Jose Barato

The Habits of Effective Project Managers Jose Barato

In 1989, Stephen Covey published his bestselling book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" which was chosen the most influential business book of the 20th century, selling over 18 million copies worldwide translated into 38 languages. Many people see in the 7 Habits paradigm the keys to manage daily life better, but also to achieve sustainable long term effectiveness. In their path to effectiveness, lots of people have used the 7 Habits Covey's model for more than two decades. The 7 Habits framework has been adapted to families, teenagers, schools and corporations, always exceeding all expectations. If somebody needs effectiveness more than anyone, this is the Project Manager. Very few professions are more objective oriented than Project Management. Besides, it is not a rewarding profession, since if the project is a success there is generally no reward for the Project Manager, but if it is a failure, then it will be his or her fault alone. Project work falls out of our area of control: we are supposed to coordinate what others do. Good habits make success in Project Management. As effective people, Project Managers should follow the 7 Habits Covey's paradigm, and of course his whole advice to seek our voice and inspire others at work, principle-centered leadership, personal planning, etc. This is necessary but not sufficient. Would we need a "character ethic" for Project Managers? This book develops a structured model of the personal skills needed in order to be an effective Project Manager. It will allow you to learn, teach and practice the 7 Habits Covey's model in your profession of Project Management.