How to succeed in Project Management

What makes a successful IT project manager? Is it someone who has completed their training and passed one of the project management exams, to get a shiny new certificate? Does it require a Master's degree in project management? Are certified project managers more successful than seasoned project managers who never took a formal exam?

The answer is "e. All of the above".

As I continue researching the question "What makes a successful project manager", for my next book, I find recurring themes listed below.

1. Must have passion for the project.
2. Must be willing to negotiate for the project. Give and take, take and give on scope and timelines to not come across as "unreasonable".
3. Must have learned from on-the-job training and know the IT and business landscapes. Know the organizational structure and political structure of the organization that you are implementing the project in.
4. Have learning agility - be able to learn new skills and topics that you need on your project, quickly. You must be able to pick it up on the fly.
5. Seek out mentors - these behaviors are not learned from text books or "PM Bootcamp".
6. Disgust for "clipboard project managers" who walk around with the figurative clipboard and ask for status.
7. No fear of having tough conversations and facing confrontation.

There you have it - absorb these seven winning behaviours into your professional conduct, and you will succeed in IT project management, as well as attract senior leaders to notice you.