The 5 Most Frequently Used Project Management Methods and Styles (How to Choose the Right Strategies for Your Company)

The 5 Most Frequently Used Project Management Methods and Styles (How to Choose the Right Strategies for Your Company)

Projects are the driving force of any business. They’re how you get things done, whether it’s creating a new product, launching a marketing campaign, or restructuring your company. And there are several different ways you can approach a project.

There are a ton of options when it comes to project management methods and styles. And it can be tough to decide which one is right for your company.

Your project management method is the framework that you use to plan, execute, and track your project. It includes the tools, processes, roles, and responsibilities that you and your team use to achieve your project’s objectives.

Your project management style relates more to the way you interact with your team, stakeholders, and clients. It’s about the culture you create, the decisions you make, and how you handle conflict and adversity.

There are several different project management methods and styles that you can use to manage your projects. Each has its strengths and weaknesses.

In this article, we’ll take a look at both five different project management methods and also five management styles. We’ll also offer some tips on how to choose the best method and style for your business.

Why Project Management Is Key To Your Business Success

Project management is the process of planning, executing, and monitoring a project from start to finish. It includes defining the objectives, setting timelines, allocating resources, and ensuring that the project stays on track.

It’s critical for businesses of all sizes. It helps you complete projects on time and within budget. It also improves communication and collaboration between team members.

What’s the difference between project management styles and methodologies?

Generally speaking, the difference between project management styles and methodologies is that project management styles are more embedded into the manager’s personality while methodologies are more like roadmaps for a given project.

Styles are more concerned with the way that projects are managed on a day-to-day basis. They focus on the interactions and dynamics between the project manager and the team.

Methodologies, on the other hand, are more focused on the process of managing a project. They provide a framework for how projects should be planned and executed.

The 5 Most Common Project Management Styles

The way you think and lead as a project manager is an indication of your project management style. Are you a stickler for deadlines, or are you more lenient and receptive to your team? Do you like to micromanage every aspect of the project, or do you prefer to give your team more autonomy?

Your answers to these questions will help you determine which project management style is right for you.

1. Autocratic Style
2. Democratic
3. Laissez-faire
4. Hybrid
5. Devolved

Now, these can be interchangeable. While you may lean towards one style, you may need to adopt a different style depending on the project or team you’re working with. The important thing is that you’re aware of the different styles and can adapt your own accordingly.

Style 1: Autocratic Project Management Style

The autocratic project management style is characterized by a top-down approach. The project manager takes full control of the project and makes all the decisions.

Depending on your personality, this style of management can be seen as either empowering or overbearing. On the one hand, it can help you keep the project on track and ensure that deadlines are met. On the other hand, it can alienate your team and stifle creativity.

But one thing is for sure if you are in a pinch and need to get a project done quickly, the autocratic style is the way to go.

Style 2: Democratic Project Management Style

The democratic project management style is the opposite of the autocratic style. In this case, the project manager seeks input from the team before making decisions. This consultative approach leads to better buy-in from the team because they feel like their voices are being heard.

The democratic style is also more conducive to creativity because it allows for open discussion and debate. However, this style can lead to indecision if team members can’t come to a consensus. So it’s important to strike a balance between giving team members too much freedom and not enough.

Style 3: Laissez-faire Project Management Style

The laissez-faire project management style is a hands-off approach. The project manager delegates authority to the team and allows them to make their own decisions.

This style is often used in cases where the team is highly skilled and experienced. It can also be used when the project is not time-sensitive. However, this style should be used with caution as it can lead to a lack of accountability and poor communication. But when everyone is engaged and trust is running high, laissez-faire management can be very effective.

Style 4: Hybrid Project Management Style

The hybrid project management style is a mix of the autocratic and democratic styles. In this case, the project manager makes decisions with input from the team.

This style is often used in cases where there is a need for both speed and buy-in. For example, if a project is behind schedule, the project manager may take a more autocratic approach to get it back on track. But if the project is going well, they may allow the team more freedom to be creative.

The hybrid style can also be used in cases where different team members have different levels of experience. In this case, the project manager can give more experienced team members more autonomy while providing more guidance to those who are less experienced.

Style 5: Devolved Project Management Style

The devolved project management style is similar to the laissez-faire style. However, in this case, the project manager delegates authority to specific team members rather than to the team as a whole.

This style is often used in cases where there is a need for specialization. For example, if a project requires expert knowledge in a certain area, the project manager may delegate authority to the team member who has that expertise.

This style can also be used in cases where team members are located in different geographical areas. In this case, the project manager may delegate authority to team members who are closer to the action.

5 Common Project Methods for you to choose from

Now that we’ve discussed what different styles of project management are available to you, it’s time to dive into some of the most popular methods. Methodology at its best helps you to complete a project in a way that is repeatable, consistent, and predictable.

Remember what separates styles from methodologies is that styles are more personal to the project manager while methodology is more about the team. Also, styles are more about the approach while methodology is more about the process.

If you can match your style with an appropriate method, you will be well on your way to project management success.

There are many different project methods available for you to choose from. Here are 5 of the most common:

1. Agile
2. Waterfall
3. Scrum
4. Strategic
5. Hybrid

Method 1: Agile

This methodology is based on an incremental and iterative approach, allowing for more flexibility. In Agile, teams work in cycles or sprints to deliver working products incrementally. The advantage of this is that it allows for changes and feedback throughout the project’s lifecycle.

Agile is ideal for projects where there is a need for constant collaboration and where the requirements are subject to change.

Method 2: Waterfall

The Waterfall methodology is a more traditional approach to project management. It is based on a linear process where each stage must be completed before moving on to the next.

Waterfall is ideal for projects where the requirements are well-defined and understood from the outset. It is also perfect when working with large teams as it allows for better coordination and communication.

Method 3: Scrum

Scrum is a type of Agile methodology that involves short development cycles, called sprints, which usually last two weeks. In each sprint, team members work together to complete a certain amount of work, which is then reviewed by the client.

Scrum is a great option for projects where there is a need for constant collaboration and where the requirements are subject to change.

Method 4: Strategic

The Strategic methodology is based on a more traditional approach to project management. It focuses on long-term planning and the big picture. This means that it can be less adaptable to change than other methods.

Strategic is ideal for projects where the requirements are well-defined and understood from the outset. This method is also perfect when working with large teams as it allows for better coordination and communication.

Method 5: Hybrid

A hybrid approach combines two or more of the above project management styles. This can be done in several ways, such as using Agile for the development process and Waterfall for the testing process.

The advantage of a hybrid approach is that it can be tailored to the specific needs of a project. It is also perfect when working with tight deadlines and when clients need to see quick results.

Final Thoughts

Project management is moving away from simple execution and toward more complex strategic planning. Before deciding on one approach for your project, understand your client and their requirements. Adaptability is more appealing to the customer, demonstrating your value and commitment to completing the project’s goal.

There are many different management styles and methods available to project managers. Don’t be afraid to try out different approaches and find the one that works best for you.