The success of any project depends on how it is managed at the top level. Having the best tools and technologies is of no use if the project manager is incapable of handling the project. Project managers are responsible for creating a workable atmosphere among their stakeholders, superiors, peers, and subordinates.

There are certain bad habits that you should refrain from cultivating if you want to be a successful project manager.

    1. Never being available – Project managers are the face of the project. They are the primary point-of-contact for any information on the project. As a project manager, you will be responsible for answering questions, from stakeholders to team members. You are the one accountable. It is a poor reflection of your managerial and leadership skills if you aren’t available when needed.
    2. Ineffective delegation – Good project managers delegate jobs effectively. They trust their team members to get the work done. Ineffective delegation is the mark of a bad project manager. It shows that they do not trust their team and are not familiar with the project. This leads to micromanagement. There is nothing wrong with asking about the progress of the project. However, it is wrong if you sit with every team member over every decision without letting them do their job properly.
    3. Not planning ahead – A project idea may sound simple, but its execution has to be carefully thought out. Often, to get ahead of their game, ineffective managers approve projects without prioritizing their need in the organization. This leads to a number of problems and issues that spill over the deadline. Obstacles and potential issues must be forecasted and solutions have to be in place before the project even begins.
    4. Ignoring problems – A project free from problems is unheard of. But project managers who avoid or ignore these problems are plenty. If you are a project manager, you should be able to deal with any problem that arises during a project. If the problem is beyond your scope of support, try to find someone who can help you. Ignorance can only aggravate its impact on your project and reflects poorly on the entire team.
    5. Miscommunication or non-communication – As the point-of-contact for the project, project managers receive regular updates from stakeholders, customers, clients, and team members. This information from one has to be communicated, when required, to the relevant teams involved in the project. Change in deadlines, additions to be made, or any other information has to be effectively communicated between parties by the project manager. By keeping the information to themselves, project managers put the entire project in jeopardy.
    6. Lack of appreciation – When someone does a great job on the project, the least you can do is appreciate them. It not only boosts the morale of the team member but also improves their productivity. Ineffective managers are those who take credit for all the work without acknowledging the hard work of their team members.

Ineffective project managers are toxic to the organization. Ensure you avoid these habits and cultivate a healthy and friendly attitude towards your work.