‘Common sense’ is essential even if it’s vague
The Insight
A highly valuable asset you can have as a project manager is common sense. Common sense is a skill you learn and develop over time. The more attentive you are during problems, the more resources you acquire to better tackle the situation next time.
Without blindly navigating through problems in order to learn, how do you develop common sense?
Unfortunately, it is a critical skill that you cannot study. It is situational, subjective, and limited. What is deemed as ‘common’ varies greatly between people.
While the concept may seem vague, in the world of project management, there are certain areas of common sense that you can really work to perfect. So while common sense is not something that can be taught, as a project manager, there is some ‘sense’ you can work to improve.
The Impact
Our philosophy to common sense is simple: if you can define it, you can practice it.
Sense of environment: adapt or die.
Projects can change direction and often, there is more than one right answer. If you get hung up on what the plan was rather than how it is unfolding, you will get left behind.
Think and act quickly. Projects are filled with anomalies that you cannot plan for. Prepare yourself as a project manager to be reactive to change.
Sense of others: tailored problem solving.
Each person, situation, problem and project is unique – their strategy of getting rid of hiccups is different. As the project manager, you cannot apply a ‘one size fits all’ agenda. Your job is to listen, analyse and act.
Solve problems, don’t postpone them.
Sense of self: well-placed confidence.
Firm decisiveness is important but only if its valuable.
Consider holistically how a decision will be implemented, who it will affect and how. Focus on your client’s project goals. Speak to those who will be impacted to be sure your decision is adequately informed.
Be thorough and don’t stall.
The greatest skill you can develop as a project manager is the ability to identify what information is missing and where it is hiding.