The document discusses how to become an "accidental project manager" by taking advantage of opportunities that arise in one's organization. It notes that many projects are poorly managed due to a lack of experience rather than methodology. The document recommends getting certified in project management, having an "elevator speech" prepared, actively seeking out upcoming projects by asking colleagues questions, and successfully managing any opportunities that do arise using proven methods. The overall message is that one shouldn't wait passively but should seek opportunities to gain experience and potentially turn an accidental role into a full career in project management.

1. How to Become an
Accidental Project
Manager

2. First, there is no easy one line answer or formula to
becoming a project manager. In this article I explore what
aspiring project managers can do to exploit any
opportunities that exist and give themselves the best
chance of entering the project management profession,
and ultimately becoming a project manager.
There are many articles written on the subject that explore
the need for experience, certification and skills. In this
article I'm going to look at the problem from a new angle the 'accidental' project manager.

3. There's a well-known quote by Colin Bentley, author of
many project management books, "Why do so many
professionals say they are project managing, when what
they are actually doing is fire fighting?" This suggests
there are many businesses struggling to deliver projects
effectively.
Looking back in my career I can see I often got to run
great projects because I was in the right place at the
right time. On other occasions the person engaging me
had very little idea about running projects, but of course
didn't like to admit it. They were desperate for help.

4. Although less prevalent since the rise of project management
certifications, I've seen plenty of projects delivered not through good
project management practice, but by personal heroics, overtime and
sheer bloody minded endeavour. The project team ended up
exhausted, demoralised and flicking through the 'positions vacant' in
the trade press.
So where am I going with this? Don't assume all projects run
flawlessly, following PRINCE2, PMBOK or other methodology.
There are plenty of opportunities if you look for them. Senior
managers are looking for people to run their projects now. All you
need to do is seek them out, convince them you have the skills they
need, and take on the challenge.
Look for any opportunity you can. There are many accidental project
managers out there who fell into the profession to fill a need.
Sometimes 'lazy' executives take the easy way out and engage the
person in front of them.

5. What can you do to help increase your chances of becoming an
accidental project manager?
1. Get that all important certification. It doesn't matter which one, as
likely the person engaging you will not know his PRINCE2 from
PMBOK. They'll take comfort in the fact you are certified.
2. Prepare an elevator speech to convince any executive that you
know how to manage projects.
3. Actively seek opportunities in your business, ask questions around
the water-cooler. What projects are coming up, who's gone sick, are
we recruiting project managers?
4. When an opportunity arises pull out all the stops to manage it to a
successful conclusion, using a proven methodology of course.

6. What you don't know about the business you
work in may surprise you. I've often been asked
if I know any good project managers for a
particular assignment. Likely if someone had
asked, they'd have been given the project.

7. In summary...
Many people have fallen into project
management to fill a gap and found
themselves a career. Don't neglect your
studies and skills development, but
equally don't wait for opportunities to
present themselves, seek them out and
maximise your chance of becoming an
'accidental' project manager.

8. SOURCE
http://certifications-review.blogspot.in/2013/11/how-tobecome-accidental-project-manager.html