Beyond the routine responsibilities of planning, estimating, scheduling and tracking, the more important responsibilities of a project manager include having a clear understanding of the project's objectives, understanding organizational politics and being a strong, capable communicator.

Project objectives are the end game, and a summary list of them should become the project manager's "elevator speech." Project managers are advised post the list of objectives prominently in their offices, and start each project meeting with a quick recitation of those objectives. The next time you come across a project team member, ask that individual to state the project objectives. You would be surprised how many don't have a clue.