I once worked for someone who said that everyone has the right to choose to buy a bucket or a brush. He meant that if you were unhappy at work, you could set up a window cleaning business and start your own business.
Chris CookBut what if there were a better way? There is a way to do things within your business. Chris Cook believes that you have the skills necessary to do this.
Chris is the author and editor of The Entrepreneurial project manager. This book aims to improve your technical skills as an administrator, add the entrepreneurial elements, and create a high-powered team. This book will help you become the best project manager possible.
Chris was available to answer my questions about these ideas. We started talking about his journey in managing projects.
Chris, how did your journey into project management begin?
Project management is something that I have always valued as a result of my construction background. Project managers were the most knowledgeable about the project and managed all aspects, from the schedule to the payments.
My alma mater offered a graduate program in project management. It seemed like a natural next step for me.
It is also fascinating because project management has a balance of science and art. It is important to have a solid science foundation, but it can also be very helpful to be able to scan the room to get a sense of who people are and what the project means for them. This balance keeps project management exciting.
Your book is about entrepreneurship, and the role of the project manager. Where did you get the idea for this book?
Construction industry is heavily dependent on experience. While you can study, take notes and learn as much as you like, the construction industry is largely dependent on experience. You will not be able to find the right opportunities until you have put in the work.
This style is not compatible with my millennial mentality. Entrepreneurism doesn’t care about your age or how many years you have put into the craft. If you’re good, you’re good.
I heard project managers talk about how little time they had, how many calls they had to return emails and how many emails they were waiting for responses. I was left wondering why. They all seem to have the same problems, yet they continue to do the same thing.
I could see the potential to use entrepreneurial mindsets (i.e. I could see the opportunity to use entrepreneurial mindsets (i.e., doing more with less, 10x your goal, effective vs. eficient) and apply them in project management to maximize productivity.
What do you think project managers look like?
Investors are open to all types of entrepreneurs. Think of Shark Tank on TV.
That is Dragon’s Den.
Investors expect entrepreneurs to answer their questions. The person who founded the company should have the answers to all questions, including marketing, customer acquisition and price points.
It shouldn’t be necessary to contact a lawyer to obtain patent information or an accountant to get the actual numbers. They don’t need to rely on anyone to tell them where to go with their business. These entrepreneurs must know the most important aspects of their business.
This is how I see project managers. While they may not be able to perform all tasks, there is an expectation that they will know the key answers in many areas.
This is so fascinating. It’s understandable, but project managers don’t often have the opportunity to move the needle or act entrepreneurially. How do you apply this to a large organisation?
In my book, The Entrepreneurial Project Manager, I have a whole chapter about dealing with challenges and how you can see them as opportunities. Consider challenges as games. Although this approach may seem childish, it is worthy of criticism. However, it removes ego.
The challenge is made impersonal so that everyone can criticise the work without offending anyone. It also applies rules to this challenge. In games, you will succeed if the rules are followed.