Multiculturalism and the Project Manager

For:
Dr. Sleeda Grantum
By:
Don C. Johnson
Walden University
Organizational Leadership (6110-1)
Spring-Session B January 27, 2012

Abstract
The Project Manager is at the centre of everything relating to the project; controlling the contributions of stakeholders, clients, and project team members is just as important as managing the work of the team (Stadtmiller, 2004). The project manager's skills are essential from the beginning of the project; because the project manager provides direction and pulls together each aspect of the project. A project manager must understand human factors as well as the scope and components of a project itself. Biases, cultural assumptions, and more can impede the effectiveness of project management if the members of a team feel disconnected from a project for cultural reasons. As a project manager, you should be aware of the underlying cultural assumptions that pervade your team, as well as your own perspective. Emotional intelligence promotes positive relationships as well as interpersonal skills to assist the PM in making strategic decisions for the organization. Utilizing personal assessments and previous work related experiences, I will identify the bases of effective project management and leadership.

My definition of a project manager (PM) is: that the PM provides direction and pulls together all aspects and resources of the project; the technical disciplines, logistics, financial issues, and most important, the people. Managers must organize project team members, not just to capitalize on efficiency, but to cultivate skills, develop talent and inspire results. As the PM, I develop the project schedule in conjunction with the project team members. I am aware of significant impact that I have on projects