5 Habits Every Project Manager Should Develop

Successful project managers work hard to develop habits that will make them successful. They learn these habits and action steps through education and experience. Good work habits are important because they make projects run smoother and more efficiently. The following five habits will help project managers lead their teams by example.

Habits for Being a Successful Project Manager

1. Share project data with the client regularly.

Give the client access to your project management software through a personal dashboard login. You will still want to schedule regular meetings by phone or text with the client to advise them about the project’s progress. 

These steps will help build a positive rapport with the client and build trust.  They also keep you on top of any questions or concerns the client may have. With regular communication, you will be able to take action quickly if the client requests changes that require the team to pivot after the project has been launched. Make an appointment with yourself in your calendar for one hour every week for the review. Analyze spending on the project to date compared to the budget. You will also want to look at the work in progress to see any places where team members have become bogged down in their work. 

2. Set aside time each week to review all open projects.

Make an appointment with yourself in your calendar for one hour every week for the review. Analyze spending on the project to date compared to the budget. You will also want to look at the work in progress to see any places where team members have become bogged down in their work. 

3. Reach out to team members proactively.

Instead of asking team members, “Is everything all right?” (A Yes/No – type of question), you might get a better response by asking, “What can I do to help you?” (stay on track/complete your tasks, etc.). If a team member feels overwhelmed by their task, show them how to break it down into more manageable chunks. If they find that working in a room with several other people is too distracting while trying to focus on their task, try to find a quieter space for them to work or let them wear noise-canceling headphones. Remind your team members that they can always ask for advice and get support if they get stuck. Let them know that everyone is working together to complete the project on time, and no one will get called out because they need help. As their project manager, you are there to assist. 

4. Dedicate some time to managing deadlines weekly.

Stay on top of deadlines by looking at messages and feedback received from your team weekly. Pay extra attention to anything that is causing task delays. Ask the team members involved what they need to get back on track to deal with the issue promptly and proactively. 

Remind your team members that they can always ask for advice and get support if they get stuck. Let them know that everyone is working together to complete the project on time, and no one will get called out because they need help. As their project manager, you are there to assist. 

5. Take time to do something new that will improve the quality of your work.

There is always something new to learn in the field of project management. Take time to invest in yourself by reading a book or taking a project management course. You will reap the benefit of encouraging higher productivity among your teams and become an even better project manager. 

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