Finding the perfect project manager for your small business can be a difficult task, especially for startups and small businesses! Unlike larger corporations where there is budget, more complex bureaucracy, and more distinction between functional silos, as an entrepreneur, you're probably looking for more of a swiss army knife vs. a single utility resource. In many ways, if you find a great project manager, you'll find this multi-faceted leader who can help your team lead and deliver results, but they can be difficult to find if you don't know exactly what you're looking for. Many skills and behaviors need to be considered before you hire someone. In this article we will go over the top skills and behaviors you should be looking for when trying to identify your rockstar Project Manager. In future articles, we will explore where to find great PM's, what questions to ask, and how to assess candidates against each other.
Top Skills of a Small Business Project Manager
First, let's take a look at the top skills you should be looking for in your next project manager.
Communication Skills - How well can this person communicate? Are they effective both verbally and written? Do they know how to give constructive feedback vs. just saying everything is good or bad? Leadership Style - What style of leadership does the candidate use? Are they more of an individual contributor who manages projects vs. managing people (good if there must be no distractions)?
Cross-Functional Team Leadership - Can they lead cross-functional teams without trying to dominate decision-making personally when necessary?
Project Management Experience - We all have different levels of experience when we start our careers so not every new graduate will bring many years under their belt. However, if the project manager you are interviewing doesn't have robust, practical, demonstrated experience managing projects at all it might be a warning sign. I've never been big into certifications for the sake of certifications. They tend to be a safety blanket. I often find that PM's that cling to certifications tend to be more theoretical and conceptual and less practical and pragmatic. A good PM will reference frameworks to determine what elements are needed to meet the client where they are at. At Impact Management Group, these are the types of PM's we hire. When you're a startup or small business you likely need a rockstar PM not a beginner. I would ask questions that
They Have a Process - a good PM has a general process they have established over years of trial and error. An example of a process that PM might share is below:
Vision - Do they have a clear vision for their project and can they communicate it effectively? This doesn't mean they need to be able to draw out complicated diagrams but can they simplify their vision so everyone understands what needs to be done?
Planning & Execution - Once the vision is set, do they have a plan and are they able to execute it effectively? Are there signs of micromanagement or does the project manager allow team members enough breathing room to do their work? Problem-Solving Skills - When things go wrong (and they always
Technical Skills - Lastly, but certainly not least, do they have the necessary technical skills to complete their assigned tasks. For example, if you're looking for a project manager with experience managing projects in Asana, ClickUp, Wrike, MS Project, etc. then someone who only knows how to use basic functions likely isn't the best candidate.
Top Behaviors of a Small Business Project Manager
Now that we know some of the top skills to look for let's take a look at some qualities you should also consider when hiring your next project manager: 11 Qualities of a Great Project Manager
Initiative - Does this person take initiative or do they need constant direction? Do they come up with creative ideas to solve problems?
Flexibility & Adaptability - Do you need someone who can constantly make changes on their own or do you want an individual contributor who does things "by the book".
Leadership Style - Are they more of a servant leader vs. trying to be everyone's boss (if possible). How much leadership experience do they have vs that will transfer over from previous jobs/roles?
Organization – Great project managers are extremely organized and can stay on top of multiple projects at once. This is something you want in a project manager that will help them keep the team working efficiently with no roadblocks or surprises along the way!
Problem Solving - Can they solve problems when things go wrong? What kind of problem-solving skills do they have when it comes to identifying issues vs. just putting their head down and trying to plow through them without stopping/looking up for assistance?
Attention To Detail – Do mistakes slip by or are details important where this person needs to be involved in all steps, even if someone else is doing the bulkwork?
Ability To Delegate Responsibility & Accountability - Are there tasks outside of your job description you need done but don't have time for yourself? Can they delegate responsibility effectively to other team members or are you the only one carrying all of the weight on your back?
Driven to win as a team -- Do they have the same end goal as you and your team or are they just in it for themselves?
Resourcefulness - This goes hand in hand with being able to adapt. A great project manager will know how to get the most out of their team, whether that be finding new ways to work more efficiently or even using different tools/software than what your company is currently using.
Engages the hearts and minds - Finally, a great project manager knows how to engage the hearts and minds of their team. This could be anything from giving recognition when it's due, sharing the vision/mission of the company, or just being personable and easy to work with.
Bottom Line
Project management is a critical function for any business, no matter how big or small. By taking the time to understand the skills and qualities you're looking for in your next project manager, you'll be able to make an informed decision that will help your business succeed.
This may seem like a lot to factor in when considering a Project Manager; it is! If your specialty is not Project Management, I would recommend engaging an expert in this field to help you find the talent you need to deliver results! Small business management consultants like Impact Management Group would be perfect in helping you land the talent you need. Whether it's sourcing and recruiting or leveraging a Project Manager from our existing staff we would be happy to help and are often much more affordable than staffing firms, and a fraction of the price of our competitors. If you'd like to explore getting support in finding your next superstar Project Manager let us know!
Upwork, Freelancer, FIverr, Operations Project Scoping Project Execution Resource Allocation Record-Keeping/Documentation Task Prioritization Service Reporting Strategy Consulting Product Testing Inventory Management Supply Chain Management Stakeholder Management Managerial Duties Process Improvement Tracking Progress Service Reporting End-to-End Project Management Project Quality Management Lead Innovation Monitor Metrics and KPIs Project Cost Management Cost Estimation and Control Cost Forecasting and Budgeting Project Cost Aggregation Project Scope Management Plan Scope Management Define Scope Collect Requirements Scope Validation Scope Control Create Work Breakdown Structure Project Scheduling Critical Path Method Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) Rolling Wave Planning Schedule Compression Required Knowledge/Expertise: Systems Development Lifecycle Methodology Data Integration Technology Lifecycle Management Enterprise Resource Planning (SAP/ERP implementation) Product Lifecycle Management PMO Standards Tools and Techniques Waterfall Project Management Technology Agile Methodology Adaptive Project Framework Event Chain Methodology Extreme Project Management Lean Methodology PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environment) PRISM (Project Integrating Sustainable Methods) Leadership: Team Building Communication and Interpersonal Skills Problem-Solving Skills Proactivity Conflict Management Embracing Diversity Managing Cross-Functional Teams Critical thinking Analytical Skills Empathy Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) Program Management Professional (PgMP) Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)