What Shouldn't A Project Manager Do?

Whether you're about to become a project manager for the first time or if you consider yourself a seasoned professional, there's always room for improvement when it comes to project management.

Far too much is published on what a project manager should do to become better in their job, while the focus is very rarely on what mistakes to avoid. Here are some classic fundamentals that should never happen while you're in the role of project manager. Some may seem obvious, but it can pay to remind yourself often, since we all do these from time to time:

Never take your eye off the ball

It sounds painfully obvious, but this can happen to any project manager. Lack of focus leads to mistakes, leading to scope creep, lapsed deadlines and projects going over budget. This is a particularly common mistake made by more experience project managers, because a cockiness and self-assurance creeps in.

If you've project managed a thousand times before, you may not be as aware and focused as you were when you started in the role - it's only natural to get confident and blase about some aspects of the project. Every now and again, ask yourself if you're giving each part of the project the attention and focus it deserves.

Don't surround yourself with friends, rather than talent

When in the position of project manager, you're also often in the position of employee, too. Many project managers make the classic mistake of surrounding themselves with people or friends they know, rather than the best person for the job. When putting a team together, try to be objective and look at the skills they are bringing to the project, rather than whether you'd enjoy a beer after work with them.

By all means, if your friend or colleague is indeed the star person for the role, then go ahead, but be aware that your personal opinions can sometimes harm a project.

Don't neglect your own skill gaps

Being elevated to the position of project management can give you a great dose of confidence, and for good reason. However, everyone has skills that they can improve on - just because you're now delegating a lot of project work to others doesn't mean you should neglect or gloss over your own skill set.

Not very good with numbers? Do an accounting course before you start to plan the project budget. Find it hard to control your temper with under-performing staff? Take an assertiveness course and hone your people management skills. It all adds to a better manager, which leads to better project results -meaning you'll get chosen to manage time and time again.

These are just three examples of the caveats that all project managers should be aware of. Success depends on avoiding the negative as well as producing the positive. Controlling both aspects - and being very self aware when in the role of project manager - can pave the way to success. Also, if these particular 'no-no's don't apply to you, then make a list of your own self-improvements, and your project staff will only respect you for it, and may even follow suit!