This chapter begins with a review of the problems that develop when an organization uses the accidental project manager approach to project manager selection. Many people take the job because they see no other career development options. A first step in project manager selection is to provide an attractive alternative, thus the need for a dual career ladder.

Several studies are reviewed and summarized to yield important criteria for project manager selection. Given these, we propose a project manager selection process, an important part of which is helping potential candidates determine whether they really want the job. The chapter then reviews a project manager development process, including the role of upper management to actively support that process.