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5 Core Responsibilities of A Project Leader

main responsibilities of a project leader

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42 views12 pages

5 Core Responsibilities of A Project Leader

main responsibilities of a project leader

Uploaded by

Getachew Gobena
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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5 Core Responsibilities of a

Project Leader
Here are the key responsibilities of a project leader while managing projects.

1. Planning Project Timelines &


Deliverables
One of the key project leadership roles is planning project timelines and
deliverables.

As a project leader, you get to play the role of a master architect, carefully
laying out the blueprints for the project’s success. But let’s be honest, even
the best-laid plans can go off track, so you need to be both a visionary and a
problem-solver.

The journey to achieving those desired outcomes begins with breaking down
the project into manageable phases and tasks.

First, gather your team and brainstorm together. Listen to their ideas and
insights – a good leader knows that the best solutions often come from
collective wisdom. Once you have a solid understanding of the project’s scope
and objectives, it’s time to set realistic timelines and establish clear
deliverables. Remember, you want your team to feel motivated, not
overwhelmed, so striking the right balance is essential.
Here, using a robust project management tool comes in handy. It lets you
create project dashboards that help convey scheduled tasks and their
timelines to everyone involved.
Let’s take the example of ProProfs Project to see what a project
dashboard looks like.
Read More: Project Planning: What Is, Importance, How to Implement, &
More
2. Assigning Tasks & Responsibilities to
Team Members
Now that we have our well-crafted project plan, it’s time to put our leadership
skills to work in task assignments! Think of yourself as a matchmaker, finding
the perfect pairing of tasks and team members.

You need to understand each team member’s strengths, weaknesses, and


interests. This way, you’ll ensure the right people are handling the right tasks,
increasing efficiency, and fostering a sense of ownership and enthusiasm.
But, hold on. Assigning tasks is not a one-and-done deal. It’s an ongoing
process that requires open communication. Be approachable and let your
team members know they can always discuss their roles and
responsibilities with you. As the project progresses, be ready to adapt and
reallocate tasks if necessary.
Utilize a tool to assign clear timelines and delegate tasks to team members.
Additionally, prioritize tasks to ensure that urgent ones receive immediate
attention.

3. Monitoring Project Progress & Ensuring


Adherence to Goals
Being a project leader, you are responsible for steering the project toward its
destination. But how do you ensure the project stays on course? With real-
time project tracking!
Keeping a keen eye on the project’s progress is crucial. Embrace technology
and use project management tools to track milestones, deadlines, and project
KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). This data will be your guiding star when
making informed decisions.

Leverage Gantt, Kanban and other project views to monitor progress and
identify areas where adjustments may be needed.
For example, with Gantt charts, you can easily track overlapping tasks and
avoid allocating the same resource to conflicting assignments. This
streamlines work and prevents excessive workloads, ensuring
smoother project execution.
Of course, it’s not all about crunching numbers and reviewing charts. You also
need to communicate regularly with your team – not just about deadlines and
metrics, but about their experiences, too.

Listen to their challenges, celebrate their successes, and provide support


when needed. A leader who shows genuine care and interest in their team
members’ well-being is more likely to steer the project to victory.
Again, you can use a tool to exchange ideas and collaborate on projects
via task comments.

4. Managing Project Risks & Resolving


Issues
Risk in project management is unavoidable. Among the crucial project
leadership roles is managing risks and resolving them timely.

As the project leader, you must be armed with the right tools and strategies to
fend off this pesky foe.
First, conduct a risk assessment with your team. Identify potential stumbling
blocks and develop contingency plans. Be proactive, not reactive.

When risks arise, take a deep breath, gather your team’s superpowers, and
face them head-on. A positive attitude and a calm demeanor will inspire
confidence in your team.

Remember, problem-solving is a collective effort, so encourage open


discussions and brainstorming sessions. The goal is not just to overcome
obstacles but to learn from them, making your team even stronger in the
process.
With the right tool, you can gain access to data-driven reports on project
profitability, comments, and overall summary. This helps gain insight into KPIs,
helping you make informed decisions.
Read More: Common Project Risks and How EPM Software is a Great
Solution

5. Communicating With Stakeholders &


Reporting Project Status
You’re nearing the completion of your project – congratulations, you’ve come
a long way!

But before you can bask in the glory of success, you must engage in one final
quest: communicating with stakeholders. Project leadership involves narrating
the project’s journey, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and overall impact.
Be transparent and honest in your communication. Keep stakeholders
informed about progress, setbacks, and any changes to the project’s direction.
When delivering updates, remember that not everyone speaks the language
of project management fluently, so break down complex jargon into easily
digestible insights.

