Comments on: Anatomy of an Effective Project Manager http://www.pmhut.com/anatomy-of-an-effective-project-manager Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:19:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Ananda http://www.pmhut.com/anatomy-of-an-effective-project-manager/comment-page-1#comment-23260 Ananda Mon, 02 Aug 2010 22:05:40 +0000 http://www.pmhut.com/?p=5844#comment-23260 I agree with most of the authors' recommendations. I also agree with the person who suggested that introversion does not exclude someone from being an excellent project manager--I've heard of several candidates who might qualify: who can give presentations and lead groups, etc. (these are all INTJs, but any I*** will do): Arnold Schwarzenegger, Augustus Caesar, C. Everett Koop, Calvin Coolidge, Chevy Chase, Dan Akroyd, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Gen. Colin Powell, Hannibal Barca, James K. Polk, Thomas Jefferson. Introversion, like extroversion, is inborn and hard-wired, but each type can learn to "pass" in the other's relative environment. Forcing introverted children, however, to “come out of their shell” could be harmful. Many software developers are quite introverted (think data, not people), and who better to move, touch, and inspire them than someone who can identify in terms of temperament? Extroverted people may tend to exhibit a natural comfort in such situations and are at an advantage. Extraverted people also tend to think that everyone is like them; introverts know it isn't so. Fortunately, these temperaments are not dualist; they occur on a continuum. I agree with most of the authors’ recommendations. I also agree with the person who suggested that introversion does not exclude someone from being an excellent project manager–I’ve heard of several candidates who might qualify: who can give presentations and lead groups, etc. (these are all INTJs, but any I*** will do): Arnold Schwarzenegger, Augustus Caesar, C. Everett Koop, Calvin Coolidge, Chevy Chase, Dan Akroyd, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Gen. Colin Powell, Hannibal Barca, James K. Polk, Thomas Jefferson. Introversion, like extroversion, is inborn and hard-wired, but each type can learn to “pass” in the other’s relative environment. Forcing introverted children, however, to “come out of their shell” could be harmful. Many software developers are quite introverted (think data, not people), and who better to move, touch, and inspire them than someone who can identify in terms of temperament? Extroverted people may tend to exhibit a natural comfort in such situations and are at an advantage. Extraverted people also tend to think that everyone is like them; introverts know it isn’t so. Fortunately, these temperaments are not dualist; they occur on a continuum.

]]> By: Stu Tanquist http://www.pmhut.com/anatomy-of-an-effective-project-manager/comment-page-1#comment-23181 Stu Tanquist Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:39:05 +0000 http://www.pmhut.com/?p=5844#comment-23181 Thank you for the interesting article. I tend to think of introversion and extroversion in degrees rather than either/or. Individuals tend to have both introverted and extroverted qualities, with some people leaning strongly one way or the other. Both offer important advantages (and disadvantages) to project managers. In my opinion, someone who is more introverted than extroverted can be a great project manager as long as they can have the necessary extroverted characteristics. On a different note, I’d like to suggest an additional core personal characteristic: Be an effective communicator – especially written communication. Project managers could excel in all five of stated characteristics, yet struggle to get things done because of how they write. Rambling emails, letters, and reports create confusion and result in inaction. Skilled project managers write a forecasting subject line, put what needs to get done in paragraph one, support their need with the why or how, and conclude with a sense of urgency. Effective business writing makes a huge difference in the ability of the project manager (and the team) to meet important deadlines and keep projects on target. Call it a strategic advantage that begins at the keyboard. Thank you for the interesting article. I tend to think of introversion and extroversion in degrees rather than either/or. Individuals tend to have both introverted and extroverted qualities, with some people leaning strongly one way or the other. Both offer important advantages (and disadvantages) to project managers.

In my opinion, someone who is more introverted than extroverted can be a great project manager as long as they can have the necessary extroverted characteristics.

On a different note, I’d like to suggest an additional core personal characteristic: Be an effective communicator – especially written communication. Project managers could excel in all five of stated characteristics, yet struggle to get things done because of how they write.

Rambling emails, letters, and reports create confusion and result in inaction. Skilled project managers write a forecasting subject line, put what needs to get done in paragraph one, support their need with the why or how, and conclude with a sense of urgency.

Effective business writing makes a huge difference in the ability of the project manager (and the team) to meet important deadlines and keep projects on target. Call it a strategic advantage that begins at the keyboard.

]]>