I know this is probably going to spark either some thought or a barrage of comments, either is good, but I have a theory about the types of project managers that are out in the marketplace today.

Unfortunately this isn’t an original theory of mine, and I can’t remember the source but here goes.

There are essentially three types of PMs.

One eyed
The first type is the one eyed PM who strictly adheres to their chosen methodology. Whether it be the latest fad or a tried and true method that’s withstood the test of time is irrelevant, they won’t budge from it and they won’t use words that aren’t from it. Even if their project is heading for a nose dive, they still stick to it like flies to err a rubbish bin.

Methodologically challenged
Then there is the PM on the other side of the spectrum for whom paperwork or planning are both dirty words to be banished from your vocabulary upon entry to their offices. These types run by gut feel (which is a good quality and one I’ll comment on in another post) and don’t take the time to articulate their plan on paper. This is fine I guess on a small project, of say about a days duration, but any longer than that they are a nightmare to work with. Making themselves the font of all knowledge and disabling any of their team from making their own decisions in accordance with a formal plan.

Mixture of both
The third type is a mixture of both. These are the good guys in my book, who have an appropriate level of project formality through their paperwork and who have the skill of running with gut feel. They’re often more human and pragmatic in their approach to issue management and are more palatable to work with.

Anyway, what do you think?