Projects are the foundation of several professions including: Project Management, Program Management and Portfolio Management. These professions apply methods and techniques aligned with organizational strategy in order to deliver incremental benefits (i.e. increase market share, shrink time-to market), improve an organization’s performance (i.e. revenue increase, cost reduction) and maximize the value of projects though efficient use of resources.

A Smart PM (Project, Program or Portfolio Manager) is an individual who plays multiple roles within the organization and whose experience contributes to achieving goals emanating from the organization’s mission and vision

The five traits of a successful Smart PM are:

Strategic – The Smart PM identifies and executes projects which will help the organization fulfill its intended purpose

Mindful – The Smart PM is attentive to communication with project stakeholders and the project team, inspiring and leading the project while building relationships across the organization

Adaptable – The Smart PM embraces new ways to lead, execute and deliver projects in multi-cultural environments and across time-zones

Resilient – The Smart PM is capable of realigning or rebounding projects that have faced unexpected hardship

Transparent – The Smart PM adheres to the organization’s values and culture as well as professional codes of ethics while concurrently communicating the project’s successes and failures to the relevant parties

In summary, the Smart PM is a perennial learner striving towards excellence, a great communicator and business partner that ensures projects will produce the expected benefits and results.