What makes a great project manager? Lessons from the world’s best leaders
Discover what makes a great project manager by exploring leadership lessons from world-renowned figures. Learn how vision, communication and emotional intelligence drive project success.
Everything seems to be moving so quickly these days and it can feel difficult to keep track when you’re in a professional setting, which is why the role of a project manager has never been more crucial. Whether you’re steering a software development initiative or coordinating a cybersecurity upgrade, project managers are the ones that hold it all together. But what makes a great project manager?
We’re looking to the world’s most respected leaders who exemplify the traits that define outstanding project leadership.
Written by
With over a decade of experience in project management education and industry, Matt has become our in-house expert. Matt is an Enrolment and Growth Manager at Learning People, consistently helping students to advance their careers through learning and certification.
1. Communication
Communication is often cited as the number one skill for project managers, and for good reason. Consider Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, known for her clarity, empathy and decisive messaging during times of crisis. Great project managers channel this same energy; doing what they can to make sure stakeholders are aligned and the project vision is communicated with consistency.
In the context of tech and IT projects, where teams often span continents and time zones, this becomes even more important. Tools like Slack and Zoom support the flow of information, but it’s up to the project manager to ensure communication is actually useful and people-focused.
2. Emotional intelligence
Empathy might seem like a soft skill, but in the world of project delivery, it’s a non-negotiable skill, as explained in The importance of emotional intelligence in project management.
In project management, this translates to understanding team dynamics, catering to individual needs, navigating stakeholder concerns and keeping the team motivated when things don’t go to plan. You might be helping an overwhelmed team member or diffusing tension during a tight deadline. Whatever obstacles you come across; emotionally intelligent project managers lead with humanity.
3. Decisiveness and accountability
The ability to make time-sensitive decisions and take ownership of them is a sign of high-impact leadership. In project environments, delays in decision-making can ripple into budget overruns and missed deadlines.
Great project managers assess the data and take responsibility for their choices. This builds trust and ensures forward momentum.
4. Adaptability
Change is constant in industries like cyber, cloud computing and data analytics. That’s why project managers must remain agile and flexible when required.
Agile and hybrid project management methodologies have gained popularity for this reason. They allow teams to adapt to change, reprioritise work and deliver value in increments. A great project manager not only embraces this mindset but empowers their team to do the same.
5. Mastery of methodologies
A great project manager will be up to date in the most requested and industry credible methodologies such as Agile, APM, PMI and Change Management. Fluency in project management software and platforms can drastically improve team productivity and project success.
For those aspiring to elevate their PM credentials, certifications offer a structured pathway. Courses from trusted providers like Learning People help develop this skill set, supporting career growth and project impact.
6. Vision and strategic thinking
Great project managers are more than taskmasters, they’re visionary thinkers. Like Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, they see beyond the current phase of work to understand how each deliverable fits into the broader business objective. Nadella’s success stemmed from reshaping Microsoft’s culture and marrying tech innovation with customer value. Similarly, a top-tier project manager connects the dots between project goals and strategic business outcomes.
7. Resilience
Every project encounters problems. The ability to stay calm and solution-oriented during high-pressure situations is what separates memorable project managers from the rest.
Angela Merkel, former Chancellor of Germany, demonstrated unshakable composure in some of the most complex geopolitical situations. Project managers, too, must bring this resilience—maintaining clarity when others feel overwhelmed and driving action amidst uncertainty.
8. Passion for growth
The most inspiring project managers are lifelong learners. They seek feedback, stay updated on trends and are always open to refining their approach.
In fast-evolving fields like cloud computing or cybersecurity, continuous learning isn’t optional. Certifications and mentorship all play a part in developing expertise and staying ahead of the curve.
Encouraging a culture of learning within project teams can also lead to innovation, higher performance, and greater job satisfaction.
9. Integrity
Finally, integrity is the foundation of all great leadership. Leaders like Indra Nooyi are celebrated not just for their results, but for how they achieved them; with transparency and respect for others.
For project managers, this means being truthful in reporting and maintaining accountability throughout the project lifecycle. Trust is hard-won and easily lost, so integrity must guide every decision.
Explore Learning People’s certified project management courses to take your leadership to the next level and unlock your full potential in a career that’s both dynamic and rewarding.
