As project managers, it’s easy to get caught up in the technical aspects of our job. After all, we’re responsible for ensuring that a project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required specifications. However, as important as technical skills are, they’re not enough to guarantee project success. In fact, it’s often the “soft skills” or, as I like to refer to them, “people skills” that make the biggest difference.
As AI becomes more common, it is imperative that we sharpen our soft skills. Many are worried that AI will come in and take their job. But here’s the thing: as technology keeps pushing the boundaries, there’s one thing that AI can’t replicate and that’s YOU! The people management aspects of project management are now even more valuable. By developing these skills, we can build better relationships with stakeholders, identify opportunities for improvement, and drive project success.
Let’s be real – when it comes to dealing with people, things can get a little interesting. Everyone has their own unique personality and quirks. Much like a game of Tetris, you know, the one where you stack falling blocks to clear lines, as project managers, it’s our job to figure out how to navigate those differences and fit all the people and personalities together.
Soft skills are personal attributes that enable us to interact effectively with others. A few include things like communication, leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. While these skills might not seem as important as technical skills, they’re essential for successful project management.
In my experience as a project manager, I’ve found that the ability to communicate effectively is one of the most important soft skills. As I’ve learned, communication is not just about transmitting information. It’s about actively listening to stakeholders, understanding their needs and concerns, and building relationships with them.
One of the keys to effective communication is being able to tailor your message to your audience. As project managers, we need to be able to communicate with everyone from the C-Suite to the frontline employees. That means we need to be able to explain technical concepts in a way that’s easy for non-technical stakeholders to understand.
In the words of Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This quote really resonates with me because it speaks to the importance of building relationships. As project managers, we need to be able to inspire and motivate our teams, and that requires building trust and rapport.
One of the ways I build relationships with my team members is by actively listening to them. When team members feel heard and valued, they’re more likely to be engaged and committed to the project. This is particularly important in the post pandemic era when dealing with remote teams, where communication can be more challenging.
Another soft skill that’s essential for project managers is leadership. While some people might think that leadership is something you’re born with, I believe that it’s something that can be developed and learned. In my experience, the best leaders are those who lead by example. We set a positive tone for the team, and we are not afraid to get our hands dirty. We also encourage team members to take ownership of their tasks and responsibilities, which helps to build a sense of accountability and ownership.
I’ve also found that effective leaders are those who can adapt to changing circumstances. In healthcare, projects can change quickly, and it’s important to be able to pivot when necessary. This requires being open to new ideas and willing to take risks. As the famous scientist Charles Darwin once said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” I think this quote is particularly relevant to project management because it speaks to the importance of being able to adapt to changing circumstances.
When it comes to teamwork, I believe that diversity is one of the keys to success. In a diverse team, you have people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and that can lead to more creative and innovative solutions. However, diversity can also lead to conflict, and that’s where conflict resolution skills come in. As leaders we need to be able to manage disagreements and find solutions that work for everyone. This involves staying neutral and fair, and collaborating with all parties to find solutions that work for everyone—though, I won’t lie, isn’t always easy.
We also need to be able to read the room and adjust our approach to different personalities and situations. This requires empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to regulate our own emotions. In my experience, emotional intelligence and taking initiative often go together. When we’re able to read the emotions of others and adjust our approach accordingly, we’re more likely to identify opportunities for improvement. And when we take the initiative, we’re more likely to build trust and rapport with our teams, which leads to better relationships.
Here are a few tips to improve your people skills:
- Active Listening: I have been told by peers, family, and friends that I am a good listener. When someone’s talking, really tune in. Listen!!! As much as you want to, don’t start planning your response while they’re still speaking. Let them finish, and then respond.
- Empathy: There’s an old saying don’t judge a person until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. Ask yourself how you’d feel if you were in their situation. This sounds simple but many don’t do it.
- Clear Communication: Don’t respond with an essay or soliloquy when a simple yes or no will do. The K.I.S.S principle comes to mind here – keep it simple, you know the rest.
- Body Language: Personally, I am still working on this one. My face speaks long before I do. Facial expressions, folded arms, even how you stand, convey a message. Remember to maintain eye contact, stand/sit confidently with no slouching!
- Conflict Management: Conflicts happen, but it’s how you handle them that counts. Remain calm! I have witnessed situations go from 0-60 in seconds because someone lost their cool. Instead, take a breath, assess the situation, and approach the issue with a level head – you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: The only constant is change. Plans change; we must adapt and adjust. Being able to switch gears on the fly is what sets great project managers apart from the rest.
- Collaboration: Encourage all team members to engage and speak up. Even if an idea seems farfetched at first, discuss it. Sometimes the best ideas come from thinking outside of the box.
Soft skills are the real deal when it comes to bankable talents. Don’t believe me? Check this out: A study by the National Soft Skills Association states that 85% of career success is thanks to soft skills. In another study, The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) backed this up, saying 93% of employers see soft skills as essential for job success. If that wasn’t enough, The Aberdeen Group found that replacing an employee costs 1.5 to 2 times their yearly salary. So, all those leadership, communication, teamwork, and adaptability skills? They’re not just nice to have – they’re big bucks.
Maximizing Success in the AI Era is not just about mastering technical skills; it’s about connecting with people, understanding their needs, and leading with compassion. While getting the project done is important, we must remember that people are at the heart of every project. Communication is an art we must master, connecting with stakeholders and motivating our teams. We must lead with honesty and integrity, always ready to pivot to handle changes.
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