New Training: The Role of the Project Manager

In this 8-video skill, CBT Nuggets trainer Simona Millham covers the primary functions of a project manager and what their sphere of influence might be. Learn about leadership, management, and different types of power. Watch this new Project Management training.

Watch the full course: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

This training includes:

• 8 videos

• 35 minutes of training

You’ll learn these topics in this skill:

• Introducing the Key Project Roles

• The Primary Functions of a Project Manager

• The Project Manager’s Sphere of Influence

• The PMI Talent Triangle

• Leadership Styles

• Management vs Leadership

• Politics, Power, and Getting Things Done

• Performing Integration

Project Management vs Leadership: A Big Difference

Being a project manager means wearing many hats. You'll need to organize a project, set deadlines, resolve unknown issues, and keep team members on task while also keeping stakeholders informed of progress. These are tasks for both managers and leaders. Being an effective project manager means being both, but what is the difference between management and leadership?

A manager controls and directs a team of people or an entity to accomplish a goal. This involves delegating tasks, setting deadlines for those tasks, and ensuring a project stays on track.

A leader influences and inspires teams and stakeholders, though. Leaders will keep teams motivated and use their influence to solve issues from internal hurdles, external forces, and stakeholders.

There is a clear difference between managers and leaders, though a project manager will require both skill sets to see a project to completion with success. Much like chess, learning both management and leadership skills are easy to learn but difficult to master.