Traits of Alpha Project Managers

In the February issue of PM Network, the PMI's monthly magazine, there is a great article titled "Are you an Alpha?" It's about Andy Crowe's book, Alpha Project Managers: What the Top 2% Know That Everyone Else Does Not".

This is awesome content, especially for an aspiring project manager like myself. 8 key areas were identified where alpha project managers shine:

1. Attitude and belief
2. Communication
3. Alignment with the organization
4. Approach and organization - twice as much time planning as non-alphas
5. Priority management skills
   
6. Issue Management
7. Relationships and conflict
8. Leadership

I already knew the majority of this based on my experiences, reading, and just talking with project managers. The one thing that blew me away was that alpha project managers spend twice as much time on planning as non-alphas, although both think it's about the same importance.

So why do the alphas get to spend twice as much time planning? Is it because they are good enough at handling upper management and sponsors to assert the need for it, while lesser project managers fold when their time is cut back? Or is it more that non-alpha project managers just want to dive into the doing too early? If you're reading this, leave a comment and tell me what you think.

Thanks!

It's amazing how many wonderful people there are out there. I've reached out to several people who have all been so willing to mentor and help out a newbie like me. I'd like to give a shout out and thanks to the following, and keep the list updated so I always remember the great people that shouldn't be taken for granted.


Tamara, Mazaryk, and Draven - My Family
-for putting up with all of my activities (work, school, reading, blogging) that take time away from them. I couldn't do any of this without their support.

Brian Bernhard, P.E. - Professor
-for being my favorite project management professor and turning me on to Critical Chain project management; for sharing his wisdom, enthusiasm, encouragement and teaching in a way that encourages independent thought and innovation

Cornelius Fichtner, PMP - The PM Podcast, The PM Prepcast
-for giving many helpful suggestions and mentoring me regarding project management and blogging, and producing one of my two favorite podcasts

Dina Henry Scott, PMP - Controlling Chaos
-for being ever helpful with encouragement and info, and producing one of my two favorite podcasts

Jack Vinson, Ph.D. - Knowledge Jolt, Inc., Knowledge Jolt with Jack
-for fielding my Critical Chain questions and directing me to answers, and helping me with getting the word out about my blog

Larry Leach, PMP - Advanced Projects Inc.
-for his contributions to the Critical Chain Yahoo group, and giving me permission to post his NASA presentation on CCPM and EVM

Michael R. Wood - The Helix Factor
-for introducing me to "The Helix Factor" and his other books, and his valuable contributions to the Gantthead.com community