective and successful leaders. Lessons Learned A large number of lessons were learned from this journal article. The most crucial lesson was based on the essential leadership behaviours that emphasise motivating, direction and goal setting, and alignment. These behaviours include a passion of learning, taking calculated risks, personal commitment and dedication to success, and delegating effectively. This set of skills which make a project manager a more proficient and dynamic leader provided in the article effectively help the reader learn about the leadership techniques for essential for project managers (Lewis et al 2002). The article has also helped in learning a set of standards for the project management community. This article is an eye-opener for the project managers to adopt and apply efficient project management and leadership skills. Conclusion This journal article has emphasized upon the set of skills that makes a project manager a more proficient and dynamic leader. It can be concluded from the blog that this article has helped in bringing more interest in different areas of the project management and leadership skills development such as risk management, quality management and group dynamics.The innovative ways for infusing active and on the go leadership into project management methods that have been provided in the journal article are efficient enough to help project managers become more proficient in carrying out their day-to-day tasks and getting things done from their subordinates in an effective manner.The article is an eye-opener about how the project managers can easily incorporating certain leadership behaviours, as well as skills in order to be more efficient and productive. References Cascio, W. F. (2010). Managing a virtual workplace.The Academy of Management Executive,14(3), 81-90. Cooper, B. (2010). Leadership techniques for project managers. Lewis, M. W., Welsh, M. A., Dehler, G. E., Green, S. G. (2002). Product development tensions: Exploring contrasting styles of project management.Academy of Management Journal,45(3), 546-564. Kwak, Y.H. (2003). BRIEF HISTORY OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT. Quoram Books. Kwak, Y. H., Anbari, F. T. (2009). Analyzing project management research: Perspectives from top management journals.International Journal of Project Management,27(5), 435-446.