As a project manager who has navigated the project management world for over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with a variety of leaders. Some have been exceptional, while others struggled to lead effectively. Over the years, I’ve learned that a great supervisor (manager) is more than just about hitting deadlines, driving KPIs, assigning tasks, and providing feedback. They are a mentor, a coach, and a collaborator who inspires and empowers their team. Great leadership involves fostering an environment where your team thrives, delivering exceptional outcomes as a result.
Here’s what I believe defines a great manager in the project management industry and how you can recognize one in your team or organization:
1. Empathy is at the Core
A great manager leads with empathy. They understand that their team is made up of individuals with unique motivations, challenges, and ways of thinking. Rather than pushing people through the process, they adapt to each person’s working style and manage the team members to elevate them. From my own experience, I had a manager early in my career who took time to get to know my strengths and weaknesses. Instead of putting pressure on me to change overnight, he offered mentorship, provided tools for improvement, and checked in periodically. That empathy made me more loyal and motivated to grow in my role.
Tip: When looking for a great manager, pay attention to how they interact with their team members. Do they invest in their personal and professional growth, or are they focused solely on the task at hand?
2. Clear Vision, Flexible Approach
Great managers know where they’re headed, but they’re open to how they get there. In project management, having a clear vision is critical, but rigid adherence to a single path can be detrimental. A great manager sets clear goals but encourages collaboration and creativity in achieving them. One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned is that project timelines rarely go as planned. The best managers remain calm and persuade adaptive thinking, allowing their teams to come up with alternative solutions. They ensure the team stays focused on the end goal, but they don’t micromanage the details.
Tip: Look for managers who keep the team aligned on the big picture while allowing the team the flexibility to navigate challenges. These managers foster a problem-solving culture rather than a blame-shifting one.
3. Focus on Developing Others
Great managers don’t just manage—they mentor. They understand that their role is to develop future leaders, not just complete projects. They look for opportunities to stretch their team members’ skills and challenge them in ways that lead to growth. I’ve had the pleasure of working with a manager who was relentless in providing feedback and growth opportunities. They didn’t wait for annual reviews—they gave real-time feedback after meetings, presentations, and even day-to-day interactions. This constant loop of feedback, paired with trust, helped me refine my skills rapidly.
Tip: The best managers consistently invest in their teams. They celebrate small wins, offer constructive criticism, and provide the resources necessary for their team to succeed.
4. Exceptional Communication Skills
In the project management industry, communication is everything. A great manager is a strong communicator, both in terms of clarity and frequency. They ensure everyone knows the project’s status, the next steps, and any potential roadblocks. But beyond project updates, they also communicate expectations clearly and provide constructive feedback. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from great managers is the power of transparency. They communicate not just what’s happening, but why decisions are being made. When times get tough, they explain the challenges, rally the team, and work collaboratively toward a solution.
Tip: Watch for managers who actively listen and communicate with transparency. They should foster a culture of open dialogue where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
5. Resilience in the Face of Challenges
No project runs perfectly—client expectations shift, unexpected obstacles arise, and delays happen. A great manager remains resilient and composed under pressure. They don’t let setbacks derail the team’s progress or morale. In one of the most challenging projects I led, we faced numerous delays and shifting client requirements. Our manager kept us focused on the end goal and celebrated small wins along the way to keep morale high. Their calm, solution-focused approach kept the team motivated even in the most stressful times.
Tip: A great manager maintains a positive attitude in the face of challenges and encourages the team to do the same. They focus on solutions, not problems, and keep the team moving forward.
6. Creates a Culture of Accountability and Trust
One of the key hallmarks of a great manager is their ability to foster a culture of accountability and trust. They trust their team to deliver without constantly checking in, but they also hold them accountable when standards aren’t met. From my experience, I found that managers who micromanage every step of a project, and while it may yield short-term results, it often leads to burnout and dissatisfaction. Great managers empower their teams to own their responsibilities while holding them to high standards. They create an environment where mistakes are learning opportunities rather than something to fear.
Tip: Look for managers who strike the right balance between empowerment and accountability. They trust their team but are not afraid to step in when necessary.
7. Celebrates Successes and Recognizes Effort
Celebration and recognition go a long way in motivating a team. A great manager doesn’t just acknowledge the final delivery—they celebrate the small wins along the way and recognize the effort, not just the outcome. While I was working in a Japanese renewable energy company, I had a manager who highlighted both the individual and collective efforts of the team during project milestones. This constant recognition made the team feel appreciated, which led to higher engagement and commitment to the project.
Tip: A great manager values and celebrates the team’s contributions, no matter how small. They understand that recognizing effort fosters motivation and long-term loyalty.
Conclusion: The Impact of a Great Manager
In the project management industry, a great manager can mean the difference between a team that is barely surviving and one that is thriving. They lead with empathy, provide a clear yet flexible vision, and foster a culture of accountability, trust, and growth. They’re not just there to deliver on project objectives—they’re there to develop future leaders. For those of us who have had the pleasure of working under great managers, the experience is transformative. For those currently in managerial roles, it’s essential to reflect on whether you’re providing your team with the leadership they need to succeed.
What qualities do you think make a great manager? How has a great manager impacted your career? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
Disclaimers:
(1) The article has been published for education purposes only.
(2) The article has been written/edited by myself. The information described in the article is solely my personal opinion. This does not address any opinion by any of my previous or current employers.
(3) This article also has been published on my LinkedIn profile on September 18, 2024. Here is the URL of the published article.
