Will the Future Project Manager Be More G.E.N.I.A.L.?

 

By Yasmina Khelifi, PMI-ACP, PMI-PBA, PMP

The pandemic has changed the skills we need to acquire and hone as project managers—and accelerated how fast we need to acquire them.

Let’s review six of the most crucial ones:

1. Global

Merriam-Webster definition: of, relating to, or involving the entire world.

Why is it more important than ever? I’ve been working for 20 years on international projects. Lately, I have seen an increased shift in the globalization of project team resources. For instance, in the same project, I work with stakeholders in Africa, France, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates for the first line; and the second line with people in India and Indonesia.

Three factors have contributed to this shift:

• work from home
• new technologies and software
• improved internet connections (not yet accessible in all countries)

How to improve: You need to know how to navigate a global world comprised of many cultures, countries, nationalities and religions. If you have not experienced international environments at work or in your personal life, create intentional opportunities. Can you volunteer? Can you help people from other cultures and who speak different languages?

If you work in international environments, observe the different ways of working. What works, and what doesn’t? What you like and dislike? Discuss with your multicultural colleagues.

2. Empathic

Merriam-Webster definition: the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of another.

Why is it more important than ever? The importance of mental health along with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives has pushed project managers to become more “human leaders” beyond just technical skills. Team members are also more demanding.

How to improve: Do you know how you communicate with and impact people? If not, take some self-assessments or have a 360°-feedback session. Find someone who can observe you in some work situations and give you honest feedback.

3. Networked

Merriam-Webster definition: an informally interconnected group or association of persons (such as friends or professional colleagues) or an interconnected or interrelated chain, group, or system.

Why is it more important than ever? Projects are global; information and knowledge are not centralized anymore. Knowledge includes our ways of working and lessons learned.

Networks will be the key to success in a matrix organization where people from different teams are part of your project team. Knowing where the information, knowledge and resources are will help you solve problems quicker and discover new perspectives.

How to improve: Nurture your current network, and exchange ideas with them regularly. Reach out to new colleagues to understand what they are doing (when new people arrive, that can change the responsibilities for others as well).

Don't stop expanding your network. For example, you take part in presentations; reach out to people; check where people sit in the organizational chart, and remember it. This web of relationships will be your magic wand to address issues.

4. Involved

Merriam-Webster definition: actively participating in something.

Why is it more important than ever? Customers are paying attention to issues like climate change and DEI, and they request transparency. Younger professionals also increasingly expect that the companies they work for get involved in initiatives such as climate change and human rights.

How to improve: Look for communities with some shared interests or causes that are important to you. Understand how you can help. Be clear and realistic about the time you can dedicate. You can be involved in the community by volunteering or by delivering projects with a positive impact.

5. Agile

Merriam-Webster definition: having a quick resourceful and adaptable character.

Why is it more important than ever? The disruption of the supply chain along with other global concerns like climate change prove that project managers can't control or predict everything.

How to improve: Take the constraints and your environment into account, and remain open to embracing the unpredictable. Be agile in building relationships and adapting your communication skills and behaviors. Take a course in agile project management. Exchange ideas with peers and friends who work in agile project management.

6. Listener

Merriam-Webster definition: to hear something with thoughtful attention: give consideration.

Why is it more important than ever? As project manager, we need to influence, convince and negotiate with people—and quicker now than ever before.

How to improve: You can take some small steps, like…

• Reformulate to be sure you understand
• Listen more than you talk
• Listen beyond spoken words
• Pay attention to silence, pauses and hesitations

Also remember what your team members share with you (perhaps they mentioned that they are celebrating their birthday next week, presenting a good opportunity for you to send a virtual birthday card or another nice gesture).

The future project manager must be more G.E.N.I.A.L to address worldwide challenges. What are other skills needed by the future PM?