Characteristics of a Good IT Project Manager

Personal Characteristics

• Is technically qualified
• Is a decision maker
• Is honest and creates a relaxed atmosphere
• Possesses the art of saying no without offending others
• Believes in managing time and people.

Project-Related Characteristics

• Achieves the objectives and goals of the project within the established schedule, budget, and procedures
• Develops IT projects on budget and on time to the complete satisfaction of the users
• Has experience in related or similar projects
• Can control project outcomes by measuring and evaluating performance against established objectives and standards
• Develops and executes contingency plans to meet unforeseen circumstances and problems
• Develops and implements decisions relating to planning
• Is willing to redefine goals, responsibilities, and schedules as necessary to get the project back on track in case the schedule slips or the project is over budget
• Establishes and meets real priorities and deadlines
• Believes in good planning to reduce pressure and stress and increase productivity
• Establishes long-term and short-term planning

Team-Related Characteristics

• Has good communication and managerial skills
• Is able to plan, organize, lead, motivate, and delegate proper responsibilities to team members
• Respects team members and has their confidence and respect
• Shares success with the team members
• Selects the right person for the right job
• Shows appreciation to good workers
• Gets others in the organization to accept his or her ideas and carry out his or her plans
• Delegates duties and maintains control
• Believes in professionally training people for their delegated jobs
• Considers himself or herself as a part of the team
• Creates structured discipline
• Recognizes individual differences and takes advantage of individual strengths
• Provides work that stimulates a feeling of personal respect and professional growth
• Allows sufficient time for ideas to develop and mature
• Allows free time and encourages openness
• Understands the team members and creates effective communication

[IT Project Management Handbook]