How to Become an Accidental Project

Manager

First, there is no easy one line answer or formula to becoming a project manager. In this article I explore what aspiring project managers can do to exploit any opportunities that exist and give themselves the best chance of entering the project management profession, and ultimately becoming a project manager.

There are many articles written on the subject that explore the need for experience, certification and skills. In this article I'm going to look at the problem from a new angle - the 'accidental' project manager.

There's a well-known quote by Colin Bentley, author of many project management books, "Why do so many professionals say they are project managing, when what they are actually doing is fire fighting?" This suggests there are many businesses struggling to deliver projects effectively.

Looking back in my career I can see I often got to run great projects because I was in the right place at the right time. On other occasions the person engaging me had very little idea about running projects, but of course didn't like to admit it. They were desperate for help.

Although less prevalent since the rise of project management certifications, I've seen plenty of projects delivered not through good project management practice, but by personal heroics, overtime and sheer bloody minded endeavour. The project team ended up exhausted, demoralised and flicking through the 'positions vacant' in the trade press.

So where am I going with this? Don't assume all projects run flawlessly, following PRINCE2, PMBOK or other methodology. There are plenty of opportunities if you look for them. Senior managers are looking for people to run their projects now. All you need to do is seek them out, convince them you have the skills they need, and take on the challenge.

Look for any opportunity you can. There are many accidental project managers out there who fell into the profession to fill a need. Sometimes 'lazy' executives take the easy way out and engage the person in front of them.

What can you do to help increase your chances of becoming an accidental project manager?

1. Get that all important certification. It doesn't matter which one, as likely the person engaging you will not know his PRINCE2 from PMBOK. They'll take comfort in the fact you are certified.

2. Prepare an elevator speech to convince any executive that you know how to manage projects.

3. Actively seek opportunities in your business, ask questions around the water-cooler. What projects are coming up, who's gone sick, are we recruiting project managers?

4. When an opportunity arises pull out all the stops to manage it to a successful conclusion, using a proven methodology of course.

What you don't know about the business you work in may surprise you. I've often been asked if I know any good project managers for a particular assignment. Likely if someone had asked, they'd have been given the project.

In summary...

Many people have fallen into project management to fill a gap and found themselves a career. Don't neglect your studies and skills development, but equally don't wait for opportunities to present themselves, seek them out and maximise your chance of becoming an 'accidental' project manager.

SOURCEhttp://certifications-review.blogspot.in/2013/11/how-to-

become-accidental-project-manager.html