How to Be a Great IT Project Manager While Still Caring About Your People

Being an IT project manager can be a challenging task. You have deadlines to meet, budgets to manage, and stakeholders to keep happy. But amidst all the technical jargon and project plans, it’s essential not to forget about the most valuable asset of any project – your people. Here are some humorous tips on how to be a great IT project manager while still caring about your team:

1. Embrace the “Geek Chic”

As an IT project manager, you’re already part of a unique tribe. Embrace your inner geek and let your team know it’s cool to be nerdy. Show off your Star Wars collectibles and wear your favorite superhero t-shirts to team meetings. It’s a great way to bond over shared interests and create a fun work environment. Encourage your team members to express their geekiness, too – set up a “Geek of the Week” award where they can showcase their nerdy hobbies or talents.

2. Speak Their Language

Communicating with your team is essential, but remember that IT folks have a unique vocabulary. Brush up on your tech slang and sprinkle it into your conversations. Use phrases like “Ctrl+Alt+Del” when you need a fresh start on a project or “404 Error” when things go wrong. It shows your team that you’re not just a manager but also understand their world. And when they use acronyms or technical terms, you don’t understand, play along and respond with a witty comment like, “Ah, I see you’re speaking in binary code today!”

3. Celebrate the Wins

When your team achieves a milestone or completes a project, celebrate it in style. Throw a “Code Party” with pizza, energy drinks, and a playlist of their favorite coding jams. It’s a fun way to acknowledge their hard work and show appreciation for their dedication. You can also create a “Wall of Fame” where you highlight the achievements of individual team members. Add some funny captions or inside jokes to make it even more enjoyable.

4. Practice Active Listening

As an IT project manager, listening to your team’s concerns and ideas is essential. But don’t just nod your head and pretend to listen. Show your team that you genuinely care by responding with witty tech puns or sarcastic programming jokes. It lightens the mood and lets them know that their voices are heard. For example, when someone shares a problem, you can say, “Sounds like a bug in the system. Let’s squash it together!”

5. Flexibility is Key

In the fast-paced world of IT projects, things can change at the drop of a hat. Be flexible and adapt to new challenges with a sense of humor. When faced with unexpected obstacles, crack a joke or two to lighten the tension. It shows your team that you can handle anything that comes your way while keeping things lighthearted. Encourage them to embrace the mantra, “Code like a ninja, adapt like a chameleon.”

Remember, being a great IT project manager is not just about delivering projects on time and within budget. It’s also about creating a positive work environment where your team feels valued and supported. So, embrace your inner geek, communicate with tech slang, celebrate wins, practice active listening, and stay flexible with a sense of humor. With these tips, you’ll be a successful IT project manager and a leader who genuinely cares about their people.

Happy managing!