You can assemble a top-tier team with deep subject matter expertise, but without a great project manager to lead, coordinate, and drive execution, even the most promising project can quickly lose momentum or fail altogether.
At Sustena, we grow project managers who can not only lead effectively but can be dropped into any type of project. Whether it is a branding project, a technical migration initiative, or strategic change management transformation, our adept Project Managers can quickly rise to the occasion. What sets them apart isn’t just adaptability, but a consistent approach grounded in six key techniques that shape how a project is run from day one.
- Sets Clear Roles and Responsibilities: A great project manager begins with a planning session to align the team on individual roles and responsibilities. This initial meeting not only sets the tone for team collaboration but also clarifies ownership across the project lifecycle. Being crystal clear about who is responsible for each task while in front of client stakeholders is especially important to show that the internal project team is organized. As the project evolves and circumstances shift, a great project manager continues to refine and reinforce these roles to ensure accountability remains clear, even when initial plans change.
- Builds and Reinforces Trust: A great project manager leads in a way that builds and sustains trust—both within the project team and with client stakeholders. Team members should feel safe being honest and bringing forward concerns, but that level of openness only comes when the project manager takes the time to genuinely listen and understand the individuals they’re leading. By building strong relationships, following through on commitments, and holding others accountable, a project manager earns credibility and reinforces a sense of reliability.
- Prioritizes Communication: A great project manager consistently prioritizes clear, concise communication across all channels. Whether it’s an email, a Slack message, or a client call, they understand how to tailor the method and tone to suit the message and audience, ensuring that information is delivered effectively and received as intended. Few things unsettle a project team more than a project manager who seems disconnected from the details or unaware of what’s slipping through the cracks. By staying intentional and proactive in their communication style, a project manager can minimize misunderstandings early on, ensuring that the project is on track and able to move forward smoothly.
- Keeps Calm and Carries On: A great project manager remains calm under pressure and absorbs stress, so their project team doesn’t have to. By minimizing stress and distractions, it helps create a more focused, confident and productive environment for the project team to be able to execute on their scope and deliverables. They are the shield for their team to deliver top-notch work!
- Owns Risk and Issue Management: A great project manager takes full ownership of identifying and mitigating risks. By thoroughly understanding the scope, the project team, and the client stakeholders from the outset, they can anticipate potential risks / issues and have mitigation strategies in place. A proactive project manager always comes to the table not just with concerns, but with actionable solutions to address any risks or issues that may arise.
- Be Authoritative and Approachable: A great project manager strikes the right balance between authority and approachability. Project managers who lead with confidence are respected by both internal teams and client stakeholders—when they speak, people listen. At the same time, they remain open and approachable, creating space for collaboration, honest feedback, and productive dialogue. This balance helps foster an environment where people feel both guided and understood.
