Do you think someone could be a good system manager but a poor project manager?

Answer 1

First I will say yes. Being a good systems manager does not necessarily mean the individual would be the best fit as a project manager. This depends on the individual, their strengths, weaknesses, how they handle opportunities and threats, expertise and experience, as well as self or group interests. The field of Project Management is a very rapidly growing career path with colleges and universities offering programs of study particular to this field. Thus, it has become a career specialty. In-house employees from senior leadership to front line support staff are not always able to see clearly the beginning to end results, or at least the most appropriate way to realize successful outcomes. So, enter the Project Manager. So many employees today are working within silos. Silos are those tall tubular structures you see on farms. They are used to store wheat,various kinds of grain, corn, etc. You will notice a silo has no windows, and usually little or no connection with the outside world. This silo effect within organizations today means breakdowns in communication at all levels, a status quo mentality, a "parts" mentality rather then a "whole" mentality, poor management mechanisms, self interest rather than common cause interests, lack of appropriate team building, etc. This is why so many organizations today bring in bright Project Managers from the outside. Their job in-part is to bring all the parts into one whole and working in sync and strict harmony with each other to prevent any mis-alignments, gaps, and disconnects. Whether working with smaller projects or overall organizational goals and objectives, the Project Manager must gain the trust and confidence of all departments and employees in an effort to bring mutual respect and a common cause mentality. Thus, a systems manager may or may not have the appropriate skills, expertise, or experience that goes into the making of a good Project Manager. I must say there are many more skills that a good Project Manager must possess, however I am attempting to keep this short. Viper1