Since I've read Seth Godin's "Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?", my mind could not stop making connections between linchpins and project managers. Therefore I could not rest without writing an article on the topic and share the reasons why I believe project managers to be more likely to become linchpins in their organizations.

Providing an unique interface between members of the organization

The main job of a project manager is to be the interface between apparently not connected members of the organization. Most projects (at least medium & big ones) involve people across different departments, with no direct reporting lines between them. There is no 'boss' to hold them together. However, there is the project manager, providing the interface required to connect them, creating and holding the team together, motivated towards reaching a common goal.

Delivering unique creativity

The definition of a project states the following: 'A project is a temporary endeavor, having a defined beginning and end (usually constrained by date, but can be by funding or deliverables), undertaken to meet unique goals and objectives, usually to bring about beneficial change or added value.' (source: Project management on Wikipedia)

Projects are all about shipping creativity in teams of people and project managers are there to make sure it gets delivered.

Managing a situation or organization of great complexity

The reason why project managers are needed is that delivering unique creativity always means managing complex situations and organizations. Project managers are there to create the map which shows the way, allowing the organization to focus, solve the issues standing in the way of delivering the project objectives.

Leading Customers

Another great skill (and responsibility) a project manager has is to connect with the project's customers, lead them and manage their expectations. No project in this world is considered successful if its customers are not happy with it and don't believe in it. And all great project managers know these are on top of developing the right relationship with the customers of their projects.

Inspiring staff

This is very much connected with providing the interface which integrates organizations. While the project manager might not be the official "boss", he is responsible for the team and its cohesion. When the going gets tough, he is the one to encourage, motivate the team, the one who must solve conflicts or clarify responsibilities, deliverables, goals, etc.

Providing deep domain knowledge

If there's something that makes a project manager stand out is his toolbox and knowledge on how to make things happen. The whole project management methodology is there to help project managers deliver unique creativity which grow people and organizations. He has tools, templates, models for almost everything needed in a project: how cope with and manage change, how to manage teams spread across different organizations, how to manage the customers of the project, etc.

Possessing a unique talent

This trait is very personal and depends on each person, it is not something related to project management. However, great project managers generally have a special talent which falls outside the realm of project management and they use it to deliver projects on a regular basis.
I've seen project managers being great coaches and mentors, always knowing how to grow their teams and help them become better versions of themselves. Some project managers I've met were great visual communicators, always being able to take the abstract and turn it into something visual everyone could understand. Others were extremely passionate and energetic, spreading their positivity to the whole team, making them less fearful of the unknown and more confident in their capacity to deliver.

Everyone has talent (discovered or not). Do your best to identify it (if you haven't done so already), develop it and use it as often as possible, even if apparently is not related to project management. The best project managers are the ones capable of contributing with unexpected talents on top of the standard methodology and make things happen.

PowerPoint Summary

What do you think?

Now that I've expressed my opinion on the subject of linchpins and project managers, I am really curios to know what our readers think? Is there a connection between the characteristics of a linchpin and project managers?

Related content:

Linchpin - A Book for Both Project Managers and Their Teams
Six tips for getting a new project management role