What do you know about Project Management? In recent years, Project Management has been on the rise, with more than 1 million people becoming certified in the field around the world. However, there are some people who have a fair idea about project management, while majority of people have their own thoughts about what project management is. You may have also heard a lot about project management as it continues to gain popularity…but is everything you are hearing true?
Here are five common misconceptions about Project Management.
- Projects don’t change.
One of the biggest misconceptions people have about project management is that today’s projects are the same or similar to projects decades ago. As a result, people see project management as boring and easy to practise. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Experienced Project Managers understand that projects have changed, and even in this fast-paced world, projects keep changing.
Every Project Manager understands that s/he will not be effective in future if they remain stagnant. Project management requires constant learning and upgrading to meet the project demands of every season.
2. Anyone can be chosen as a Project Manager
One of the important Project Management myths that should be avoided in the present situation is the belief of organizations that anyone can be handed over the responsibility of Project Management. Many organizations follow the practice of promoting an existing manager or team member as a Project Manager. The problem is that these people are not essentially certified or experienced Project Managers. Proper Project Management needs certain skills. This is why you need to start having plans of becoming a certified Project Manager.
3. Project Management is paperwork
We live in a digital world. But, even today, many people think that Project Management involves a lot of continuous paperwork. Rather, it is more of dynamic work. Most Project Managers do not spend time dealing with papers. Rather, they spend time solving problems, managing procurements, tasks and people, and taking important decisions.
4. Project Management Is Not About the People, But the Process
Project management involves determining the best process for a project. They do this before the project starts. It could include creating a project portfolio and using portfolio prioritization to determine the value of the project to the business.
These are in the initial stages of a project, and they only provide a framework for project objectives. Project management involves more than creating and sticking to the project process. It requires a good team to execute the project too.
This is where project managers need to use their soft skills like negotiating, motivating, and mentoring. These people-focused skills can vastly improve the chances of a successful project.
5. Project Management is expensive and for a certain group of people
This is one of the most popular myths out there. Many people see Project Management as a field for people in the construction industry. However, this is far from the truth. Every organization is a big project and Project Managers are needed to ensure project success in organizations.
Again, becoming a certified Project Manager does not cost much. Anyone can become a Project Manager provided they are ready to learn and apply the tools of project management. You do not need a background in projects or any field to become a PMP, you just need your learning power.
Are you ready to become a Project Management Professional? We are here to help you achieve that!
