Top 10 Fears Every PM Has and How to Overcome Them
An honest project manager will admit to having been confronted with the fears of their profession. This confrontation, more than likely, took place in front of their peers or project team.
That sounds awful, we know. It is awful, but all is not lost. When you're ready to be as successful as you can be, you'll address where you fall short and know that it only exists because there was something you were afraid of.
Now it's time to confront your fears. Look at them straight on.
If I were new to the profession, one of the things I would ask would be, "why does it have to come out in a public space? Why not in private?" That's easy to answer. Project managers live their professional life in front of others. Very rarely, if ever, are we alone. All of our assignments are presented on either a big screen, a conference call, a webinar, or online. There is no place to hide.
We've listed the top 10 fears that are faced by project managers. Take a moment to see which ones apply to you, then do something about it.
Fear # 1: I don't know enough.
Even when you've been in the field for 20 or more years, there is no way that you could have experienced all of the scenarios that could cross your path. This reality does not negate the notion that your project team considers you the expert. This fear, real or imaginary, shapes how you move forward and address your project. If you don't think you know enough, study. Speak with your Executive Sponsor or Business Owner to understand the dynamics of the project. I'm not saying that you need to code, but if coding is a part of it, learn how to manage coders. Don't put your head in the sand. Research what you do not understand. Your subject matter experts will respect you for it.
Fear # 2: Public speaking.
There has been study after study related to the fear of public speaking. Well, guess what. Public speaking is the core of what project managers do. Get over it. As a 20+ year veteran in the field, take this advice: Make eye contact with people and pretend they are the only people you are speaking to. Make connections with the individuals physically closest to you. Respond to their body language. Speak to them. It's not necessary to imagine them without clothes on (I've always disliked that suggestion). Just speak with them, like you would speak to someone that you want to be successful. Always remember, they are paying you to be there. Step up.
Fear # 3: Strong personalities.
People with strong personalities are your allies, not your enemies. Use their emotional influence to steer your team in the direction where they need to go. The ring leader has their place... right next to you. Gaining the trust of the informal leader of the group will make your life easier. Don't fear them. Embrace them.
Fear # 4: Microsoft Excel.
Need I say more. Only kidding. Microsoft Excel is the one software application that project managers truly need to get a grasp on. There are many classes out there - some paid and some for free. Take advantage of what's available to you. A larger percentage of project managers use Excel for project management than any other application out there. Learn to make it sing, tap dance, and juggle. You'll be happy you did.
Fear # 5: Peer acceptance.
No matter your age, you want people to like you and respect what you do. That's normal and healthy. What it's not is mandatory. It's gravy that your peers like you. True, it'll make your day go by faster. Lunch won't be so lonely. Them accepting you isn't a requirement, though. Instead of being afraid that your peers don't accept you, find out what they are into. Create some common ground. Then build upon it. You may not be best buds overnight, but they may turn into a colleague that has your back.
Fear # 6: Test taking.
Sweet goodness, test taking. If your heart doesn't stop beating in the process, you're on the right track. The best way to overcome this fear is to prepare, prepare, and prepare. The night before your test, go to sleep early. No studying. Eat a good breakfast on test day. Show up to the testing sight 45 minutes early. Sit in your car. Review some notes. Breathe. During your test, take breaks. Let your mind re-calibrate, then get back in there. You can do it!
Fear # 7: Utilizing newly learned skills.
We've watched practitioners from all experience levels exhibit a reluctance to openly display the skills acquired while in training classes. It's interesting to watch. As if "what happens in training class, stays in training class" was an actual thing. The idea that you are not supposed to grow and utilize your new skills is stifling the project management community. So, snap out of it. Learn and use as much knowledge as you can. Your new information is the bridge needed to take others with you. Each one, teach one.
Fear # 8: User Acceptance Testing
The fear of user acceptance testing (UAT) stems from the notion that everything has to be correct from the beginning. No, everything does not have to be correct from the beginning. What is expected is that you use all known information when deciding to turn left or right. With the usage of UAT, your known information base grows. It's been said that tests don't fail, they just uncover all the ways something doesn't work. Embrace UAT. It's your friend.
Fear # 9: Executive Sponsors
Executive Sponsors can be kinda scary. Depending on your business framework, they can be very scary. In times like this, remember you are there to run your project. Build rapport with your Executive Sponsors. Learn their likes and dislikes and cater to them. Cracking this shell will ease your anxiety and assist you in being a better project manager.
Fear # 10: Saying, "no."
What will people think if you say, "no"? I'll tell you. They'll think you aren't like the others. They will think that you understand capacity planning and are strong enough in your skills to actually use it. They will respect your authority. But most of all, they will get over it. 'Yes people' do exist, but they are not the strong project managers that you want to be. Understand that you can not do everything. You can not. It's important to prioritize what should and can be done, then execute. Under promising and over delivering sometimes has its place. We refer you to Scottie from Star Trek.
There you have it. The top 10 project management fears and how to overcome them. Do you feel better. Good. Now go make it happen!
