Non-Project Manager 101 and Resources
All you need to start handling projects without a certification
Who's a non-project manager?
A non-project manager is anyone who manages and is responsible for the work of a team or group of people but who isn't a certified project manager. A non-project manager is typically a functional manager (any manager in marketing, sales, engineering, product development, etc.) but can also be literally anyone who works on an undertaking with a set start and end date. Does this seem like you? In that case, congratulations for discovering that you're a non-project manager!
Signs you are a non-project manager
You’re a manager in sales, marketing, engineering, product development, etc.
You work on initiatives with start and end dates.
You’re a manager in sales, marketing, engineering, product development, etc.
You handle people as part of your work.
You’re responsible for managing the work of a group/team.
Doesn't project management require specialized training?
The nature of projects has changed considerably. Nowadays, the focus is more on people management rather than merely managing time, resource use, and budget. Also, as the complexity of projects has increased over time, organizations have begun using functional managers (who are subject matter experts) to handle projects rather than appointing professional project managers who, while great at the nuances of project management, still require training on the subject matter.
Modern functional managers are capable of handling project responsibilities.
What are some challengesnon-project managers face?
These are only some of the challenges thatnon-project managers tend to face:
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Lack of communication among project team members
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Lack of clear project goals and success criteria
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Unrealistic project deadlines
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Keeping up-to-speed on project progress (tracking)
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Documenting learnings to optimize future projects
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Identifying the right project management tool
How can I, as a non-project manager, deal with these challenges?
Many of the challenges in handling projects have to do with the quality of communication between project team members. Optimizing the quality of communication can help overcome most of these.
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Be people centric
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Place emphasis on communication
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Get all stakeholders on board
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Set project milestones in time
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Add time buffers for tasks
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Document project learnings
How does using the right tool help a non-project manager?
The right project management tool can make a world of difference to a non-project manager. The tool for a non-project manager is one that's simple to use, flexible, and intuitive. It enables them to plan their projects and map them out without stress. This tool is one that does not have a steep learning curve and which one can get started on quickly. Ultimately, the best project tool does not require users to be familiar with project management jargon or methodologies in order to make use of it.
The right project tool for anon-project manager
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Doesn’t require knowledge of project management jargon
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Intuitive and flexible
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Uncluttered on features
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Negligible learning curve
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Negates the need for constant tracking
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Scales up with project complexity
What are some resources I can use as a non-project manager?
