In a course on project management, author Seth Godin framed the role of a project manager in a way I had not previously considered. “The project manager’s contribution to the project is the decisions that we make, not the tasks that we perform.”
He believes that the decisions occur in two areas. The first is when to “thrash” — or explore options and possibilities. More successful projects thrash early and then decide to lock it down and begin implementation.
The second key decision is where the team spends its time and money. “The lowest cost and the highest cost are rarely the right path,” Godin says. “The middle we intelligently choose makes the project work.”
When considering who the best person is to lead an important project, heed his advice and tap the person who is your best decision-maker. Successful projects are the result of smart choices, not busy beavers.
