This is how you manage your success as a project manager in advance

From board member to project manager

Yat-Ho Chung (44) lives with his wife and two children in Dedemsvaart. Throughout his career, he has worked as a project engineer, project manager, team leader of project managers, and board member. Today, he works as a project manager at NTS-Group, a company we introduced him to. For those who may not know, NTS-Group is a technology company specializing in providing high-tech engineering and testing services to various industries. They offer services such as product development, testing and certification, and technical advice. Their goal is to help customers bring innovative and reliable products to the market. In addition to Eindhoven, NTS-Group is also located in Hengelo, from where Yat-Ho Chung currently manages an impressive 7 projects simultaneously, all for ASML.

Yat-Ho Chung is someone who follows his heart; he considers it more important than the career ladder. The reason he returned to being a project manager instead of a manager and board member? Yat-Ho says, 'With my experience, I can add significant value within projects and support people with their issues. My experience in general management helps me better understand my stakeholders, enabling me to achieve team goals more quickly.'

The most important stakeholder is often forgotten

Yat-Ho Chung always focuses on the results to be achieved at the start of a project. The goal must be crystal clear. 'You quickly think: I need to please the boss because they're in charge. But the end user, they are the boss. They need to be satisfied and not complain about the delivered service or product,' argues Yat-Ho. 'It surprises me that when listing the important and determining stakeholders, the most important one is often forgotten: the end user and the one who has to work with it. Of course, it's more challenging to speak with them, but how can a project be successful if you don't exactly know their wishes?'

According to Yat-Ho, good project management is precisely understanding what everyone wants, what their expectations are. Leading a project well means managing those expectations and truly involving all stakeholders. How? By making it clear in advance what they will exactly get from you. And for that, it's necessary to take a step back first, instead of rushing in and putting out fires immediately. 

Managing and Enforcing Success in Advance

Deadlines are difficult to meet in a time when materials are scarce and hard to come by. Because everyone is dealing with this, there is more understanding. But it remains an issue, says Yat-Ho. 'That's why it's important to be extra clear with customers. Tell them: I'll place the order as early as possible, but I don't have control over it.'

That sharpness and clarity are what good project management is about, according to Yat-Ho. 'I have learned to manage my success in advance. It's a matter of discussing what we are going to deliver. When will we be happy? So important to agree on the scope and requirements! After that, it's a matter of ticking off the list: has this been delivered, yes or no. If everything is delivered in the agreed-upon manner, then you know you have achieved success, and the client will accept it with a smile.'

Challenging Assignment at a Great Company

Yat-Ho is happy with his new job and assignment within the NTS-Group. He had been open to new opportunities for a while and had already started networking. When we told him about the challenge at NTS-Group in Hengelo, the match was quickly made. Regarding Ghysels' role in his placement at NTS-Group, he says: 'I am often approached by recruiters who don't take the time to get to know you. Bart has a very personal approach. I recommend him to project managers because of his contacts, approach, and humane treatment.'

Where Will You Take Your Next Step?

Are you a project manager who is no longer challenged? Give yourself the next step. Don't stand still. Feel free to contact us! We are happy to help you!"