BOOK REVIEW
Book Title: Mastering Project Leadership: Insights from the Research
Author: Pedro M Serrador
Publisher: CRC Press
List Price: $63.99
Format: Paperback, 190 pages
Publication Date: 2024
ISBN: 9781032472560
Reviewer: Surya Yeshwanth Mandapaka, PMP
Review Date: March 2025
Introduction
Project leadership… the very phrase might conjure images of meticulously crafted Gantt charts and the relentless ticking of critical path deadlines. But let’s be real: the landscape has shifted dramatically. The days of top-down, command-and-control are receding in the rearview mirror. Today, we’re navigating a far more intricate web – a confluence of human dynamics, the ever-evolving currents of organizational culture, and the disruptive force of rapid technological advancement. In this environment, project managers need more than just a toolkit; they need genuine wisdom.
That’s precisely the value proposition of “Mastering Project Leadership: Insights from the Research,” edited by Pedro M Serrador. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill project management textbook. Serrador has assembled a collection of essays from some of the brightest minds in the field, delivering research-backed insights that resonate with both contemporary relevance and enduring truth. Think of it as a seasoned mentor’s guidance for navigating the often-uncharted territory of modern project leadership. It’s a resource designed to keep you not just current, but ahead of the curve, ready to tackle whatever complexities the project world throws your way.
Overview of Book’s Structure
The book’s structure itself is a strength: 17 independent chapters, each a deep exploration of a specific facet of project leadership. This format invites a non-linear reading experience, allowing you to dive into the topics that most immediately address your challenges or pique your curiosity. And with each chapter authored by a recognized expert, you’re guaranteed a rich tapestry of perspectives and expertise.
A few chapters, in particular, struck a chord with me:
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- Normalization of Deviance by Pinto and Davis: This chapter serves as a stark reminder of how easily projects can be imperiled by the gradual erosion of standards. It’s a wake-up call to maintain unwavering vigilance and a healthy skepticism, ensuring that project integrity remains paramount.
- Balanced Leadership by Müller, Drouin, and Sankaran: In our era of relentless change, the ability to adapt isn’t merely a desirable trait; it’s an absolute necessity. This chapter provides a compelling framework for cultivating that essential adaptability, offering practical strategies for navigating shifting sands.
- Three Themes of Project Management by Rodney Turner: Turner distills decades of hard-earned experience into a set of core principles that are both profound in their simplicity and eminently practical in their application. It’s a powerful reminder that certain fundamental truths remain constant, even amidst a whirlwind of change.
More…
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How to cite this review: Mandapaka, S.Y. (2025). Mastering Project Leadership: Insights from the Research, book review, PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue V, May. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/pmwj152-May2025-Mandapaka-Mastering-Project-Leadership-book-review.pdf
About the Reviewer
Surya Yeshwanth Mandapaka
Dallas, Texas, USA
Surya Yeshwanth Mandapaka is an accomplished leader in project and operations management, with over a decade of experience driving strategic transformations across infrastructure, logistics, manufacturing, and nonprofit sectors. Known for delivering measurable outcomes, he blends Lean, Agile, and data-driven methodologies to optimize complex systems and foster operational excellence.
Surya holds an MBA from the prestigious Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, specializing in Supply Chain, Strategy, and Business Analytics. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the esteemed Manipal Institute of Technology. His professional credentials include PMP®, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO®) certifications.
Recognized with multiple honors, including awards from the Lean Competency System (UK) and PMI Dallas Chapter, Surya has authored thought leadership articles on operational risk, project governance, and innovation, contributing actively to the advancement of project management practices globally.
A passionate advocate for continuous improvement and ethical leadership, he focuses on helping organizations bridge the gap between strategy and execution through simple, scalable, and sustainable solutions.
Email: suryamandapaka91@gmail.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/smandapaka
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