Project Manager’s role in the business.
Every UX company needs a project manager. They are the ones responsible for the delivery of projects. Project managers keep their eye on time, budgets and project scopes, and make sure that all parties involved in the project are aware of what their task is and what the goal of their task is. Their exposure is business-wide so they have to foster relationships with all stakeholders.
Necessary skillset
Due to the nature of their work, the success of a project is usually down to PMs organisation and communication skills but that’s not all skills that a good PM needs to have. Other necessary skills include problem-solving, time management, organisational skills, attention to detail and risk assessment. Can you recognise these skills in you? Then project management is the right career path for you! Since you know what your future responsibilities will be and what skills you’ll need to have to be good at your job, now let’s take a look at what issues you may need to overcome.
Possible hurdles
There are a few hurdles every project manager will have to overcome regardless of the nature of a project they are working on. First of all, their biggest nightmare is a client who doesn’t know what they want to receive as an end-product or have vague requirements. That’s because It impedes progress and creates bottlenecks.
Client Scenario
Let’s say a client says that they would like to create an app for dish washing services, but they don’t provide any further details. The project manager takes that knowledge and feeds it into the team. First, UX researchers jump on the project and research who the potential customer base is and what are their needs towards such an app. Then UX designers and writers create the prototype for the client. The entire process is managed by the PM, who then proposes the prototype to the customer who seems to be unsatisfied with the prototype even though they never specified any requirements in the first place. How to overcome this? Make sure that your client comes prepared for the meeting. Let them know the agenda and list of questions that you may have, and give them enough time to prepare the answers.
Other Issues
Unrealistic deadlines cause PMs another headache. Particularly in the world of IT and UX, some projects may take longer than expected due to the design noise or unexpected errors. It is PMs task to push back and assess realistic delivery times. Last but not least, lack of accountability can sink any project. Therefore it is essential to assign tasks to one person or a team member who will be held responsible for its delivery, and report to the PM on the progress made.
Just about any significant initiative starts as a project and it is the project manager who transforms those ideas into the reality. They are active leaders who need a vast array of skills in order to shine in their role. It is also a highly rewarding role. Any completed task is as much team accomplishment as project manager’s accomplishment.
