Submitted by bayoubob on
in
Forums
Hey all,
I am looking for recommendations on preparing myself for entering a project management role with my current organization.
This may seem like a strange request, but the way you get into management here is by asking for it. Most of my peers would prefer to stay technical as there is no real salary limitation to being technical. My background is Comp. Sci. and all technical, but the desire to make a larger impact here has been growing over the past couple of years. So, consider me a complete novice.
Note: I already listen to MT and CT. As a matter of fact, these podcasts played a significant role in my belief that management is as at leaset as much science as art.
--Robert
A few ideas
Steps to PM vary by company. Consider:
- Offering to take on a project administration role (ie, maintaining the project plans, status reports, etc)
- Taking a technical leadership/coordination role which requires you to guide the work products of others.
- Ask for a small project, or a sub-project of a larger one (like a component done by three people) to lead.
Basically, you said it: You have to ask for it!
John Hack
John, Thank you for your
John,
Thank you for your response.
I was wondering if you (or anyone) would recommend specific skills to focus on prior to accepting a small project to lead, or books, etc.
I've listened to the podcasts here about project management and believe I could stretch the project lead role here to accommondate Mark's recommendations (i.e. Communicating with the people doing the work more often; however, one-on-ones would be considered extending the role inappropriately.).
Robert
...a classic
Scott Berkun's "Art of Project Management". Accessible, implementable and has a strong IT background. It doesn't answer lots of questions but it is a great introduction. I wish I had found it 20 years ago.
Chris
Save money - use a library.