Project managers generally fall into two distinct types: facilitators and demanders. As someone who has worked for project managers as well as having them work for me, I feel confident making this distinction.
Facilitators
Facilitators actively contribute to getting tasks done. They play a hands on role in delivering results and often get involved in the finer details of the project. Their effectiveness is apparent when they go on holiday: productivity may slow or even halt because their direct involvement is crucial to progress.
However, facilitators have a notable weakness—they are often too immersed in the process. This closeness to the “coalface” can make it difficult for them to maintain an overarching view of the project. It can also hinder their ability to transition seamlessly between projects since they are deeply embedded in the operational details.
Demanders
Demanders, on the other hand, take a more removed approach. They don’t do much hands on work themselves; instead, they push, chase, and pressure others to deliver. Their value lies in their ability to maintain momentum, as they often accelerate delivery timelines by holding team members accountable.
Interestingly, when demanders go on holiday, tasks may still get done—albeit at a slower pace—because their presence primarily serves to keep pressure on the team. Their absence gives the team a breather but doesn’t stop progress entirely.
Distinguishing the Two:
At first glance, it can be hard to tell facilitators and demanders apart. However, their behavior and approach reveal key differences:
Facilitators:
- Provide actionable solutions.
- Offer hands on help to overcome obstacles.
- Criticize constructively by identifying steps to resolve issues, e.g., “This can be done if we contact X and Y to address these dependencies.”.
Demanders:
- Focus on dates and deadlines, and how this effects perceptions of the project by the wider company.
- Use corporate jargon like “root cause analysis” often without direct knowledge of the production process.
- Sometimes use blanket statements: “We’re missing deadlines, This isn’t acceptable”.
Ultimately, facilitators are deeply engaged in the delivery process, while demanders rely on oversight and pressure to drive results. Recognising these distinctions can help organisations understand how to better utilise their project managers for different challenges.