Challenges of Leading Multiple Projects and Path to Senior Project Manager

Introduction

• Statistic: 85% of project managers lead 4-8 projects simultaneously.
• Common belief: Leading multiple projects leads to experience necessary for leading larger projects.
• Reality: Often results in career stagnation and repetitive tasks.

Key Points on Career Stagnation

1. Repetitive Roles: Leading small projects using methods like Scrum or Kanban.
   • PMs become experts in small, unimportant projects.
   • Limited exposure to the full project lifecycle.
2. Fulfillment: Leading one large project is more fulfilling and impactful.
3. Career Growth: Staying at one organization long-term can trap PMs in leading minor projects.

The Decision Dilemma

• Scenario: Company needs two new projects—one small, one large.
• Options your boss has:
  • Reallocate small projects and assign you a large one (Rarely chosen).
  • Assign you an additional small project (Common practice).
  • Temporarily assign you to a large project and then reassign a senior PM.
• Outcome: Most experienced PMs often lead the least important projects.

Breaking the Cycle

• Promotion: Changing jobs for a promotion to break free from small projects.
• Stat: 15% of PMs lead one complex project at a time.

Upcoming Strategies

• Announcement: Strategies for becoming a senior IT PM will be shared via newsletter in July.

Problems with Leading Multiple Projects

1. Overwhelming Workload:
   • Comparison to carrying multiple bowling balls.
   • Time management and productivity tools have limitations.
2. Leadership Hierarchy:
   • Need to set up leadership hierarchies to delegate and manage effectively.
3. Misconception of Experience:
   • Need for senior-level PM experience before becoming a senior PM.
4. Failings of Fresh Senior PMs:
   • Skills for small projects don’t scale well to large projects.
   • Differences in access to stakeholders and requirement management.

Senior-Level Skills and Resume

• Skills Required:
  • Developing senior-level skills while leading small projects.
• Resume: Reflect additional value brought to organizations, beyond routine responsibilities.

Call to Action

• Newsletter: Encouragement to join for strategies on advancing to senior PM roles.