Introduction

Transitioning from an individual contributor to a project manager is a significant career milestone that requires a fundamental shift in mindset and skill set. This Transitioning from Individual Contributor to Project Manager training course is specifically designed to equip aspiring leaders with the strategic thinking, leadership abilities, and practical management tools necessary to succeed in their new role. By mastering the art of delegation, communication, and team motivation, you will learn to oversee projects from conception to completion with confidence and efficiency.

This 10-day program will guide you through the essential principles of project management, focusing on the soft and hard skills that define effective leadership. We will cover everything from mastering project planning and resource allocation to navigating stakeholder expectations and resolving team conflicts. This course is your roadmap to not only managing projects but also inspiring your team and achieving exceptional results, paving the way for a successful and rewarding career as a project manager.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Senior individual contributors
• Aspiring team leads and managers
• Technical specialists and engineers
• Business analysts
• Product managers
• Subject matter experts
• Anyone promoted or seeking a promotion to a project management role
• Individuals preparing for project management certification
• Professionals from non-management roles
• Individuals looking to develop their leadership skills

Objectives

• Understand the core differences between an individual contributor and a manager.
• Develop foundational project management knowledge and skills.
• Learn to effectively plan, execute, and monitor projects.
• Master communication and stakeholder management.
• Build and lead high-performing teams.
• Gain confidence in delegating tasks and providing constructive feedback.
• Learn to identify and mitigate project risks.
• Develop emotional intelligence for leadership.
• Understand budget and resource management.
• Create a personal development plan for continued growth.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Mindset Shift

• Moving from "doing" to "leading."
• Embracing a new set of responsibilities.
• The importance of a strategic perspective.
• Overcoming imposter syndrome.
• Defining your personal leadership style.

Module 2: Fundamentals of Project Management

• The project life cycle from initiation to closing.
• Key project management terms and concepts.
• The role of a project charter and scope statement.
• Understanding project constraints: scope, time, and cost.
• An overview of various project methodologies.

Module 3: Communication and Emotional Intelligence

• The art of effective listening and clear communication.
• Developing empathy and understanding team dynamics.
• Giving and receiving constructive feedback.
• Communicating with different personality types.
• The importance of transparency and trust.

Module 4: Stakeholder Management

• Identifying and analyzing key stakeholders.
• Managing expectations and building relationships.
• Creating a stakeholder communication plan.
• Navigating difficult conversations with stakeholders.
• Reporting project progress effectively.

Module 5: Team Building and Motivation

• Building a cohesive and high-performing team.
• The stages of team development.
• Motivating team members beyond financial incentives.
• Recognizing and rewarding team achievements.
• Creating a culture of accountability.

Module 6: Project Planning and Scheduling

• Breaking down a project with a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
• Estimating task durations and dependencies.
• Creating a project schedule and timeline.
• Using Gantt charts and other scheduling tools.
• The importance of a realistic plan.

Module 7: Budget and Resource Management

• Developing a project budget.
• Tracking and controlling project costs.
• Allocating human and material resources.
• Managing resource conflicts.
• Forecasting project expenses.

Module 8: Risk Management

• Identifying potential project risks.
• Analyzing and prioritizing risks.
• Developing a risk response plan.
• Creating a risk register.
• The importance of proactive risk monitoring.

Module 9: Agile and Scrum Methodologies

• An introduction to Agile principles.
• The roles and responsibilities in a Scrum team.
• Running effective sprint planning and daily stand-ups.
• Managing the product backlog.
• Retrospectives and continuous improvement.

Module 10: Project Management Tools

• Using tools like Jira, Asana, and Trello.
• Collaborative and communication platforms.
• Gantt chart software.
• Time tracking and reporting tools.
• The benefits of project management software.

Module 11: Conflict Resolution

• Identifying the root causes of conflict.
• The five styles of conflict resolution.
• Mediating disputes within the team.
• Managing conflict with external stakeholders.
• Fostering a healthy and open environment.

Module 12: Performance Management

• Setting clear performance expectations.
• Conducting one-on-one meetings.
• Providing regular and timely feedback.
• Coaching and mentoring team members.
• Documenting performance issues.

Module 13: Delegation and Accountability

• The difference between delegating and abdicating.
• The five levels of delegation.
• Assigning tasks and ensuring accountability.
• Following up on delegated work.
• Empowering your team to take ownership.

Module 14: Time Management and Prioritization

• The Eisenhower Matrix and other prioritization techniques.
• Managing your own time as a project manager.
• Helping your team prioritize their work.
• Identifying and eliminating distractions.
• Creating a work-life balance.

Module 15: The Final Transition: Leadership vs. Management

• The difference between leading and managing.
• Inspiring vision and purpose.
• Developing a growth mindset.
• The servant leadership model.
• Becoming a trusted advisor.

Module 16: Your Path to Success

• Developing your personal brand as a project manager.
• Networking within your organization and industry.
• The value of continuous learning and professional development.
• Creating a career roadmap.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.