- Scheduling: Planning a project requires that the project manager create an overall timeframe and also divide that timeframe into smaller components punctuated with milestones. Successful project managers can create schedules that are realistic, that use resources wisely and that aim for an agreeable completion date.
- Budgeting: The project managers must also ensure that the project remains within financial constraints. This skill involves having the foresight to determine a reasonable overall cost that can provide enough financial resources to complete the job and controlling spending throughout the project to remain under budget.
- Task management: Projects usually involve many small and large jobs, which the project manager creates and assigns. This skill requires knowing the tasks that go into completing a project and recognizing who is suitable to complete those tasks.
- Leadership: Being in charge of a team assembled to complete the project, a project manager must keep individual members of the team on track and motivated, mediate and resolve conflicts between personnel and inspire the team to work as a unit.
- Communication: A key responsibility of the project manager is providing information to all the involved parties, including stakeholders, contractors, personnel and customers. Throughout a project life cycle, the project manager must relay accurate instructions to personnel and report progress to upper management.
- Reporting: Gathering and documenting information for future evaluation is among the key responsibilities for project managers, so strong reporting skills are essential. Reporting also goes into other stages of the project life cycle, including initiation, when the project manager helps set goals.
- Problem-solving: Obstacles often arise during the life spans of projects. A key responsibility of the project manager is resolving hindrances, conflicts and challenges that hinder timely or accurate completion of the project.
- Adaptability: Factors affecting the project, such as stakeholders' demands and budgeting changes, may arise and present significant challenges to the project manager and their team. Being adaptable can help manage one's own stress and also maintain the morale of one's team.
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