The leadership skills developed by project managers will dictate their effectiveness. Numerous competencies guide leaders to achieve their objectives. Each of the skills is helpful throughout the project lifecycle (Callahan, 2011). For example, communication skills guide and empower followers to focus on the targeted goals. This discussion gives a detailed summary of the major competencies that define my leadership philosophy.
My Leadership Philosophy: Important Aspects
The first important skill for a project manager is the ability to promote diversity. This concept brings together followers from different backgrounds in an attempt to produce positive outcomes. People from diverse backgrounds offer appropriate contributions in their respective teams (Reflections on leadership, 2015). Project managers should empower others to achieve targeted goals. I always use this skill to empower, guide and encourage members of my team. I also encourage them to make mistakes and learn from them. The practice guides them to deliver quality results. Successful project leaders set the right direction for their teams and followers.
Project managers should use teams to deliver positive results. The concept of teamwork is critical in every project. Leaders should ensure the groups are characterized by people from different backgrounds. The group members should have diverse skills and competencies. The leaders should build trust and confidence in each team. Cross-functional teams should be embraced in an attempt to achieve sustainable results. The other useful skill is the ability to empower others. The skill guides team members to take up leadership responsibilities (Yang, Huang, and Wu, 2011). This idea guides members of a team to empower one another.
Successful project managers use high-performance teams (George, 2009). To develop such teams, project leaders should outline the best goals and expectations. Constant reviews should be used to monitor the performance of the members. Managers should provide the right resources and guidelines on time. By so doing, the teams will be able to deliver quality results.
Whenever implementing a project, managers should develop advanced competencies such as ethical leadership (Building relationship and ethical leadership, 2015). This practice promotes moral behaviors throughout the project lifecycle. The individuals should also be good problem-solvers and decision-makers (Reflections on leadership, 2015). Critical thinking guides leaders to analyze the major situations affecting their teams. The project manager should also be visionary. This skill is used to set the right direction and mission for the team.
Developing My Leadership Skills
I strongly believe that the skills possessed by project managers should be applied following the changing needs of the followers. Managers should also acquire new skills to deliver positive results. I will, therefore, embrace the concept of lifelong learning (Landis, Hill, and Harvey, 2014). The practice will equip me with new competencies as a project leader. I am planning to read a wide range of case studies. Such cases will outline the best competencies that can support my leadership philosophy.
The next plan focuses on the best practices to widen my experience. I will collaborate with project managers and team leaders in different projects. I will use every project as an opportunity to develop new skills. Books and scholarly articles outlining various project leadership competencies will be considered (Reflections on leadership, 2015). These initiatives will equip me with desirable skills and eventually make me a competent project manager.
References
Building relationship and ethical leadership (2015) Baltimore: Laureate Education Press.
Callahan, L. (2011) Creating high performance teams. Skill-soft Ireland Limited report. Unpublished.
George, W. (2009) Leadership is about empowering others to lead. Skill-soft Ireland Limited report. Unpublished.
Landis, E., Hill, D. and Harvey, M. (2014) ‘A synthesis of leadership theories and styles’, Journal of Management Policy and Practice, 15(2), pp. 96-100.
Reflections on leadership (2015) Baltimore: Laureate Education Press.
Yang, L., Huang, C. and Wu, K. (2011) ‘The association among project manager’s leadership style, teamwork and project success’, International Journal of Project Management, 29(1), pp. 258-267.