In Part 1 of this blog post, I introduced the idea of, and demonstrated the capabilties of ChatGPT (and by extension Generative AI) at the intersection of PM and Sustainability. ChatGPT did well – not perfect, but well - in that exercise.
In Part 2 of “the Clumsy AI-ssistant”, I am going to get right into a dialogue with ChatGPT in which we see it applied to the construction project: build a birdhouse.
Rich:
I am building a birdhouse for local chickadees. Acting as a project manager, can you create a network diagram for this initiative?
ChatGPT:
Certainly, I can help you create a simplified network diagram for your birdhouse-building project. A network diagram is a visual representation of the project's tasks and their interdependencies. Here's a basic network diagram for your chickadee birdhouse project:
Project: Building a Chickadee Birdhouse
Project Initiation (Task 0)
Define project objectives and scope
Gather necessary materials and tools
Design Birdhouse (Task 1)
Determine birdhouse dimensions and style
Create a design plan
Gather Materials (Task 2)
Acquire wood, screws, and other construction materials
Ensure materials are bird-friendly and safe
Cut and Shape Wood (Task 3)
Cut wood pieces to the required dimensions
Shape pieces to fit the design plan
Assemble Birdhouse (Task 4)
Build the birdhouse structure by assembling the wood pieces
Add a roof, entrance hole, and perches
Paint or Stain (Task 5)
Apply bird-safe paint or stain to the birdhouse
Allow for proper drying time
Install Birdhouse (Task 6)
Choose a suitable location for installation
Securely mount the birdhouse on a pole or tree
Final Inspection (Task 7)
Ensure the birdhouse is stable and secure
Make any necessary adjustments
Project Closure (Task 8)
Document the completion of the birdhouse
Clean up the project area
This is a simplified network diagram for your chickadee birdhouse project, outlining the sequence of tasks and their dependencies. Each task should be completed before the next one begins. Keep in mind that this is a relatively straightforward project, and the tasks listed are quite high-level. You can further break down these tasks into more detailed subtasks or include additional tasks as needed.
Rich:
But, can't some of those tasks be done in parallel?
ChatGPT:
Certainly, some of the tasks in your birdhouse project can be performed in parallel to save time and improve project efficiency. Parallel tasks are those that don't have strict dependencies on each other and can be executed simultaneously without one task blocking the other. Here's a revised network diagram that takes parallel execution into account:
Project: Building a Chickadee Birdhouse
Project Initiation (Task 0)
Define project objectives and scope
Gather necessary materials and tools
Design Birdhouse (Task 1)
Determine birdhouse dimensions and style
Create a design plan
Gather Materials (Task 2)
Acquire wood, screws, and other construction materials
Ensure materials are bird-friendly and safe
Cut and Shape Wood (Task 3)
Cut wood pieces to the required dimensions
Shape pieces to fit the design plan
Assemble Birdhouse (Task 4)
Build the birdhouse structure by assembling the wood pieces
Add a roof, entrance hole, and perches
Paint or Stain (Task 5)
Apply bird-safe paint or stain to the birdhouse
Allow for proper drying time
Install Birdhouse (Task 6)
Choose a suitable location for installation
Securely mount the birdhouse on a pole or tree
Final Inspection (Task 7)
Ensure the birdhouse is stable and secure
Make any necessary adjustments
Project Closure (Task 8)
Document the completion of the birdhouse
Clean up the project area
In this revised network diagram, Task 2 (Gather Materials) can begin as soon as Task 1 (Design Birdhouse) starts. Similarly, Task 5 (Paint or Stain) can begin once Task 4 (Assemble Birdhouse) is in progress. This approach allows for better time management and can potentially shorten the overall project duration by overlapping tasks where possible.
Rich:
But you didn't include any safety items. We will be cutting wood. How about safety glasses, gloves, maybe even having a first-aid kit nearby?
ChatGPT:
You are absolutely correct; safety measures are critical when working on a project that involves cutting and working with materials like wood. Safety equipment and precautions should always be included in any project plan. Here's the updated network diagram for your birdhouse project, including safety measures:
Project: Building a Chickadee Birdhouse
Project Initiation (Task 0)
Define project objectives and scope
Gather necessary materials and tools
Safety Preparations (Task 1)
Ensure safety glasses, gloves, and appropriate protective gear are available
Set up a safe and well-ventilated work area
Have a first-aid kit nearby
Design Birdhouse (Task 2)
Determine birdhouse dimensions and style
Create a design plan
Gather Materials (Task 3)
Acquire wood, screws, and other construction materials
Ensure materials are bird-friendly and safe
Cut and Shape Wood (Task 4)
Ensure safety measures, including safety glasses and gloves, are worn
Cut wood pieces to the required dimensions
Shape pieces to fit the design plan
Assemble Birdhouse (Task 5)
Build the birdhouse structure by assembling the wood pieces
Add a roof, entrance hole, and perches
Paint or Stain (Task 6)
Apply bird-safe paint or stain to the birdhouse
Allow for proper drying time
Install Birdhouse (Task 7)
Choose a suitable location for installation
Securely mount the birdhouse on a pole or tree
Final Inspection (Task 8)
Ensure the birdhouse is stable and secure
Make any necessary adjustments
Project Closure (Task 9)
Document the completion of the birdhouse
Clean up the project area
Including a safety preparations task at the beginning of the project is a crucial step to ensure that all necessary safety measures and equipment are in place. Safety should always be a top priority when working on any project, especially when it involves potentially hazardous activities like cutting wood.
