Project Management Skills for Project Managers

Introduction

Skill = Ability to do something well (expertise)
Project management involves both art (people skills) and science (technical skills)

Leadership Skills
- Influence others and get team buy-in
- Encourage team to follow your direction
Change Management
- Manage change effectively within an organization
- Navigate fears and resistance associated with change
Process Management
- Understand and manage processes efficiently
- Apply project management discipline
Problem Solving
- Break down problems to identify core issues
- Take decisive action to resolve issues
Communication
- Communicate at different levels (team, stakeholders, executives)
- Use different forms (written, verbal) appropriately
Organizing and Planning
- Organize project components
- Plan effectively for project management
Reading Systems
- Understand what’s happening in the system
- Identify when things are off track
Team Building
- Foster collaboration and understanding within the team
- Manage team dynamics and bridge skill/culture gaps
Commitment
- Stay committed through tough and good times
- Avoid abandoning the project prematurely
Diplomacy
- Navigate politics and different levels within the organization
- Resolve conflicts and get things done diplomatically

Knowing About Tools
- Use tools like Excel, Microsoft Word
- Employ software tools (e.g., ProjectManager.com) for project management
Techniques
- Methodologies (e.g., Gantt charts, decision-making processes)
- Clear methodology to communicate with team and manage projects