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We all know that projects are full of problems. Our daily business as project managers is a never-ending fight for resources, with ever changing requirements, budget cuts and unwanted delays.

Correct?

Projects are volatile, full of risks and sometimes even decorated with incompatible goals. I am not exaggerating when I say: This is what our business is like, nothing to be done about it.

Really nothing? No ideas? Continue reading →

… that moment when you were appointed to manage your first project ever – you probably didn’t have a clue what your new role was all about. Suddenly, being an expert in your field was not sufficient anymore. Suddenly, you need to get on with things no one ever told how to do – maybe you are not even sure, what exactly your new duties include.

For new-born project managers the situation above is more common than one might actually think. But even after years of experience, it is always worth to think and re-think your role in your project.

All too often we ‘technically’ know what our role is, but we are still not really aware of it. On some days, we might just behave like ordinary team members. Doing a good job probably, but not the work of the project manager. Especially if you work with a small team, you very often need to do also a lot of the practical project work. It could be that as little as 20% of your time is assigned to the actual managing of the project. If this is the case, then it is quite easy to forget about those 20% altogether.

Therefore, be aware of your role. Live your role! See it as a chance to develop and become a better manager.

The following hints might help you on your way: Continue reading →