Look at these startling statistics.
The International Project Management Association (IPMA), Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM), and KPMG conducted a survey about project performance, titled ‘The Future of Project Management: Global Outlook”.
And they discovered that:
- 64% of businesses are unlikely to complete projects on time and within budget.
- Only 19% of businesses complete projects successfully, at least 80% of the time.
- A staggering 70% of businesses are unlikely to complete projects on schedule.
- The likelihood of an organization delivering projects that satisfy the original purpose and commercial intent is only 44%.
Can you imagine the kind of damage that failed initiatives are causing in terms of credibility, business opportunities, and money?
The future project manager ‘has to become increasingly strategic and linked, acquiring skills beyond standard project management approaches‘, states the paper.
Project Management is never simple.
However, by acquiring the necessary skills and abilities, a project manager may effectively manage not only their projects but also their own physical and mental health.
In this article, let us see the 5 top skills that a project manager must learn to manage their projects effectively and efficiently. That means overall you’ll be putting in the least effort to deliver within project constraints!
Let’s look at each of these skills you’d require as a Project Manager.
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1. Ability to manage Change within the project & organization
An organization must undergo change to grow.
- Changes in business conditions, organizational objectives, and the demand & availability of specialized talents are just a few of the factors that can lead to organizational change.
- An organizational change initiative, a change in design, architecture, or methodology, or even the implementation of a client request, could all serve as project-level change-triggers.
Resistance is a regular problem the PM would run across while trying to implement change.
Because resistance to change is a natural human instinct, regardless of how necessary or beneficial it is.
When the need for change originates at the organizational level, the project manager is typically responsible for implementing changes in the project organization.
Here are a few strategies you can use as a project manager to effectively and efficiently manage change:
1. Instead of concentrating more on WHAT needs to change, share with the team WHY it needs to.
WHAT is necessary, but the HOW to get the group’s support for the change you’re undertaking.
How does this work?
According to Deci’s (1989) self-determination theory, people value Autonomy, and their need for development determines their conduct.
You can persuade them to adopt the change voluntarily by outlining how the change will help them achieve their own goals of career advancement.
2. Define the change management procedure.
People get clarity when processes are defined.
It helps them understand their obligations in bringing about the transformation. Clarity avoids confusion. And helps take action.
The project manager will be assisted in effectively and efficiently managing change by doing this in addition to outlining the WHY.
The most difficult undertaking a manager will ever do is change management. Therefore, it’s crucial that you learn how to handle things in the proper manner.
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2. Ability to communicate effectively
According to a poll of employees conducted by Northeastern University, 28% of workers believe that poor communication is the main reason why a project failed.
You already know, as a project manager, why communication is a critical ability for project managers at all career stages. [continue reading…]
Since 2013, till the time of writing this article, I’ve worked 1-on-1 with over 5583+ project managers to pass their PMP exam either through my books, courses, or coaching.
That’s fantastic work apart from the day job. I don’t know how you manage multiple things, but that is fantastic! And then on top of that, you found time to study for the PMP exam and passed it.
Over the years 3 of my 14 
What’s the #1 reason for failing in PMP exam?
Over the years I have helped over 
