Most Important Skills For A Senior Project Manager At A Health And Wellness eCommerce Company

Patience is a top skill, but it's also something I struggle with. By nature, once I've decided to do something, I want to get it done quickly. Project management, however, requires strategic planning and an understanding that unexpected issues can arise and push back timelines.

From a people perspective, I might be very excited about where we're going, but not everyone will be there yet. Having patience with others and the process is crucial to the job.

You also have to be highly organized. Project management isn't for procrastinators, or for those who aren't organized and detail-oriented. It requires a lot of planning and organization, keeping many different plates spinning with various timelines. You need to be able to mentally and literally organize all of that into digestible components for everyone. If you're not organized in your life, this could be a problem.

Empathy is also part of the job. You need to be a people person and understand that people will have concerns. Some will be more excited than others, and some may dislike the process. You need to try to understand their perspective and concerns empathetically. Instead of saying, "This is the way it's going to go," you should approach it with, "Change is scary. Let's see how we can work together. What do you need? Let's figure this out."

Although I completely shut down at night, you have to be somewhat of an extrovert. A lot of project management involves presenting, being in meetings, and resource management, which includes sourcing vendors and getting them to understand your vision and objectives. This requires building relationships. If you're introverted, it will be a very difficult job. You need some element of being an extrovert to communicate effectively, get people excited, and be all in with your personality.

However, like me, as soon as you close your computer, you can shut down. You can recharge your social battery because you're giving 150% all week. So, being an extrovert is important, along with being willing to adapt.

My day-to-day requires switching hats and understanding that not everything will go according to plan. Sometimes you just have to pivot. An unforeseen hurdle might appear, but you pivot, find a solution, and move forward. You have to be able to roll with the punches and get through it.