As the workplace becomes increasingly complex and the need for quick results grows, project management skills have become essential for today’s leaders at all levels.
Whilst project management is a stand-alone skill set, the key competencies that successful project managers display are universally desired and required, at all management levels.
Effective project managers blend strong management skills with effective leadership, using a diverse set of skills to navigate uncertainty, manage risks, and deliver results that align with business objectives.
From the importance of effective communication and collaboration to the ability to manage resources and timelines, I’ll examine seven key project management skills that every manager can benefit from.
Time management
Successful project managers develop project management skills through knowledge of the standard project management framework and experience in the field.
Effective resource and time management is one of those skills best practised for ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget.
Time management skills play a significant role in the life of a project manager. Project managers spend at least 40% of their time in meetings, so you’ll likely be in at least one meeting daily.
Stakeholder meetings take up a considerable part of your time. You could be meeting with a concerned senior manager, gathering requirements, agreeing on deliverables with a client, sorting out resource requirements with different departments or attending quality review meetings.
By managing resources, time, and schedules effectively, project managers can improve their organisation’s productivity, reduce the risk of project failure, and achieve better results.
Chasing deliverables
Not only do you have to make sure you stick to your schedule, but you also need to make sure your team sticks to theirs! This isn’t always easy, especially if you’re not the line manager of the people working on the project.
You need to have the negotiation skills of a top diplomat and the courage of a warrior to keep on top of those deliverables!
Risk management
As all project managers know, every project comes with its own risks and challenges. Effective project management allows leaders to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
By identifying potential risks early, leaders can develop contingency plans, reducing the risk of project failure. With a clear plan, teams can adapt to change, ensuring that projects remain faced with unexpected challenges.
Risk management skills help leaders to protect their organisation’s reputation and minimise the impact of potential risks while building resilience and adapting to the changing market conditions.
Effective communication and collaboration
Project managers are the glue between the company’s brand, vision and their own teams. As a leader, ensuring everyone involved in the project is on the same page is crucial.
Effective communication and collaboration are critical for ensuring that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
This involves establishing clear communication channels and setting expectations for how the information will be shared. It is also essential to foster a collaborative work environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions.
Leaders who possess effective communication skills can articulate the project’s goals and objectives that, in return, provide the best outcome. They can also identify potential communication barriers and take steps to mitigate them.
Efficiency and focus
Being a project manager can be a stressful job! But you can achieve tasks more efficiently and calmly when you’re focused and organised, which enables you to stay on track and avoid becoming overwhelmed under pressure.
With a focused plan in place, teams can work more efficiently, reducing the need for costly revisions and ensuring that projects are completed to a high standard.
Adaptability and flexibility
In today’s workplace, it is essential to be adaptable and flexible. Leaders who remain adaptable and flexible can quickly adjust the project plan in response to changing circumstances confidently. They can also effectively communicate sudden changes to team members and stakeholders.
Delegation
Successful managers need to know how to delegate and when to pull back on micromanaging. As a manager, you should provide the necessary context, resources, and support but then get out of the way so your team can do their best work without wandering eyes peering over them.
A survey found that fifty-nine per cent of employees interviewed reported working for a micromanager at some point in their careers. The survey also found that constant scrutiny has a negative impact on most workers.
The skill of delegation gives you the time and ability to focus on higher-level tasks while developing trust between workers and improving overall communication and productivity.
Unlock your team’s potential with our game-changing project management tool
When you’re the boss leading the way, it’s so crucial that you know how to confidently do so from beginning to end. Project management skills are vital in achieving this.
If you’re looking for a tool to help you manage your projects and amplify your project management skills to another level, look no further than Psoda!
You can sign up for a free trial by clicking on the orange button at the top right-hand side of the page or schedule a complimentary personalised demo with our CEO Bruce Aylward from the comfort of your office.
For more project management tips, check out our YouTube channel. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced project manager, we have something for you!
