16 January 2025
Leif Godsk, Consultant
Traditionally, project management has emphasised the role of the project manager as the “project manager,” primarily responsible for analysing, planning, monitoring, and controlling the delivery of the project product. “Project management” has been the mantra.
However, projects often fail not because the framework (time, content, and resources) is mismanaged but due to shifts in the project’s context and assumptions. These shifts can include changing market conditions, new stakeholders, altered business priorities, insufficient readiness for change, political interventions, and more.
Modern project management demands an agile approach that accommodates these dynamic conditions. Success requires leadership skills that extend beyond task execution—encompassing stakeholder engagement, relationship management, understanding environmental impact, value creation, communication, change management, and preparedness for uncertainty. These broader tasks define the modern “project manager.”
Content management focuses on specific project tasks: resource allocation, process adherence, structured planning, and problem resolution. In contrast, context management emphasises the bigger picture, fostering agility and adaptability in response to uncertainty and change. Key aspects include:
While content and context management complement one another, context management is indispensable in today’s complex environments. Delegating delivery and content tasks to the team allows project managers to focus on providing strategic guidance.
Stewardship involves creating an environment where teams thrive as self-governing units. This requires:
By serving as a steward, project managers empower their teams to excel and grow autonomously.
Inspirational leadership has become vital for fostering engagement and creativity. Today’s employees are motivated by clear visions, recognition, and the autonomy to excel in an environment where they feel valued. While directive leadership—characterised by instruction, monitoring, and correction—remains occasionally necessary, its relevance is diminishing as agile principles and self-managing teams gain prominence.
One of the greatest challenges in project management is handling diverse and often conflicting stakeholder interests. These can range from financial and performance goals to cultural differences and personality dynamics.
Building and nurturing stakeholder relationships is critical for project success. Understanding each stakeholder’s “what’s in it for me” often determines project outcomes. Essential skills for the context project manager include:
Recognising and valuing diversity is increasingly important in project management. Inclusive leadership unlocks the benefits of diverse perspectives, including:
Increased innovation and creativity: Diverse teams approach problems from unique angles.
Improved problem-solving: Broader viewpoints lead to better solutions.
Enhanced decision-making: Diverse input ensures more balanced decisions.
Better customer understanding: Inclusive approaches expand customer bases.
Higher employee satisfaction: Inclusive environments attract and retain top talent.
Creating a psychologically safe environment is crucial to realising these benefits. This involves:
Project managers should champion diversity by practicing active listening, encouraging open communication, and implementing initiatives like diversity training, team-building, and continuous learning.
Scenario planning, uncertainty management, and preparedness will define the future of project execution. Agile practices, including iterative deliverables, continuous learning, self-managing teams, and stakeholder engagement from start to finish, are key ingredients for success.
As the role of the project manager evolves, “context project management” will take precedence—prioritising value creation, stakeholder relationships, and team empowerment over traditional task-focused approaches.
Mannaz offers a range of open courses, customised training, and consultancy services in agile management. These offerings address the six focus areas outlined in this article. It is worth noting that the latest Project Management Institute (PMI) standards also emphasise these areas, underlining the growing importance of an agile approach.
