Performance Evaluation: Parameters to evaluate a Project Manager's performance

Project Managers are responsible for the success of the project. During a Project Manager’s appraisal, we normally assess their performance based on whether the project has been completed on time, without slipping cost or quality. However, here are some additional metrics which can be used to evaluate a Project Manager’s performance. This time of the year, many managers are spending time evaluating the performance of their team. Here are some parameters that can help you evaluate the Project Managers:

Project Management Specific parameters:

% of Projects completed on time
% of Projects completed without cost slippage
% of Projects completed without scope creep
% of Projects having zero post-delivery defects (Some managers might not directly use this metric for Project Managers, but can relate it to the fact that did the Project Manager raise a risk or take the right steps to avoid post-delivery defects)
Effective usage of Project Management tools like JIRA for project-related tasks
Domain/Technical Knowledge

Remember that if the Project has missed a cost, schedule, or scope for reasons beyond the control of the Project Manager, then there should be a risk raised by the Project Manager to ensure that the correct process has been followed.

Interpersonal skills specific parameters:

Communication skills
Stakeholder engagement ability
Leadership abilities
Ability to identify risk at the right time to prevent any slippage
Analytical abilities
Resource planning or capacity planning abilities
Collaborating abilities with the team

Learning & Development related parameters:

% of Knowledge Management sessions conducted for peers
% of Project Managers mentored
% of Self-learning sessions undertaken to move from a competency level n to n+1
Certifications during the assessment period

Apart from the above parameters, the Project Manager should also be evaluated on their domain knowledge & technical awareness. It is very important for the Project Manager to understand both in order to take the decisions that are correct for the project.

I would recommend Project Managers to collect data against the above parameters through out the year and do a self-check periodically. These metrics can constitute the SMART (Specific- Measurable- Achievable- Relevant- Timebound ) goals to evaluate a Project Manager's performance, but a good leader would give periodic feedback on the performance. Take the feedback as a constructive criticism and an opportunity to improve.