Everyone wants to grow—both in their personal life and their career. For project managers with a Project Management Degree, the goal is often to become not just good at their job, but truly great. If you’re working hard to be the best version of yourself as a project manager, you’re already on the right path. Based on my own experience, I’ve put together some tips that can help. I also encourage you to share your own ideas—because the best advice often comes from shared experiences.
Here are some helpful tips, in no particular order:
Ask for Feedback Often
One of the best ways to grow is to ask others how you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to talk to your team, your clients, or your boss and ask them for feedback. A good way to do this is by asking what’s going well and what could be even better. People tend to focus on negative comments, even when there are more positive ones. So, ask for feedback in a way that helps you see the full picture—what you’re doing right and where you can improve. Honest and kind feedback can really help you move forward.
Keep Learning New Things
Learning should never stop. The world of project management is always changing, and new tools and methods are coming out all the time. If you stop learning, you risk falling behind. You can keep growing through courses, reading, coaching, or learning on your own. Even small things like reading an article, trying a new tool, or asking a mentor for advice can make a big difference. The key is to always stay curious and open to new knowledge.
Know Your Strengths
Every project manager has strengths and areas they could improve. Spend some time thinking about what you’re good at and how you can use those skills more often. Are you great at organizing? A strong communicator? Good at solving problems under pressure? These are your strengths—use them to your advantage. At the same time, be honest with yourself about where you struggle. You can choose to improve these areas, or you can team up with people who are strong in those skills.
Focus on People Skills
Tools like Gantt charts, timelines, and task boards are helpful—but the real magic of a project manager is in how they work with people. Strong communication, empathy, leadership, and being a good listener are what really make a difference. These skills help you connect with your team, earn trust, and keep everyone motivated. Some people are naturally good at this, while others need to work on it. Either way, growing your people skills is one of the best things you can do.
Always Be Professional and Honest
It’s important to stay professional and honest in all parts of your job. Treat others with respect, meet your deadlines, and follow through on what you say. Being ethical also means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. These choices build your reputation over time, and that can open doors in your career. Trust and professionalism go a long way in project management.
Give Back to the Community
Helping others can also help you grow. Share your knowledge, mentor someone new to the field, or volunteer in your local project management group. You’ll be surprised how much you learn by teaching or supporting others. Giving back also helps you build strong relationships, which can lead to new ideas, opportunities, and support when you need it.
Take Care of Yourself
To be your best at work, you need to feel your best in life. That means getting enough rest, eating well, making time for things you enjoy, and setting healthy boundaries. If you don’t take care of yourself, stress and burnout can creep in slowly. And once you’re burned out, it’s hard to give your best at work. Make your well-being a top priority—your career will thank you for it.
Final Thoughts
Becoming the best project manager you can be is a journey, not a finish line. It takes time, effort, and a lot of self-reflection. Keep learning, ask for help, focus on your strengths, and always treat others with kindness and respect. And most of all, don’t forget to enjoy the process. Project management is a rewarding field, full of growth and opportunity. The more you give to it, the more you’ll get in return.
I’d love to hear your tips too. What’s helped you become a better project manager? Let’s keep learning from each other.