Rich:
For Step 2, wouldn't a predecessor to Design be some research as to what are some best examples and trends in birdhouse construction?
ChatGPT:
You're absolutely right; conducting research and gathering information about best practices and trends in birdhouse construction is an essential step before proceeding with the design. Research serves as a precursor to the design phase, as it informs the design decisions and ensures that the birdhouse meets the needs of the intended occupants (in this case, the chickadees). Here's the updated network diagram for your birdhouse project:
Project: Building a Chickadee Birdhouse
Project Initiation (Task 0)
Define project objectives and scope
Gather necessary materials and tools
Research Best Practices (Task 1)
Conduct research to identify best examples and trends in birdhouse construction
Gather information on chickadee preferences and requirements
Design Birdhouse (Task 2)
Determine birdhouse dimensions and style
Create a design plan based on research findings
Safety Preparations (Task 3)
Ensure safety glasses, gloves, and appropriate protective gear are available
Set up a safe and well-ventilated work area
Have a first-aid kit nearby
Gather Materials (Task 4)
Acquire wood, screws, and other construction materials
Ensure materials are bird-friendly and safe
Cut and Shape Wood (Task 5)
Ensure safety measures, including safety glasses and gloves, are worn
Cut wood pieces to the required dimensions
Shape pieces to fit the design plan
Assemble Birdhouse (Task 6)
Build the birdhouse structure by assembling the wood pieces
Add a roof, entrance hole, and perches
Paint or Stain (Task 7)
Apply bird-safe paint or stain to the birdhouse
Allow for proper drying time
Install Birdhouse (Task 8)
Choose a suitable location for installation
Securely mount the birdhouse on a pole or tree
Final Inspection (Task 9)
Ensure the birdhouse is stable and secure
Make any necessary adjustments
Project Closure (Task 10)
Document the completion of the birdhouse
Clean up the project area
Incorporating a research task as the precursor to the design phase will help ensure that the birdhouse design aligns with the best practices and trends in birdhouse construction, and it takes into consideration the specific needs and preferences of chickadees. This approach will lead to a more effective and bird-friendly design.
Rich:
Why didn't you think of the safety and research tasks? Why did I have to prompt you for this? It seems you left out some important considerations, and without them, I have incomplete scope for the project!
ChatGPT:
I appreciate your feedback and understand your concern. You are absolutely correct that safety and research are essential considerations in any project, and they should have been included in the initial network diagram. I apologize for any oversight in the initial response. Your input has helped to identify these important aspects of the project.
Creating a comprehensive project plan is vital for the successful execution of any project. I'm here to provide guidance and information, and your feedback is valuable in ensuring that all crucial elements are considered.
In building a birdhouse or any other project, safety and research are key components that should be integrated from the beginning to ensure that the project is carried out effectively and safely. Thank you for highlighting these important aspects, and I'm here to assist with any further questions or project planning needs you may have.
What do you think of this exchange? I’m really interested in your human feedback here. Do you notice a couple of things, as I did?
ChatGPT can be very helpful in thinking of things you may have forgotten when planning and sequencing tasks.
ChatGPT can make errors of omission, and plain old vanilla errors - the equivalent of 'being clumsy'. You cannot and must not take what it says verbatim and use it to plan your project.
This reinforces my point – and actually ChatGPT literally made it for me by saying “I’m here to assist”. It’s an assistant, alright, and can indeed be very helpful, even invaluable. But it is clumsy. So, work with it knowing that it’s a clumsy assistant!
I’m smack in the middle of the center of gravity of our discipline of project management. At this moment, although Boston is, of course,The Hub of the Universe, the center of the project management profession is right here in downtown Atlanta, Georgia in the US, thanks to the PMI Global Summit 2023.
The theme – and the very atmosphere – at the PMI Global Summit is AI. It’s in the Exhibit Hall, it’s in the sessions, it’s in gigantic letters and imagery on the signage.
It is LITERALLY a hot-button. Conventioneers are wearing buttons that say “PMI x AI”.
So I thought I would look at the intersection of AI, PM, and Sustainability by running a little experiment.
I asked ChatGPT, which, like all Generative AI systems, I call a “clumsy assistant ™”, to help me as the director of a GPMO, how can I shift the mindset of my PM population to a more holistic, long-term project perspective.
And now, I let the experiment unfold before your very “A Eyes”.
