A project manager has a tough job. They need to keep the team organized, make sure tasks are done on time, and also deal with unexpected problems. I think one of the most important skills for a project manager is communication. If they don’t explain the goals clearly or listen to the team, the project can fall apart fast. Another quality I think is important is staying calm under pressure. Projects rarely go exactly as planned, so a manager who panics when things change will just make the team stressed. A good project manager should be able to keep people focused, solve problems quickly, and still keep everyone motivated. Some people say being really organized is the most important skill, but I wonder, what matters more: a project manager who is extremely organized, or one who is really good at motivating the team?
As you mentioned, projects may not go exactly as planned, especially in medical device projects. A lack of organization can mean that a project fails to pivot quickly enough to address issues, delays, or regulatory problems. An organized project manager can make the process significantly smoother to get back on track. Usually, there are cross-functional teams or different parts of a project can be done simultaneously. Without proper organization, meetings with shareholders and the project team can be disorderly. Motivation is also an important trait of a project manager, however I feel organization is most important in reaching a project goal. For some individuals who are less organized, are there any tools which can improve organization and efficiency of a project when acting as a project manager?
