Archived Blog
When is a project manager not a project manager? When she's a project leader!
Projects and processes are different structures of definable work. During a project, the project manager, or the head of the project will define objective tasks for participants to perform, and then assign and monitor those tasks according to predefined milestones. During a process, individuals or teams will perform tasks as a set of actions to complete some objective.
So, what's the difference?
A project is typically a uniquely defined event with part of the objective being the termination of the project. For example, building a deck might be a project. There may be maintenance to perform after it is built, but you should be able to determine that you have actually “finished” building the deck.
By contrast, a process is on-going. You may perform varied and distinctive tasks during a process, but the work is not usually unique enough to distinguish it from other arrangements of those tasks. Think of cleaning a room. It is never quite finished, and it is difficult to distinguish one occurrence from the last
Though the meanings of titles like “project manager”, “project leader”, “project head”, etc., may differ between organizations, it is the responsibilities and level of self-governance that distinguishes the person in charge of the project from the person responsible for the project.
Typically, a project manager does nothing but manage projects. That is that person's full-time position. He makes certain that others are reaching their milestones. Contrast this with a typical project lead, in which some poor individual must perform their own job-related tasks and manage the progress of others. If it is uncertain to you which position an individual might hold, just observe their behavior on any day other than when a project deadline is looming. If they have time to wander from area to area and "visit" with people, then they are a project manager. If, however, they seem perpetually stressed and frantic, then they are a project lead.
So, why would anyone want to be lead on a project?
Because, despite the increased workload and lack of recognition or remuneration for her effort, a project lead position is an excellent position to learn how to become a project manager. Unless you have prior experience, very few companies want to give you the opportunity to manage projects. This is because effective project management is reliant upon equal parts organization, process-knowledge, interpersonal abilities, and project design. While you may have great organizational skills and knowledge of the established process, unless you have orchestrated a unique project with other professionals, you cannot understand scope of the complexities. It is rather like watching someone juggle; it looks easy until you try it.
So, go ahead and take up the lead in a project today; you will see your job and those of your team members in a whole new light!
Return to Top