The website http://projectmanagement.com/ has a lot of interesting materials and events. Recently (last month, but by summer standards this is still recent) a webinar “Becoming the CEO of the project” was held there, thesis and thoughts about which I want to share.

This topic may seem unusual. Managerial positions are usually occupied by people who are far from becoming the CEO of their company; A lot of material is devoted to the difference in the thinking of a hired manager and an owner (for simplicity, we consider the CEO to be the owner) (for example, this one ). However, according to the authors of the webinar, a project manager can and should be what can be called a CEO, albeit within the framework of his own project.

So, let’s draw a 2×2 square, place the defining personality traits of the “project CEO” in it, and then consider the meaning of each cell. More precisely, for them, it’s a square, but for us, it’s this:

Mindset. The very first, most important upper left square. Think like a CEO, decide, and act. You are no longer a “random” project manager who won the role at roulette. You are in this position because you chose this position. Forget about learned helplessness – here you are responsible for solving problems (the CEO of the project is also CPS – Chief Problem Solver!). Out of a hundred people, usually only two can lead – and you are among them. Learn yourself and teach those around you.

**Charisma.**This is what you need to grow professionally. Charismatic leader is a common phrase, but have you ever wondered what it takes to become one? But there is a lot that needs to be done here, first of all, to discover the need for constant professional development and self-improvement. Public speaking skills, memorable and at the same time pleasant appearance, self-confidence. The mirror is your best friend, practice in front of it. And, of course, try to be like outstanding figures of the past and present who you like. And ask others’ opinions about themselves, how good I am, what can be improved.

Introverts, by the way, can start their public speaking experience with 1:1 meetings, which usually take place on the project. Just speak confidently, calmly, observing the reaction of your interlocutor. The fear hormone, cortisol, can do a disservice by making you overly stressed. Be yourself.

Yes, there is also a very dubious quality that sometimes manifests itself in charismatic people. Courage, being bold – this can attract people to you, but you can also push them away, become a bad example. We need balance.

**Making decisions.**It’s difficult, and it’s something you can never delegate to someone else. Everything here is very individual. There is not only white and black. And know that the reward for correctly made management decisions is a successfully completed project and a happy development team!

Let’s take a break. Look around you, maybe you will see someone who considers himself a star? If you think this is bad, it’s time to change your point of view, because the stars are the ones who show the way to others!

During the webinar, its participants – and there were about one and a half thousand of them – chose the most difficult square for themselves, the one in which they saw the greatest need to work on themselves. Guess what it was? That’s right, the last one remaining is Culture.

Create a micro-culture on your project. Let this be a small center of stability and calm. Or, conversely, let it be unpredictable (for everyone, but not for you) and therefore interesting, despite or even contrary to the established organizational culture of your company.

You control your energy, emotions and your life – so why let others control you? Change, grow, and let others grow with you. Be neuroplastic, time has no power over you. Learn the art of survival from Viktor Frankl. And enjoy every quality completed project.!🙂