What Does a Project Manager Do?
The breadth of the term “project management” often begs the question, “what does a project manager do?” The HPM team loves to learn through stories and personal experiences. As such, we are introducing you to Project Manager, Justin Adams for a peak behind the curtain into his everyday life.
What project(s) are you currently on?
I am currently working on three municipal projects in the great state of Texas! These include City of Lewisville Public Safety Campus, City of Denton Fleet Services Expansion and City of Denton Fire Station #09.
What does a typical day at HPM look like for you?
My typical day includes interfacing with our team for project updates and helping develop solutions for project challenges. This involves touching base with our HPM team as well as trade partners and clients/ stakeholders. Generally, we have at least one dedicated project meeting in person or virtually. Days when I am onsite include walking the jobsite with the contractor and reporting meetings with clients.
What is the best part of your job?
The best aspects of my job are getting to learn from clients and trade partners coupled with the opportunity to share this knowledge within our team. I interface directly with various levels of management within the municipalities we support. This exposes me to the many complexities of project management and client satisfaction. There is always something to be learned and my knowledge is ever-growing. This grants me to lead by teaching. Watching team members accumulate new knowledge and develop new skills is immensely rewarding.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment was having run the Dallas Marathon twice. My wife and I are avid runners and love to be outdoors. This was recently outdone by becoming a father. Our baby girl was born October 5th this year!
Tell us about someone who inspires you. What made or makes this person a great leader?
My Grandpa has always been a source of inspiration both personally and professionally. My Grandfather taught me the importance of hard work and taking pride in what you do. He learned to be a hands-on leader working for the Dept. of Transportation building the original Interstate Highway System. He instilled in me the importance of accountability when leading a team, always teach by example. Grandpa is my inspiration for pursuing a career in Engineering / Construction and someone I am still learning from.
What are the characteristics of a great leader?
I find a great leader is often characterized not by personal success and accolades, but by the success of their team. Simply being a manager is not enough. You must gain the trust of your people, foster autonomy and create an environment centered on learning. A great leader is never too busy to work through a question or spend one-on-one time with their team. A leader’s focus should be providing their team the tools necessary for success.
Learn more about HPM’s expertise in Project/Program Management.
