A successful project needs a competent project manager. Sinead Gallagher offers five tips on how best to support project managers and achieve success.
Project management is essential for any business aiming to drive growth, stay competitive and adapt to future challenges. At the heart of every successful project is a skilled project professional. Empowering project managers to master their roles allows them to perform effectively and grow confidently, giving the company assurance that projects are delivered to high standards. Here are five tips for businesses on how to support project managers and drive success.
- Invest in Training and Development
A well-prepared project manager can make all the difference. Training project managers from the start – especially in core areas like planning, risk management and effective storytelling – equips them with the skills they need to handle projects confidently and independently. With proper support, project managers can follow company processes and maintain standards without constant oversight. Training also helps managers feel supported and empowered, which fosters a greater commitment to the company’s objectives and inspires trust within the team. - Prioritise Communication Quality Over Quantity
We’ve all heard it before, but it can’t be emphasised enough that clear, straightforward communication is critical for any successful project. The quality of communication often determines the quality of the project outcomes. This doesn’t mean filling everyone’s schedule with countless meetings. Meetings should have clear objectives and outcomes to ensure they’re productive and everyone is aligned. Simple language is also key – avoid industry jargon that may confuse or alienate team members. Finally, remember that sometimes saying nothing is just as powerful as speaking. After all, what you say, or choose not to say, reveals a great deal about who you are. - Encourage Collaborative Problem-Solving with a Positive Focus
Challenges are inevitable on projects, but how teams approach them makes a big difference. Problem-solving can be stressful, especially when a project has been derailed and “turned red” (a project manager’s nightmare!) To ease this stress, encourage teams to view problem-solving as “finding the path back to green.” This positive mindset focuses on identifying practical solutions and keeps the team working together toward a shared goal, rather than emphasising mistakes. Remind teams that they can course-correct and getting back on track is always within reach. - Carefully Select Project Management Solutions
Selecting the right tools isn’t just about ticking a box – it’s about providing project professionals with resources that save time, streamline tasks and support data-driven decisions. Today, numerous tools are available for businesses and professionals to enhance the efficiency of project management, so companies should properly evaluate solutions before investing to ensure they are user-friendly and add real value. - Align Project Goals with Business Objectives
Clearly defined project objectives that align with broader business goals are essential for driving success. Establishing expectations and key performance indicators (KPIs) from the outset provides measurable benchmarks to guide the team’s efforts and reinforces how their work contributes to the company’s mission. By working backwards from the end goal, teams can identify the necessary steps for success and understand the project’s value. This approach is a powerful reminder during challenging times, helping the team stay focused and committed to achieving their – and the organisation’s – objectives.
Sinead Gallagher is Director of Marketing and Communications for the Ireland Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI)
