Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits
Aspiring planners should obtain several years’ of experience in lower-level managerial or supervisory positions. Smaller employers typically require less experience, and some hire new college graduates.
Successful project managers have expertise in change management and organizational development, a strategic and business management mindset, and specialized knowledge of the inner workings of their employer and the sector (health care, electronics manufacturing, etc.) in which they are employed. They need superior leadership skills in order to inspire employees and motivate them to do their best work. Project managers must also be excellent communicators—both orally and in writing—in order to effectively work with colleagues and clients, explain their decisions to staff, and write reports about their work. Other important traits include adaptability; strong organizational, time-management, and conflict resolution skills; a detail-oriented personality; creativity; patience; an openness to new ideas; and a willingness to continue to learn throughout their careers.
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