If asked, what exactly does a project manager do, the response would be – there is no typical task that a project manager is required to complete; it varies day to day depending on what a project needs. However, this is a very general answer, so let’s dive in deeper. Most of the working days start with coming to work, drinking coffee, reading the news and going through emails. Essentially, it doesn’t matter whether it is coffee, music, planning the assignments for the day, checking LinkedIn, or anything else for that matter that will assure me that I’m ready for the day. It’s very important to always try achieving more by investing attention wisely. Once I’ve made sure I’m prepared for the work, it’s time to check on the team. I need to get them ready and ready to start their day by confirming their assignments, and the activities; introducing plans for the day and potentially the whole week. After making sure everyone has a task to work on, my toil commences.
A project manager’s assignments fall under the wide umbrella of “keeping a project on goal.” I hold a lot of responsibility, from having to juggle day-to-day pressures, to constant deadlines. Project managers monitor the project at each stage. We make project goals our own and use our skills and expertise to inspire a sense of shared purpose within the project team. All resources, risks and benefits need to be identified from the beginning. Defining the concept, goals, approach and reason for a given project is crucial to its success. Before launching, I communicate these definitions to stakeholders and obtain their agreement. The project plan, budget and schedule are always based on the client priorities. However, as goals change or unexpected risks arise, the plan is amended to reflect schedule, budget and other modifications. Being able to provide quick solutions to unexpected hindrances in project implementation, I need to apply my prompt analytical skills in daily life. It’s important to be always full of creative ideas and provide alternative solutions to everyday obstacles faster than others. This means working with a wide variety of clients, understanding their vision and being able to articulate those ideas to the team who is responsible for bringing that vision to life.
What does the project manager’s checklist include?
- Good brief that will thoroughly explain the clients’ needs
- The budget that will determine what materials can be used in production.
- Brainstorming with the creative team.
- Fast and concrete communication! collecting feedback from both sides – client and production team.
- Looking over each completed task and making sure it fits the project’s needs, initiating revisions if it does not.
- Obtaining customer approval for each of stage- sketching, illustration and animation.
- Regularly checking up on the team to be always updated on where they are and which deliverable we’re putting out that particular week.
Project managers must be willing to deal with frequent interruptions, constant obstacles, requests, and other imperatives that need instant action. The golden rule for every project manager would be: ‘Your goal isn’t to achieve company goals alone. Your job is motivating the team to work toward a common goal’.
