Preface

Most of the tools, approaches, and topics I present to you in this workbook grew out of the needs and challenges of the project managers I have coached. The workbook is a direct result of the many sessions and conversations I had with them and has gradually been refined based on their feedback and progression. Without their engagement and collaboration, it would not have been possible to write this workbook.

I originally started coaching and mentoring project managers because I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to contribute by helping others overcome some of the challenges I had experienced. I had seen the positive effects of coaching in other walks of life and was keen to use it in project management. But although I expected it to have an impact, I did not know that it would be quite as powerful as it proved to be. I did not know that only a few coaching sessions could be enough to give people the tools and support they needed to make rapid progress and excel as project managers and leaders.

Coaching and mentoring project managers gave me great insight into the most common project management challenges, and it enabled me to start identifying ways in which these challenges could be overcome. With the help of my peers, I began to develop some unique tools and approaches, which I tested out during the coaching sessions. The project managers made use of the material and progressed in their personal and professional lives. I grew as a mentor and coach and gradually created the toolbox and foundation for this workbook. In particular, I developed the self-assessment, which plays a vital role in the workbook, in close cooperation with other project managers. Other people’s comments and suggestions inspired the use of spider diagrams, free-response text boxes, and the many open and incisive questions.

The workbook is organized into six steps that are designed to increase your confidence and competence as a project manager and leader. Working through the steps will help you understand and articulate what you want to achieve and will subsequently assist you in achieving those goals. You will uncover your strongest and weakest points and be empowered to take action to leverage your strengths and address your weaknesses.

The workbook will also help you overcome some of the most common challenges project managers face: effectively managing a demanding workload, leading and motivating a team, initiating and estimating a project, building effective relationships with senior stakeholders, being confident enough to say no to unreasonable demands, managing risks, issues, and changes to scope, and delegating effectively. It is by strengthening these fundamental competencies that you will be able to generate real results and excel as a project manager.

It is my sincere hope that this book will serve you and your coworkers well and that you will find its tools, approaches, and topics useful. I hope that it will help you fulfill your ambitions and that you will become a more confident and competent project manager as a result.

Please be in touch to share your successes, thoughts, and ideas. Together we can help our colleagues become more confident and competent project managers.

—Susanne Madsen
November 2011
www.susannemadsen.com