Introduction

Leading a project when most introductory project management won’t go near it? Quite simply, a person “manages” processes but “leads” people…and people accomplish projects.

Although the skill set for effective project management consists of the project management fundamentals discussed so far in (along with general business management, communication, and technical skills “The Project Manager”), they are all interlaced with leadership skills as depicted in Figure 16.1.

In today’s world, there is an overwhelming need for individuals who can serve both as project manager and project leader, yet it is a challenge to find individuals who can perform both roles effectively. Why is this? In general, it’s the difference between the art and the science of project management—the difference between the soft skills and the hard skills and knowing how much of which one to apply. And on many unfortunate projects, the lack of leadership or the use of an ineffective leadership approach actually creates problems that did not otherwise exist.

We review the aspects of a project that need leadership and how leading a project is different from managing a project. In addition, we explore the key components of project leadership, the power of the servant leadership approach, and the common traits of effective project leaders. With this awareness and understanding, you will be much more prepared to serve as both project manager and project leader, even on your first assignment.