Many professionals strive for leadership roles but often believe they must wait for formal promotions or official titles. However, project management offers a proactive path to leadership that doesn’t require waiting for traditional advancement opportunities. In fact, project management skills can be a launchpad to executive roles, even taking you to the C-suite.
What Is Project Management?
According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet specific objectives. It involves planning, organizing, and executing tasks to transform ideas into tangible products, services, or deliverables.
Authors Mayte Mata Sivera and Yasmina Khelifi, in their book The Volunteering Journey to Project Leadership, emphasize that project management is more than tracking deadlines—it’s a dynamic, people-centric discipline that cultivates strong leadership skills. Here’s how project management can catapult you into leadership roles:
1. Project Management Builds Advanced Leadership Skills
Project management goes beyond timelines and deliverables; it requires exceptional people management skills. Success in this field hinges on the ability to motivate and align individuals who may not report directly to you. This ability to lead without formal authority fosters strong communication, trust-building, and stakeholder management skills—all critical for leadership.
Khelifi highlights that in volunteer-based projects, where participants contribute because they want to rather than because they are paid, project managers must inspire and engage. This ability to influence and mobilize teams is a valuable skill that translates seamlessly into leadership roles.
2. It Enhances Decision-Making Abilities
Project management exposes professionals to cross-functional collaboration, requiring them to work across departments, industries, and even geographies. This broad exposure provides valuable insights into different business operations and enhances strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
“In my regular job, I provide recommendations to executives,” Sivera explains. “But in project settings, I’m the one making the decisions with my team’s support. That experience is invaluable for leadership growth.”
3. Volunteering as a Project Manager Accelerates Growth
Volunteering within an organization or non-profit as a project manager provides an opportunity to refine leadership skills in a low-risk environment. Leading an Employee Resource Group (ERG), coordinating a community event, or spearheading an internal initiative are excellent ways to develop leadership expertise.
Khelifi encourages professionals to view these opportunities as learning experiences rather than focusing solely on financial compensation. Additionally, the networking benefits of these roles often surpass those found in traditional jobs, offering exposure to influential decision-makers.
4. Project Management’s Complexity Strengthens Leadership Abilities
One of the key takeaways from Khelifi and Sivera’s book is that project management often requires more complex leadership skills than traditional management roles. Project managers must navigate competing priorities, cultural differences, and logistical constraints such as time zones—all while ensuring project success.
“To move a project forward, you must build strong relationships and communicate effectively—skills that are critical for any leader,” Khelifi explains. Developing these competencies early can prepare professionals for higher-level roles and greater responsibilities.
5. It Creates Your Own Leadership Opportunities
Sivera and Khelifi advocate for taking initiative rather than waiting for leadership roles to be handed out. If an organization doesn’t prioritize project-based work or volunteerism, professionals can create their own opportunities.
“Start a learning circle, volunteer for a company initiative, or experiment with new technology,” Sivera advises. These proactive steps not only demonstrate initiative but also increase visibility among decision-makers.
Khelifi echoes this sentiment: “Join a project-oriented community or professional group. The networking and learning opportunities will give you the confidence to take the next step in your career.”
The Hidden Power of Project Management
Many professionals overlook project management because they associate it with routine tasks. However, an astute and proactive project manager can leverage these activities for career advancement, building unique influence and visibility within an organization.
Few roles provide the strategic thinking, decision-making challenges, and interpersonal influence that project management offers—especially early in a career. Leading without formal authority is challenging, but it also presents a unique advantage. A project management role—whether paid or volunteer—could be the secret weapon to achieving your leadership aspirations without solely relying on traditional promotions. It’s a path that allows you to showcase your capabilities to a broader audience, accelerating your journey to leadership success.
Click to read more: https://www.forbes.com/sites/genacox/2024/12/12/5-ways-project-management-can-catapult-you-to-leadership/
