What is a Competent Project Manager?

What are the capabilities of a good project manager? What is the definition of capability? Also, what defines capabilities and where does “competence” fit in to the mix. Perhaps if we look at some definitions we can start to answer the original question.


Capable - quality, ability, feature, etc., Something to be used or developed; potential


Competence - is a measure of the ability to perform a task


So, we can say that a competent project manager would possess a set of skills and behaviors, which would help guide them to successful project results.


I believe that some of these competencies are comprised of the following:


(K)nowledge - acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation; general erudition


(S)kills - the ability, coming from one's knowledge, practice, aptitude, etc., to do something well


(A)ttitude - manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation, esp. of the mind


(E)xperience - the process or fact of personally observing, encountering, or undergoing something


Based on the above definitions, we could say that K+S+A+E = Competence


Also, I have posted several times in the past that I believe: (K) + (E) = (W)isdom. Taking the previous equation to the next logical level can we not also say that: W + S + A = Competence.


In conclusion, let’s not forget that the competent project manager still needs a good suite of tools.  Whether you are managing IT, construction, or some other type of project, a good suite of project management tools with a robust project accounting component will help you track project costs and calculate your projects Earned Value (EV).  If you don’t know the Earned Value of your project there is a good chance your project is going to fail.  Don’t forget, what isn’t measured can’t be managed.