Deciding on the right project manager (either real estate or technology, both apply) is as much an art as it is a science. A project manager needs to be able to bring a team from many different areas together to get a great result. Depending on the project specifics (budget, schedule, and external constraints) and the team make-up (personalities, resource constraints) the personality of the PM may be the make or break on the project.
Successfully motivating individuals is the heart of management. Whether you are a people manager or project manager, you have to herd the team to get outcomes. It may feel like a degree in psychology is required to be successful at times but that’s the nature of the gig. You can either deal with people or you can’t.
Bulldog PMs are able to take a team quickly in hand and drive them to the result. There is never any doubt who is in charge throughout the project. The bulldog owns everything. A lamb for a PM is much more the team builder and coaxer. They let each individual shine in their role and own their area. A softer PM gets the outcome by herding the team without them feeling like they’ve been herded.
Dealing with people isn’t the whole of the job but it’s table stakes for good PMs.