After signing up for the webcast, I began searching the Internet for more resources dealing with accidental project managers. On Amazon, I found reference to a book by Patricia Ensworth entitled, The Accidental Project Manager: Surviving the Transition from Techie to Manager (John Wiley, 2001). After reading the reviews, I decided to order the book to see what it was all about.
Since encountering this concept of the accidental project manager, I started to think about its meaning. I agree that many times we can find ourselves thrust into a project manager role by management. Many times this is done to save a project that is failing or one that has taken a wrong turn. However, does this make you an accidental project manager? I would have to say, no. Why do I believe this?
First, it is no accident that you were given this opportunity. The actions you have taken in the past to further your development have prepared you to take the lead. These include your education and training (both formal and on the job), your attention to communication (written, spoken, and listening), your flexibility, and your willingness to accept advice from others.
Second, being recognized by those in charge is no accident either. By building your brand through hard work, a willingness to accept assignments, and networking, you have positioned yourself to take on this leadership role.
Third, you have taken steps to build co-worker and colleague support. These connections have placed you in a position to be successful. As any project manager learns early on, they can't do it all. You need the support and assistance of others to complete a successful project.
As you see, it really is no accident that you have been placed in this position. You have been preparing for it your whole life.
With this idea of preparation in mind, I am going to begin a series of posts that explore what I have discovered to be some skills that all "accidental" or as I prefer "quasi" project managers should have in their toolboxes. You may discover that you have more, but these basic skills and concepts have served me well over the years.