How To Get Promoted & The Truth About Life As A Senior PM
Dec 21, 2023
auto_awesome
Tracy Hennessey and Pam Bekowski discuss career options beyond senior project manager role. Importance of partnership, collaboration, and alignment in project management. Reflections on transitioning to leadership roles. Challenges and growth opportunities in program and portfolio management. Letting go of old job and embracing new management position.
41:59
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Moving from senior project manager to program manager involves a broader scope and focus on the overall business, requiring proactive behavior and leadership qualities.
For senior project managers, there are alternative paths for growth, such as cross-training in different technologies, taking on leadership roles within the company, and building financial literacy.
Deep dives
The challenges and growth opportunities of transitioning from senior project manager to program manager
Moving from senior project manager to program manager comes with significant changes in responsibilities and mindset. The transition involves a broader scope and focus on the overall business rather than individual projects. It requires being proactive and seeking out new challenges, not waiting for them to be assigned. Displaying leadership qualities and mentoring others on the team also distinguishes high-performing project managers. Understanding the financial and strategic aspects of the business is crucial for success. Delegating tasks and trusting the team are essential in managing the increased responsibility. It is important to have a clear understanding of the priorities and to focus on what truly matters. Finally, it is possible to excel as a senior project manager without aspiring to become a manager. Continuing to grow skills, seeking expertise in specific areas, and staying flexible can position senior project managers as valuable assets within the organization.
Creating growth opportunities within an organization for senior project managers
When there are limited opportunities for promotion beyond the senior project manager role, there are alternative ways for senior project managers to continue growing. Cross-training in different technologies and types of projects can provide new challenges and broaden skill sets. Taking on leadership roles within the company, such as driving internal initiatives or mentoring junior team members, allows for personal and professional development. Building financial literacy and understanding the business context of projects are important for expanding the role's impact. Defining 'good enough' and prioritizing tasks can alleviate stress and prevent stagnation. Embracing strategic thinking and seeking out opportunities to contribute to the business's vision can demonstrate value as an exceptional senior project manager.
The option of staying as a senior project manager in the long term
It is valid and acceptable for project managers to choose to stay in the senior project manager role without aspiring to be a manager. It is crucial to communicate this to the organization and advocate for growth opportunities tailored to this path. However, it is important to note that staying in the same role may limit salary growth in the long term due to pay bands. Nonetheless, organizations value strong senior project managers who continuously grow their expertise, demonstrate leadership, and bring new ideas and challenges to the table. Strong senior project managers who focus on the craft, prioritize tasks effectively, and understand the business impact of projects are highly valued in organizations.
Final thoughts: The importance of self-awareness and finding fulfillment in the senior project manager role
Self-awareness is essential in determining one's career path and finding fulfillment as a senior project manager. Recognizing what brings happiness and fulfillment is more important than simply climbing the ladder for the sake of promotion. Advocating for oneself and defining specific growth areas within the senior project manager role can lead to continued growth and success. Strong senior project managers who excel in their craft, prioritize tasks, seek out new challenges, understand the business impact of projects, and exhibit leadership qualities can create valuable contributions to their organizations.
What’s the difference between managing projects and leading projects?
Galen Low is joined by Tracy Hennessey and Pam Butkowski—the VP and SVP of Delivery Management at Hero Digital—to talk about career paths for project managers, specifically what options lie beyond the Senior Project Manager role, what it takes to get there, and what people don’t tell you about how it changes your professional life when you do get there.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode