PMcrunch

A project manager has many responsibilities.  In the article Areas of Expertise for a Project Manager, by Jyothi Goudar provides a ‘fairly’ comprehensive view of many of the issues and responsibilities of a PM.  It provides a broad brush and thorough coverage of many of the basic processes the PM needs to master.

However, it talks about project management expertise, as if it were a technical skill.  I think this is just a ‘linguistic twist’, as I think the author is referring to skill as much as expertise in the article.  But the distinction is an important one, in that PMs need skill as well as expertise, with an emphasis on ‘soft skills’.  

Where I thought it needed more coverage or emphasis was in the area of stakeholder management.  Management of all stakeholders is critical at all stages of a project.  Here are some of the key aspects:

1. Identify all stakeholders in a brainstorming session at the outset of the project.  
2. Involve stakeholders in scope definition and requirements development.
3. Keep your list of stakeholders, and add to it ‘judiciously’ as the project moves forward.  I say ‘judiciously’ because adding a stakeholder could be a warning signal of adding to the scope.
4. Be aware of potentially changing conditions for existing stakeholders during project execution.  Are someone’s parameters changing?  That, too, could signify a possible change in scope and expectations.
5. Involve stakeholders in testing and signoff.

Stakeholder management is very closely aligned with risk management for a project.  As mentioned above, it can be a ‘backdoor’ way that scope creep can enter a project.  Having a risk management plan in place to handle this one issue can be a lifesaver on projects.
_____________________
John Reiling, PMP
Project Management Training Online
Lean Six Sigma Training Online