»We have to remember to celebrate our achievements«
Five insights on project management from Bob Melis
1. Know what’s expected of you
You’re inevitably going to change projects during your career. When switching projects, it can be challenging to properly say goodbye to your old team while ensuring you get the best possible start on the new project. It’s important to know what’s expected of you. That’s why I always do my research to align with expectations and determine how I can help the team in the best possible way. In addition, I always make sure that I understand the project’s objectives so I know my goals. I consider all of this and see how I can create success for both the team and Netcompany.
2. Check in with your team and celebrate your achievements
It’s essential to find balance. I frequently check in with the team and the client to ensure everything is going as planned and see if anyone needs support. The most important thing is communication. We need to keep communicating with the client and ourselves. Furthermore, we have to remember to celebrate our achievements.
»It’s human nature to move on as quickly as possible, but taking a moment to appreciate what we’ve done and how hard we’ve worked is essential.«
3. Take a step back to gain perspective
In our work, we get incredibly involved in the projects we’re working on. We spend all our time on the project and can get extremely frustrated when something is not going well. When you’re in the middle, it can be difficult to distance yourself, and decisions might be made in the heat of the moment. Taking a step back creates space to overlook the whole situation and correctly assess what is the best thing to do.
4. Embrace opportunities
Outside my work as a project manager, I’ve had many opportunities to take on more tasks and responsibilities. As a mentor, I guide several colleagues, meeting with each of my mentees at least once a month to support their personal development. Today, I serve as the platform owner of AMI in the Netherlands, overseeing the platform’s operations and expertise within the country.
Embracing these opportunities challenges me in my work and keeps me motivated. It also broadens my horizons and expands my network. I’m deeper involved in the business and the team, allowing me to gain new perspectives. I learn from newcomers and contribute to their growth, enriching my own professional journey.
5. Find something that challenges you
As a project and people manager, it’s crucial to identify and pursue something that challenges you. These challenges contribute to my career development and provide a sense of achievement and motivation in my work.
I find the IT sector appealing due to its fast-paced nature and quick development. It’s extensive and complicated, and the deeper you dive into it, the more challenging it becomes. At Netcompany, I aim to learn as much as possible about project management and best practices while collaborating with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds. In the future, I aspire to manage multiple large international projects at Netcompany to impact society positively.
