Top 5 project management skills and how to develop them

Project management is a critical profession that requires a range of skills to be successful. While project managers need to be proficient in many different areas, there are five key skills that are essential for success: communication, leadership, time management, problem-solving, and risk management.

 

Communication Skills: Effective communication is a critical skill for project managers. It helps ensure that everyone involved in the project understands the goals, scope, timeline, and other critical details. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and ultimately project failure. A study by the Project Management Institute (PMI) found that 56% of failed projects were due to communication breakdowns

To be an effective communicator, project managers need to be skilled in various areas, including active listening, clear messaging, and conflict resolution. They must also be able to adjust their communication style based on the audience, whether it’s team members, stakeholders, or clients.

One example of effective communication is using the “STAR” technique, which involves Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This approach helps project managers clearly communicate their experiences and achievements in a structured manner.

Leadership Skills: Project managers need strong leadership skills to motivate and inspire their team members to achieve project goals. According to a survey by PwC, 97% of high-performing projects are led by experienced project managers with strong leadership skills.

Effective leadership involves setting clear expectations, delegating tasks, providing guidance and support, and ensuring that team members have the resources they need to succeed. It also involves mentoring team members and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing.

One example of effective mentoring is using the “70-20-10” model, which involves 70% on-the-job learning, 20% learning from others, and 10% formal training. This approach helps team members develop their skills through real-world experience and learning from others.

Time Management Skills: Project managers must be able to manage their time effectively to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. According to a survey by LiquidPlanner, 77% of projects are delivered late due to poor time management.

To be an effective time manager, project managers need to prioritise tasks, set deadlines, and allocate resources effectively. They should also be able to adjust their plans based on changing circumstances and unexpected challenges.

One example of effective time management is using the “Eisenhower Matrix” or “Urgent-Important Matrix”. This approach involves categorising tasks into four quadrants based on their urgency and importance, and prioritising them accordingly.

Problem-Solving Skills: Project managers must be able to solve complex problems and make informed decisions. According to a survey by Deloitte, 83% of organisations believe that problem-solving skills are important for project managers.

To be an effective problem solver, project managers need to be able to analyse data, identify root causes, and develop creative solutions. They should also be able to communicate their decisions effectively and convince team members of the right course of action.

One example of effective problem solving is using the “Design Thinking” approach. This approach involves understanding the user’s needs, ideating potential solutions, prototyping and testing the solutions, and iterating based on feedback. By understanding the user’s needs and testing solutions, project managers can develop effective solutions that meet the project objectives.

Risk Management Skills: Project managers must be able to identify, assess, and manage risks throughout the project lifecycle. According to a survey by PMI, 86% of high-performing organisations have a formal risk management process in place.

To be an effective risk manager, project managers need to be able to anticipate potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimise their impact. They should also be able to monitor and evaluate risks throughout the project lifecycle and adjust their plans accordingly.

One example of effective risk management is using the “FMEA” (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) technique. This approach involves analysing potential failure modes and their potential impact, identifying actions to prevent or mitigate each failure mode, and monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of these actions.

To develop these skills, project managers can consider taking relevant courses or reading materials. 

Communication Skills:

 

• • “Communication Foundations” with Brenda Bailey-Hughes
  • “Improving Your Listening Skills” with Dorie Clark

 

Leadership Skills:

 

• • Reading: “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey
  • “Leadership Foundations” with Britt Andreatta on LinkedIn Learning
  • “Leading and Working in Teams” with Amy Edmondson on LinkedIn Learning
  • Additionally, the “70-20-10” model can be used for effective mentoring and can be learned through courses such as “Mentoring and Coaching: Improve performance and build a positive culture” on Udemy.

 

Time Management Skills:

 

• • Reading: “Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time” by Brian Tracy
  • “Time Management Fundamentals” with Dave Crenshaw on LinkedIn Learning
  • “Getting Things Done” with David Allen on LinkedIn Learning
  • The Eisenhower Matrix or Urgent-Important Matrix can also be learned through courses such as “The Eisenhower Decision Matrix: Make Great Decisions!” on Udemy.

 

Problem-Solving Skills:

 

• • Reading: “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
  • “Critical Thinking for Better Judgment and Decision-Making” with Becki Saltzman on LinkedIn Learning
  • “Solving Business Problems” with Mike Figliuolo on LinkedIn Learning
  • Additionally, the “Design Thinking” approach can be learned through courses such as “Design Thinking Fundamentals” on Udemy.

 

Risk Management Skills:

 

• • Reading: “The Standard for Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and Projects” by Project Management Institute
  • “Risk Management Foundations” with Dan Weedin on LinkedIn Learning
  • “Certified Associate in Project Management: Risk Management” with Sandra Mitchell on LinkedIn Learning
  • Additionally, the “FMEA” technique can also be learned through courses such as “FMEA Training: Failure Mode and Effects Analysis” on Udemy.

 

By taking advantage of these open learning courses on platforms such as LinkedIn Learning and Udemy, project managers can develop the necessary skills to deliver successful projects on time and within budget.