You’re the first to arrive, the last to leave – and everywhere in between. Being a project manager is about taking ownership of your project and holding yourself accountable for all actions or inactions pertaining to your project and your team. You play an incremental role at each phase of the project whether it is developing a requirements brief, kicking off a project, setting/re-setting expectations or delivering the final product. You are an orchestrator, a problem-solver, a facilitator – and most importantly, a leader. As the glue that holds the team together, you are there to listen and react, remove any bottlenecks, navigate any challenges and partner with your team members to keep the project moving forward. At any hour of the day, the team feels comfortable confiding in you because they know you will guide them in the right direction, you will be supportive and you will help be their eyes and ears to bring them to the finish line. And somewhere between the first to arrive and the last to leave, you will be there everywhere in between.

You’re a great communicator – fluid across all personality types. Very rarely do project managers get to choose their teams. More often than not you’re given a team or placed on an assignment that requires you to interact with personalities of all types from the practical and fact-minded individual to the bold, imaginative and strong-willed leaders to the quiet, inspirational and tireless idealists to the smart, energetic enthusiasts. You are flexible and adaptable in your approach to converse, collaborate and coordinate across individuals and teams. And with a bit of motivation, persistence and empathy, you work with the team to help move the needle forward.

You can take what you dish out. As a project manager, one of your mantras is choosing to lead by way of example. At the heart of a healthy team are experts who are undeniably adept and skilled in their profession. Not only do you know how and when to activate a project plan and delegate to a team, but you also know how your support and assistance can benefit and positively impact your team member as a whole. The work that you entrust with your team is work that you would not shy away from if given the opportunity to intercede. It is carrying an equal balance of empathy and drive which makes you a team player and a servant leader.

You can stand the heat. Sporting a calm demeanor and a sunny disposition is no walk in the park especially ‘when the going gets tough.’ Instead of feeding on to the stress and anxiety that radiates from the circumstances or your team, you’re able to take a moment to really listen and assess the situation before reacting or drawing a conclusion. As a project leader, you consult your team and make decisions together. Both you and your team keep your eyes and ears open, and look for opportunities in the face of challenges. Through and through, the bond and partnership you have built with the team only strengthens because you have already realized that you are in it together.

You’d project manage the Titanic if given the opportunity. No matter the size or scale of the project, you are game. From the smallest to the largest projects, you’ve mastered the art of navigation, communication and delivery – which makes the most sizeable projects appealing and challenging when paired with a healthy appetite. Work breakdown structures are your friend and you easily translate the scope and technicality with poise and enthusiasm. Your confidence is what leads the team and what they fall back on while enduring challenges beyond their reach. Through the highs and lows of each project, you find yourself rising to the occasion and preparing for your next project.

These are just a few of the qualities and commonalities that I’ve observed in the project management community. What are some qualities you can think of that tell me you are project management material?