Do Project Managers Make Stuff, Sell Stuff, or Count Stuff?

It's a crucial question that all Veterans, and all job seekers really, must be able to clearly answer.

Why?

Because in his recent USA News and World Report article, U.S. Marine Officer and RecruitMilitary CEO Peter A. Gudmundsson shared with us "Today people are usually hired to make, sell or count first and the leadership and management skills are assumed".

He adds this "frustrates veterans, especially senior ones, who expect offers to lead and run teams, departments or companies [because we've] been attracted to and trained in the "cult of leadership" in the military".

However, civilian organizations aren't going to hire you for 'lead stuff'; only make, sell, or count stuff. That can be a tough fact to grasp, and more importantly, act on.

But, I am an optimist. Challenges are actually problems waiting to be solved. So let's see if we can't solve this one.

One way to do this is to fold your leadership into one of the three categories.

Let's use project management as an example.

As a project manager, you steward your organization's precious resources, influence and manage relationships, build small, high-performing teams, report timely accurate information that you've analyzed, and make critical decisions about meeting project objectives and managing numerous stakeholder expectations. You create value for the organization by creating deliverables they can use to improve processes, comply with rules, compete with, or sell to customers. So, you're making stuff!

Using your leadership!

They go hand in hand!

But you can't answer the job announcement with "I can lead stuff".

You first have to show the organization which of the three key roles you fit into. Then you have to clearly show them how you can help them do it better with you on the team. Then once you're on the team, you will get to lead stuff!

But remember, only after you've shown them how you'll make stuff. Stuff they'll sell. Sales they'll account for. You start the chain with making. So sell 'em on what you make, sell, or count first, then show 'em how you do it through leadership second.

There's a reason it's called project management, not project leadership.

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Please 'Like' and ‘Share’ this post liberally if you are a transitioning military Service Member or Veteran, military transition assistance professional, a Veteran Employment/Retraining Organization or Recruiter, or if you found it helpful. Additionally, please email any questions or inquiries you may have to me at eric@vets2pm.com. I'm here to help, and I thank you! Warmest regards, Eric.

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Eric Wright is a two-service, two-era Military Veteran; Co-Founder and CEO of Vets2PM; an experienced, credentialed project manager and mentor; and an entertaining instructor/public speaker on project management, PMI’s PMP and CAPM exams, and on project manager development. He helps Military Veterans become Project Managers through inspiration, training, preparation, and presentation to the PM hiring community.