People Skills Needed for Project Managers

Often the distinction between the project that fails and the project that succeeds is dependent on the leadership skills of a project manager. A good project management team comprise of a group of people who have good coordination and aspire motivation from their project managers. Planning is crucial in this industry, but having the ability to work with people to conquer challenges and the flexibility to adapt to changes is just as necessary.

Here is a checklist of essential people skills which a good project manager must possess:

- Good Communication Skills - Interacting with people working with you regarding the thoughts, ideas, emotions, facts, successes, challenges, etc. through proper communication channels is the most important skill you, as a project manager, must have. Having the skill to easily deliver complex ideas, keep the team aligned towards a common goal and to encourage an environment in which each team members are allowed to communicate without hesitation is what good communication is all about.

- Creativity and Flexibility - Coming up with creative and novel ways for open problem solving discussions when issues arise. Encourage the team members to think of new and imaginative solutions of problems that standout from generic solutions and discuss them with you.

- Leadership - Understanding the project and aligning the team to work to achieve the targets. A good project manager should be able to delegate, motivate, coach and effectively lead his or her team towards a common final outcome.

- Crisis Management - The ability to settle situations where conflict has arisen in team members, whether personal or project-specific, maintains a good and healthy project environment. Listening and justly responding to the views and needs of team member to anticipate and solve any potential conflicts is the best way to settle conflicts.

- Anticipation - Having the ability to predict and analyze problems that can jeopardize budgets, stakeholder acceptance and deadlines is another important project management skill.

- Learning and Development - Taking extra steps to motivate and develop your team is also critical. This includes evaluation of capabilities and skills, encouraging learning activities and providing practical opportunities for applying those in the project environment which can result in personal and team growth.

- Recognition of Efforts - It may not seem too significant, but a team needs to be appreciated for a job well done. It is one of the most important interpersonal skills which encourage the team to keep up the good work.

- Technical Expertise - Having technical knowledge gives you the credibility to provide your team with technical assistance on the technical aspects of a project.

A project manager should be organized and fully cooperate with his or her team to successfully carry a project to success. One of the ways to be a good project manager is to develop people skills. These skills include a blend of interpersonal and communication skills and depends on how an individual builds and upholds relationship with other people. In project management, the key to success is to get others to work with you for achieving a common goal.


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