Junior Project Managers are a huge advantage in the initial few months. This role requires that the person learns the craft. How can you reap the rewards of your position and build a solid foundation for your career? [iStock/Tsyhun] I taught about 12 junior project managers. They all behave the same.
A new PM arrives at the office for the very first time. He or she seems a little confused and lost. It’s okay. Then, you show them around and begin aquatinting.
They find it difficult to take notes about these people. They only remember a small number of stakeholders.
I then tell them more about the project. After I’m done, they can ask me any questions.
They don’t usually have any questions. They don’t know what questions to ask. They don’t know what is important. If you feel the exact same, read the article on questions junior project managers should ask.
This is not what I want to see. It is time that you have been allocated for professional development. There is a better method.
What would the ideal behavior of a junior manager of a project?
1. Give your all to work
A rapid professional growth requires that you devote at least three months of your daily life.
It can seem that a newcomer is extremely motivated and eager to work. They feel that they have time to improve their speed. They are waiting for the right moment to take over responsibility. Until then, a senior project manager will be in charge.
A junior project manager does not have a time margin. There is no steep responsibility.
Spend all of your free time on these things:
Learning
Authority in the team
Building relationships with stakeholders
2. Be proactive
You are determined, but don’t know where to start. Be proactive.
No one will judge you based on the questions you ask. Only your answers and the value you provide will determine how well you are.
Communicate. Find people who are willing to help and explain.
Talking and asking questions will make up about 90% of your time. You need to feel comfortable asking people any kind of question. As Soon as Possible
3. Get Organized
There is always a lot of information at the beginning. Policies, processes, stakeholders and contacts. Templates, questions, and tasks.
Everyone will assume that you remember all of this information the first time. Nobody will bother to check that. Until you make an error.
You need a way of organizing everything efficiently. Here’s a tip. Do it with your head.
For your emails, create a system of folders. Evernote can be used to organize your information. All your tasks in one place.
4. Analyze Stakeholders
It is a common practice to get to know other prominent people within the office. It is important to use it well.
This is your chance to conduct initial stakeholder analysis. Ask a few questions and don’t be afraid to ask.
What is your role within the organization?
What are your primary roles, responsibilities and responsibilities with regard to my project?
Is there anyone else I could meet?
Take note of the answers. Next, ask your senior PM the exact same questions about the person. Compare the results.
You can find out how someone positions himself and how he actually acts. It will reveal his interest in the project and his power.
Another tip: You must ensure that you do not mess with the stakeholder management plan of your senior project manager. Don’t allow yourself to have any influence on the project. Keep to the same strategy.
5. Check out a PM Book
Study a book about project management. Choose one that is closest to the environment in which you will be working. Ask your new colleagues. They may be able to help.
I can recommend you PMP Exam Prep Eighth Edition – Updated Rita’s Course In a Book for Passing The PMP Exam Eighth edition.