As you share the story of your project, give credit where it’s due. Acknowledge
the hard work and dedication of your team members. And don’t forget to
celebrate the project’s successful conclusion.

It’s now time to familiarize yourself with the 6 essential skills for project
leadership!

6 Essential Skills for Project


Leadership
Take a look at the key project leadership skills in project management.
 Essential Skills for Project Leaders: These skills are crucial because they
form the foundation of effective project leadership. By mastering them,
project leaders can create a positive and productive work culture that
empowers the team to achieve their goals efficiently.
 Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication ensures
that everyone on the team is on the same page, understands their roles,
and receives clear instructions. Interpersonal skills help in building trust and
fostering strong working relationships, which are essential for collaboration
and teamwork.
 Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Abilities : Project leaders face various
challenges and obstacles throughout a project’s lifecycle. Being skilled in
decision-making and problem-solving allows them to make timely and
informed choices, resolve issues, and keep the project moving forward.
 Emotional Intelligence and Empathy: Understanding team members’
emotions and perspectives helps project leaders provide the necessary
support, motivation, and encouragement. Empathy enables them to
address concerns, boost morale, and create a positive work atmosphere
that enhances productivity.
 Adaptability and Flexibility: Projects rarely go exactly as planned.
Adaptability and flexibility is one of the key project leadership skills that
allow project leaders to respond to unexpected changes, adjust timelines,
and make necessary revisions without losing focus on the project’s end
goal.
 Visionary and Strategic Thinking: Having a clear vision and thinking
strategically helps project leaders set a direction for the project, align the
team’s efforts, and make informed decisions that lead to desired outcomes.
This skill ensures that the team stays focused and works towards a shared
purpose.

So you’re familiar with the skills now. But do you know that understanding the
unique demands of each industry is crucial for successful project
management?

Let’s understand how.

Project Leadership Across


Various Industries
Project leadership is a critical aspect of successful project management
across all industries. However, the specific skills, challenges, and approaches
required by project leaders can vary significantly depending on the industry
they operate in.

This section explores the differences in project leadership across various


industries and highlights how adaptability and specialized knowledge play
pivotal roles in achieving project success.

Construction Industry
Project leadership in the construction industry demands a deep understanding
of architectural design, engineering principles, and regulatory requirements.

Leaders must coordinate large teams of architects, engineers, contractors,


and laborers, while also managing tight timelines and budgets. Risk
management and safety protocols are paramount due to the potential for
physical harm and financial losses.

Information Technology (IT) Industry


In the fast-paced world of IT, project leaders face ever-changing technologies,
evolving customer demands, and rapidly shifting market dynamics.

These leaders must possess a strong technical background, as well as the


ability to foster innovation and manage cross-functional teams. Agile
methodologies are often preferred to respond quickly to changing
requirements.

Healthcare Industry
In the healthcare sector, project leadership requires a unique blend of medical
knowledge, administrative expertise, and interpersonal skills.

Leaders collaborate with medical professionals, administrators, and


stakeholders to implement new systems, improve patient care, and ensure
compliance with strict regulations, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act).

Creative Industry
Project leaders in marketing and advertising need to be creative visionaries
who can translate client objectives into compelling campaigns.

They work with designers, copywriters, and marketing specialists, and must
adapt quickly to dynamic market trends. Here, effective communication and
negotiation skills are essential for managing client expectations and delivering
successful projects.

Renewable Energy Industry


Project leadership in renewable energy focuses on sustainable solutions and
environmental impact.

Leaders in this industry navigate regulatory frameworks, conduct site


assessments, and manage multi-disciplinary teams. They must anticipate
logistical challenges and economic considerations to ensure the successful
implementation of renewable energy projects.

Steer Your Team to Success


as a Project Leader!
This blog covered the secrets to success with effective project leadership. A
project leader inspires, strategizes, and communicates effectively, recognizing
the value of their team’s growth.

By blending managerial skills with visionary thinking, they navigate challenges


with adaptability.

Remember to tailor your approaches to fit the intricacies of each sector while
maintaining a focus on achieving project objectives and delivering exceptional
results.

Now, it’s time to embrace your leadership potential, leave behind an inspiring
legacy and lead your projects to success!

Frequently Asked Questions


Is a project manager a leader?
Of course, project managers possess leadership qualities, as they handle
both parties (clients and teams). But project managers usually have too much
on their plate, and that’s why a person gets hired for the designation of a
project leader for smooth operations and team handling.
What is the difference between a project manager
and a project leader?
A project manager takes care of many aspects like client requirements,
staffing, deadlines, budget, etc. On the other hand, a project leader makes
sure that tasks are executed as per the plan and keeps an eye on the
performance of team members.

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