You're starting a career in project leadership. How can you set yourself up for success?

Project leadership is a rewarding but challenging career path that requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and experience. Whether you're new to the field or looking to advance your role, there are some steps you can take to set yourself up for success. In this article, we'll share some tips on how to develop your project leadership competencies, build your network, and showcase your value.

1 Assess your strengths and gaps

The first step to becoming a successful project leader is to understand your current level of proficiency in the core competencies of project management. These include initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing projects, as well as managing scope, time, cost, quality, risk, communication, stakeholders, and resources. You can use self-assessment tools, feedback from peers and mentors, or formal certifications to evaluate your strengths and gaps. Based on your assessment, you can create a personal development plan to address your learning needs and goals.

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Manish Mahawar

Business Intelligence || Public Policy || Data Governance || Project Management || Financial Management || Economic || Prompt Engineering & Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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Starting a career in project leadership requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and strategies to set yourself up for success. 1. Master project management basics. 2. Develop leadership skills. 3. Build strong relationships. 4. Set clear goals and expectations. 5. Create detailed project plans. 6. Proactively manage risks. 7. Empower and delegate effectively. 8. Lead by example. 9. Continuously improve. 10. Seek mentorship.

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2 Learn from the best

The second step to becoming a successful project leader is to learn from the best practices and experiences of other project professionals. You can do this by joining professional associations, online communities, or mentorship programs that offer opportunities to network, share, and collaborate with other project leaders. You can also attend webinars, workshops, or courses that cover topics related to project leadership, such as agile methods, change management, or emotional intelligence. By learning from the best, you can expand your knowledge, skills, and perspectives on project leadership.

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3 Apply your skills to real projects

The third step to becoming a successful project leader is to apply your skills to real projects that challenge you and demonstrate your value. You can do this by volunteering for projects within or outside your organization, taking on more responsibilities or roles in your current projects, or initiating your own projects that align with your interests or passions. By applying your skills to real projects, you can gain practical experience, showcase your results, and build your portfolio of project achievements.

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Dantes Lahens

Management Consultant Helping Project Professionals Master Leadership for High-Impact Results
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Diving headfirst into the deep end isn't just brave; it's strategic. Real projects don't just test your mettle—they're your proving grounds. Show the world what you're made of by steering the ship, not just being a passenger. Real experience, real growth.

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4 Communicate your value

The fourth step to becoming a successful project leader is to communicate your value to your stakeholders, clients, and employers. You can do this by creating a compelling resume, cover letter, and online profile that highlight your project leadership skills, achievements, and impact. You can also use storytelling techniques, data visualization, or testimonials to showcase your project successes and lessons learned. By communicating your value, you can increase your visibility, credibility, and reputation as a project leader.

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5 Seek feedback and improvement

The fifth step to becoming a successful project leader is to seek feedback and improvement on your performance and development. You can do this by asking for constructive feedback from your project team members, sponsors, clients, or mentors on a regular basis. You can also use self-reflection, peer review, or performance appraisal tools to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. By seeking feedback and improvement, you can enhance your project leadership competencies, address your challenges, and celebrate your achievements.

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6 Keep up with the trends

The sixth step to becoming a successful project leader is to keep up with the trends and changes in the project management field. You can do this by reading blogs, podcasts, books, or magazines that cover the latest developments, innovations, and best practices in project management. You can also participate in surveys, polls, or events that explore the future of project management and the skills and competencies required for project leaders. By keeping up with the trends, you can stay relevant, adaptable, and informed as a project leader.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Afzaal A.

Executive Game Producer @ Game District | MS in Software Project Management
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To set myself up for success in project leadership, I focus on continuous learning, develop strong communication skills, and set clear goals for each project. I also build a network for support, embrace technology for efficiency, and seek feedback to improve.

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You're starting a career in project leadership. How can you set yourself up for success?

1

2

3

4

5

6

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1 Assess your strengths and gaps

2 Learn from the best

3 Apply your skills to real projects

4 Communicate your value

5 Seek feedback and improvement

6 Keep up with the trends

7 Here’s what else to consider

Project Leadership

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You're starting a career in project leadership. How can you set yourself up for success?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess your strengths and gaps

2 Learn from the best

3 Apply your skills to real projects

4 Communicate your value

5 Seek feedback and improvement

6 Keep up with the trends

7 Here’s what else to consider

Project Leadership

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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