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The Unseen Art of Project Management: A Journey Marked by Lessons Learned

Lori Gordon

I never set out to be a project manager. But when I was offered the opportunity to manage projects and client interactions at a marketing company, I knew it was a challenge I couldn't pass up.

I had no formal training in project management, but I was eager to learn. I enrolled in online courses, read a lot of books including Project Management for Dummies, and Make It So: Leadership Lessons from Star Trek: The Next Generation. But the best way I learned was by doing.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning how to guide my team without micromanaging them. I wanted to give them the freedom to make mistakes and learn, but I also needed to make sure the project stayed on track.

I found that the best way to do this was to use a project management tool like Trello. Trello allowed me to keep track of tasks and progress without having to constantly check in with my team. This gave them the freedom to work independently, while still ensuring that I was aware of their progress.

Another challenge I faced was dealing with clients who were constantly changing their minds. I learned that it was important to stay calm and patient in these situations. I would listen to their concerns and try to understand their needs. Then, I would work with my team to come up with a solution that met everyone's expectations.

Reflecting on my journey, I've realized that project management is not just about overseeing tasks and meeting deadlines. It's about teamwork and fostering an environment where everyone can excel. My advice to anyone starting in this field would be to remember that your team is there to support you, and your role is to encourage and enable them to be the best they can be.

The journey of a project manager is filled with challenges and learning opportunities, but the rewards are immeasurable. I am grateful for every obstacle, every victory, and every lesson learned. They have shaped me into the project manager I am today, and they continue to guide me as I navigate the fascinating world of project management.

Key takeaways:

  • Project management is more than just overseeing tasks and meeting deadlines. It's about teamwork and fostering an environment where everyone can excel.
  • Use project management tools to keep track of tasks and progress.
  • Stay calm and patient when dealing with clients who are constantly changing their minds.
  • Listen to the concerns of your team and work with them to come up with solutions that meet everyone's expectations.
  • Be grateful for the challenges and learning opportunities that come your way. They will help you grow as a project manager.