What are the 3 top qualities required to succeed in your role?

As I see it, to be successful at program management one needs to be able to lead effectively, approach everything with an end-to-end view and have a learning mindset.

A program can span across different organizations and involve many people. All of them turn to the program manager for vision and guidance and that's something he/she should deliver. Effective leadership is about communicating the vision, inspiring people to collaborate, empowering them - all with a goal to motivate to provide the best possible result.

Approaching everything with an end-to-end view helps to see different perspectives on every topic. Having such a view really helps to stay on track of objectives, as well as where the program is going. Moreover, sharing this perspective with people helps to engage them more to proactively look for ways to be more effective.

A good program manager will review all possible options and choose the best approach (most optimal or with less risk). Having a learning mindset helps to stay humble and keep an open mind for suggestions and proposals from all colleagues - long-term experts and those who are less experienced.