The task of Project Management often sounds unglamorous when discussing all the exciting aspects of a design-build project.  However, the distinction between an average PM and a great PM can make all the difference in ending up with a happy client.  Great PMs usually have the following skills:

• Organization:  it goes without saying that a good PM should be organized.  There are a series of processes and steps that will happen within every job and any PM will follow these, but good PMs are able to develop their own system for keeping track of all their tasks in addition to their team’s tasks to ensure that no small task is overlooked.

• Ability to Juggle:  a project is usually a long & intense balancing act, a good PM can discern what is of higher importance and what can be set on the back-burner temporarily.  This allows them to make the best use of their time while still keeping all their balls in the air.

• Eye for Detail:  the project manager is with the project from start to completion, by being in this position they are the one person that can be relied upon to keep all of the details & conversations had throughout the project in mind.  A PM has to be able to transition from big picture (budgets, timelines, etc.) to the tiniest of details seamlessly.

• Fearlessness:  PMs cannot be afraid to have critical conversations with members of their team and with the client.  When tough subjects such as budget and realistic expectations are brought up, a good PM will not shy away, but will answer honestly in order to ensure both teams are fully prepared for what they should expect.

A great PM will possess all of the above skills, but they will go one step further and are able to connect with each client individually.  As the key point of contact, it is important that the PM is able to tap into the true desires, fears, and intentions of each client.  And the relationship built between a great PM and a happy client can be long-lasting and advantageous for both parties. I’m sure my list isn’t all encompassing; let me know in the comments below what skills I left off my list.