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Master these skills to build trust and encourage productivity
At WG Content, we’ve learned from our own experiences that it takes a great deal of planning and coordination, across multiple teams and stakeholders, to get any project off the ground. And while it’s true that having access to the best project management tools certainly makes a difference, we’d argue that it’s even more important to master a handful of important skills—ones that build trust and encourage productivity. With a little honing, they can be even more valuable than the most intuitive software or well-defined process.
1. Communicate often and well
We aren’t just mentioning communication first because we’re sticklers for alphabetical order. It’s first because we wholeheartedly believe effective project management can’t happen without it.
To manage the people, processes and priorities of each project, project managers must fully understand the big picture—and then relay that information in a way that allows their team to fulfill them through the strategy and content they deliver. Keeping things on track takes active listening, a penchant for detail and continuous conversation on all sides.
It also helps to offer a variety of ways to collaborate. From texts, emails and @mentions to scheduled video calls and shared virtual spaces, providing multiple avenues will keep the lines of communication open (and your project moving).
2. Collaborate with colleagues across specialties
Just like most things in life, it takes a village to create content and develop strategies: clients with a clear goal in mind, subject matter experts with important insights, driven strategists who create a solid plan, talented writers who bring content to life and skilled editors to make sure all the I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed.
Bringing these talented folks together and keeping teams focused and motivated towards a collective goal are some of the most important roles an agile project manager plays. It takes both a level head and a willingness to dip their toes in every step of the process.
With so many people counting on us to keep projects running smoothly, on time and within budget, project managers also sometimes need a fresh perspective. That’s why we’re intentional at WG Content about trading ideas often and asking for input when solving problems. In fact, some of our best ideas come from colleagues who aren’t as closely tied to the project at hand.
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3. Understand your team at a deeper level
Understanding and accepting our own—and one another’s—strengths and weaknesses is engrained into our way of life at WG Content. In fact, we take time whenever we can, both individually and as a team, to understand our Enneagram types and how to apply our learnings in our everyday work. With greater insight into each person’s perspectives and motivations, project managers can learn how to tailor their communications, react in tough situations and keep everyone on the team comfortable.
Today, more so than ever, healthcare systems rely on technology and automation to keep deliverables on track. These tools are essential when managing multiple projects. But they’re tools, and that’s why we believe it’s equally important to have the human-centered skills—critical thinking, emotional intelligence, negotiation, and problem-solving, to name a few—for successful collaboration and communication with diverse stakeholders.
4. Be curious and think outside of the box
A good project manager is expected to be analytical, organized and laser-focused on deadlines, schedules and budgets. But while we’re in the weeds, we can’t afford to lose our curiosity. In fact, curiosity is one of WG Content’s core values. It’s part of who we are.
A curious project manager can best understand a client’s pain points, help them solve problems, find opportunities for improvement—and respectfully implement them, ultimately impacting the success of both current and future projects. They are also equipped to share industry best practices and offer out-of-the-box ideas.
5. Resolve to be flexible
While it’s important to know when to reel in a project that’s veering off, it’s just as important to have a bit of grace when it comes to pivots and last-minute changes. That’s where flexibility comes in. The most effective project managers recognize the importance of adapting and understand that even well-planned projects can encounter unexpected challenges. We believe staying flexible will keep us (and our clients) sane and pave the way towards mutual success.
Let the project management pros at WG Content help
Now, we’d love to learn from you. What do you think makes a successful project manager? Share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn.
Need a project management pro? WG Content is ready to jump in and help with your content marketing projects. From website overhauls to yearly editorial calendar development to health and wellness blogs, case studies and white papers, you can count on us to manage it all, so you can focus on your strategic business and marketing goals. Drop us a line to learn more.
This blog was updated on February 21, 2024. It was originally published on August 1, 2018.
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