18 Years as a Project Manager Taught Me This: Not All PMs Are the Same

Why matching the right leader to the right project environment makes or breaks success

This year marks my 18th year as a project manager.

I still remember the exact moment it started: a junior-year college class on project management. I fell in love with the subject instantly. I walked out of that class knowing: this is the career for me.

Over the last two decades, I’ve led projects of every size, scope, and complexity. No two projects have ever been the same. Each one came with its own mix of challenges—sometimes around the process, sometimes the people, sometimes the customer, and often the technical hurdles.

But here’s the through line: I always delivered.

That doesn’t mean every project was exciting.

Some were tough.

Some were thrilling.

And a few left me feeling… limited.

Two Memories That Shaped Me

Years ago, I was assigned to a very rigorous program. On paper, it sounded impressive. But in practice, my days were filled with updating reports, tracking daily progress, and producing compliance checklists.

The project was successful. But I felt boxed in. There was no space to use the skills I valued most—building relationships, managing ambiguity, and aligning stakeholders.

Contrast that with another project that no one else wanted to take. The scope was ambiguous. The customer was difficult. The risks were high.

And I loved it.

I leaned into structure, but also flexibility. I engaged the client early, aligned the team, and created cross-board consistency. The result? Not only did we deliver, but we generated 20% more profit than planned—setting a record in the company.

Those two experiences revealed a truth I carry with me today:

Not all project managers are the same. And never two projects are the same.

The Truth We Don’t Talk About Enough

Even though we all share the same job title, project managers bring different strengths—and every project environment requires different leadership.

The right match between PM and project environment can unlock extraordinary success.

The wrong match can create frustration, inefficiency, and unhappiness—even if the project technically “delivers.”

And yet, I don’t think this gets talked about enough inside organizations. Too often, PMs are assigned based on availability, not fit.

The Five Archetypes of PMs

Over the years, I’ve seen five clear archetypes emerge.

1️⃣ The Executor ✅

• Strength: Discipline, structure, detail orientation.
• Best in: Construction, pharma, aerospace, defense.
• Risk: Suffers in ambiguity-heavy environments.

2️⃣ The Policymaker / Enforcer 👮

• Strength: Governance, compliance, standards enforcement.
• Best in: PMOs, finance, government, regulated industries.
• Risk: Seen as bureaucratic if too rigid.

3️⃣ The Innovator / Agile Builder 💡

• Strength: Adaptability, problem-solving, thrives in change.
• Best in: Startups, tech launches, disruptive environments.
• Risk: May lack follow-through or consistency.

4️⃣ The Strategist ♟️

• Strength: Visionary, connects execution to business goals.
• Best in: Transformations, M&A, executive-sponsored programs.
• Risk: Can frustrate delivery teams if too abstract.

5️⃣ The Harmonizer 🤝

• Strength: Empathy, diplomacy, team cohesion.
• Best in: Cross-cultural or client-facing projects, hybrid teams.
• Risk: May avoid conflict or struggle in cutthroat environments.

Why It Matters

Putting the wrong type of leader in the wrong environment creates the wrong results.

• A Harmonizer in a compliance-heavy program may build trust—but the project will stumble if strict reporting isn’t met.
• An Executor in a disruptive startup may double down on process—but that slows momentum when speed is critical.

It’s not just about plugging a PM into a project.

👉 It’s about placing the right type of leader into the right type of environment.

That’s where projects thrive.

That’s where PMs find fulfillment.

And that’s where organizations unlock their true return on investment.

Final Thought

After almost 20 years, here’s my reflection:

• Not all project managers are the same.
• Not all projects are the same.
• And the match between the two is what determines success.

So ask yourself:

• Which archetype feels most like you?
• And are you in an environment where you can thrive?

Because when the fit is right, you don’t just deliver projects.

You deliver impact.

Thanks for reading! If this resonated with you, here are more resources for you:

📩 Subscribe to the Introverted Leadership Newsletter

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📥 Download the free guide: 5 Strategies to Lead with Confidence at ProjectScenarios.com

📚 Explore the Introvert Leader’s 4C Decision-Making Framework on Kindle

💬 DM me—I’d love to hear your PM archetypes.

Until next time, lead quietly, but confidently!