A project manager’s responsibilities include overall management, but he or she is seldom directly involved with the activities that actually produce the end result. The position also oversees any associated products and services, project tools and techniques to help ensure good practices. In addition, project managers are responsible for recruiting and building project teams, and making projections about the project’s risks and uncertainties.
Managing relationships and personalities is a huge part of being a project manager. Teams must work, plan and communicate well together. The ability to collaborate and maintain successful team member relationships is crucial. Friction, conflict and honest disagreements are part of the creative process, but the project manager must be sure these do not destroy the project. Making sure team members feel valued, recognizing and praising superior work, and maintaining a quality working environment for all team members will aid in this human management effort.