Colin Hyde - IT project manager

Colin works in the IT and change team managing projects across the business. He brings a wealth of experience to The Nottingham after a long career in financial services. 

My role as an IT project manager is to manage projects (short term, one off pieces of work – this could be replacing a new scanner, my current project or replacing an IT system). This includes management of people, time, costs relating to the project, making sure your stakeholders are up to date with the current status. 

I also have to work with the project team to identify risks and organise the mitigation of those risks. If an issue arises e.g. a resource issue then it is my job to resolve it or escalate as appropriate.

The role is varied and the reason I enjoy it is because I can use my life’s and work experiences to manage different projects, but I am always learning. Each project brings its own set of challenges and people to work with.

As a project manager you need many skill sets. I didn’t set out to be a Project Manager, two key things led me into the role - I saw an opportunity to make changes to the organisation where I was working and a new project was set up to do that work. With my previous experience I was able to add value and help re-organise the business across five regions. And, I wanted to lead change and not be led by change.

Public speaking and presentation skills and having the confidence to undertake meetings at all levels of the business are key. If you aren’t very naturally confident, look at physical challenges you can undertake to build your own confidence e.g. if you like running, prepare for and do a marathon, take a parachute jump just something different that makes you thing outside the box.

1. Know your subject - think about the sort of questions people may ask too and include your answers in your presentation or be prepared to give an answer
2. Prepare any presentation slides or visual aids, double check it then practice what you want to say 
3. Warm the audience by welcoming them and introduce yourself and the subject
4. Keep the presentation succinct, less is more. Don’t waffle on and don’t read the slide (the audience can do that) just add meat to the bones when you are speaking and remember, your audience want to hear what you have to say 
5. Focus on one or two individuals if you are talking to a large group, each person is individual and you will be less likely to be overawed - relax and don’t worry about senior people either.