must-read books for first-time managers handling projects
When I first stepped into a management role, I dove into all kinds of content, like articles, books, professional magazines, websites, you name it, and I would have read it. Honestly, at the time, a lot of it felt like it didn’t apply to me. I would read about situations and think, “That’s not really relevant right now.”
But here’s what I didn’t realise back then; those scenarios would come up. And when they did, whether it was handling complex projects or navigating team dynamics, I was so glad I had taken the time to read those resources. They gave me a mental toolkit to lean on when I needed it most.
So, if you are a new manager , (or even just managing a project on the side), I really encourage you to start reading early. You never know when those insights will come in handy.
Here are three must-read books I highly recommend for new project managers, team leads or anyone starting out in management. They have made a huge difference in how I approach my work and I guarantee it will help you, especially if you are a first-time manager handling projects.
This book uses a simple and engaging story to introduce the concepts of delegation and time management, which are crucial skills for project managers.
It’s easy to read and provides practical advice in a straightforward manner.
Key Take Aways
- Effective Delegation: Learn to delegate tasks effectively by understanding who is responsible for what, ensuring that team members take ownership of their work.
- Time Management: Master the art of managing your time by focusing on important tasks and avoiding being overwhelmed by minor issues.
- Empowerment: Empower your team by providing them with the resources and authority they need to succeed, which in turn frees up your time for strategic planning.
Effective delegation is about empowering others to take responsibility, allowing you to focus on higher-level tasks and leading your team to success.
Scott Berkun’s book is approachable and filled with real-life anecdotes that make project management concepts easy to understand. It covers a range of topics from planning and estimation to leadership and communication, making it a great introductory project management book.
Key Takeaways
- Clarity in Communication: Learn how clear and effective communication is crucial for project success. This ensures that all team members understand their roles and responsibilities.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Projects often face unexpected challenges; being flexible and adaptable is key to navigating these obstacles and keeping the project on track.
- Realistic Planning: Successful project management involves realistic planning, including setting achievable goals and accurately estimating time and resources. Get a clear understanding on the project management tools that can help achieve these success factors.
Project management is about bringing clarity to chaos; it’s the art of transforming a vision into reality through careful planning, communication, and adaptability.
You are definitely going to love this one!
This book takes a fun and informal approach to project management, focusing on practical tips and common pitfalls. Written in a conversational style, you will feel Kimberly sitting next you and explaining the nuance of project management especially from a beginners perspective, giving you a feel for what project management entails.
Key Takeaways
- Common Pitfalls: Understanding and avoiding common pitfalls can significantly improve the chances of project success.
- Practical Solutions: Implementing practical, straightforward solutions to problems can be more effective than complex strategies.
- Team Dynamics: Recognising and addressing team dynamics is crucial for maintaining a productive and positive working environment.
Navigating the unpredictable landscape of projects requires not just skills and tools, but also the creativity and resilience to tackle challenges head-on.
Good luck on your journey, and here’s hoping you become a project manager very soon!
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