Final answer:
A project manager's core task is to keep the team focused on critical priorities, managing multiple projects and preventing deadline failures that can lead to significant losses. They achieve this by aligning team efforts with company goals and fostering collaboration and proactive problem-solving within the team.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the key contributions of a project manager is indeed to continually remind the team of the most important priorities. This responsibility is crucial because engineers and project teams often work on multiple projects with various tasks and strict deadlines. A project manager, by keeping the focus on critical milestones and project goals, can effectively guide the team through complex tasks, facilitate timely project delivery, and avoid the potentially catastrophic consequences of missing deadlines, such as loss of significant revenue or market opportunities.
To be effective in this role, a project manager must understand the company's priorities and align the team's efforts accordingly. They are also responsible for building and maintaining a productive and collaborative team, using communication and interpersonal skills to manage disputes and foster a transparent work environment. Thriving in such roles requires proactive initiative from the individual team members, as well as a cohesive effort toward the collective goal.