Rich (the human) enters:
I am a director in a global project management office for a large company with over 3000 project managers. I am trying to shift the mindset of our project managers from only thinking of scope, time, and cost, to thinking past the end of their project - thinking about the project's outcome in the steady state. What do you suggest?
CHATGPT SAYS:
Shifting the mindset of project managers from a narrow focus on scope, time, and cost to a more holistic perspective that considers the project's outcomes in the steady state is a crucial step for ensuring long-term success and value delivery. Here are some strategies you can employ to help your project managers make this shift:
Communicate the Importance of Long-Term Outcomes: Start by communicating the significance of thinking beyond project completion. Emphasize how the project's success is ultimately measured by its impact on the organization's long-term goals, customer satisfaction, and sustainability.
Provide Training and Education: Offer training and educational resources to help project managers understand the broader context of their projects. This can include courses on change management, business strategy, and post-project evaluation.
Set Clear Expectations: Ensure that your organization's expectations for project managers include a focus on post-project outcomes and benefits realization. Make it clear that successful project delivery goes beyond meeting time, scope, and cost constraints.
Incorporate Benefits Realization Management (BRM): Implement a Benefits Realization Management framework within your project management processes. This framework helps project managers track and ensure the achievement of desired business outcomes.
Align Projects with Strategic Goals: Help project managers understand how their projects fit into the organization's strategic objectives. When project managers see the connection between their projects and the bigger picture, they are more likely to consider long-term outcomes.
Measure and Reward Benefits Realization: Implement a system for measuring the success of projects not just at completion but also in the steady state. Tie performance evaluations and incentives to benefits realized, not just project completion metrics.
Encourage Collaboration and Cross-Functional Teams: Foster collaboration between project managers and other departments, especially those responsible for maintaining and operating the project's deliverables in the steady state. Cross-functional teams can help identify potential issues and opportunities beyond project completion.
Regularly Review and Update Project Charters: Project charters should explicitly state the long-term goals and expected outcomes of the project. Regularly review and update these documents to ensure alignment with the organization's evolving strategies.
Provide Tools and Resources: Equip project managers with tools and resources that enable them to track and assess outcomes in the steady state. This might include post-implementation reviews, benefits tracking software, or impact assessment methodologies.
Share Success Stories: Highlight and share success stories of projects that have led to significant, positive changes in the organization's steady state. This can serve as inspiration for project managers to adopt a more outcome-focused mindset.
Encourage a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture that values learning from both successes and failures. Encourage project managers to evaluate the long-term impacts of their projects and apply lessons learned to future initiatives.
Lead by Example: As a director, lead by example and demonstrate the importance of thinking about outcomes in the steady state. Show that you prioritize benefits realization and support project managers in this shift.
By implementing these strategies, you can help project managers develop a more comprehensive view of their projects and drive a mindset shift towards achieving and sustaining positive outcomes in the steady state.
Then, I told ChatGPT that a “self-proclaimed expert” had given me some advice, and gave ChatGPT its own advice back, asking it to validate it and give its opinion as to how good an answer the self-proclaimed expert (i.e. ChatGPT!) gave me. Here is what I got back:
CHATGPT SAYS
The advice provided by the self-proclaimed expert is well-rounded and aligns with best practices for shifting project managers' mindsets towards considering long-term outcomes in the steady state. It emphasizes a holistic perspective and offers a comprehensive set of strategies to achieve this shift.
Overall, the strategies provided in the expert's response align with best practices for making this important mindset shift within your organization. It's a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects of the transformation, from communication and education to measurement and culture development. Implementing these strategies should contribute to your goal of ensuring long-term success and value delivery in your projects.
It did make some slight tweaks, but mostly cosmetic and of little impact. But it did make some adjustments.
In Part 2, I will share another conversation where we can see that ChatGPT is helpful, but clumsy. This is why I think the best way to work with it is to imagine a brilliant intern helping you in the lab. They think of chemical reactions you would NEVER imagine. They are creative and seem to have tons of chemistry knowledge at their fingertips. However, sometimes they knock over a whole rack of test tubes, and inadvertently create explosive reactions that release toxic fumes (see the blog's main photo above).
What is AI? It's a Clumsy Assistant™.
In Part 2, I'll continue with a theme that is emerging here at the conference. To stay relevant as AI becomes more 'atmospheric', you, (yes, you, the very person reading this), must be more human.
I’m smack in the middle of the center of gravity of our discipline of project management. At this moment, although Boston is, of course,The Hub of the Universe, the center of the project management profession is right here in downtown Atlanta, Georgia in the US, thanks to the PMI Global Summit 2023.
The theme – and the very atmosphere – at the PMI Global Summit is AI. It’s in the Exhibit Hall, it’s in the sessions, it’s in gigantic letters and imagery on the signage.
It is LITERALLY a hot-button. Conventioneers are wearing buttons that say “PMI x AI”.
So I thought I would look at the intersection of AI, PM, and Sustainability by running a little experiment.
I asked ChatGPT, which, like all Generative AI systems, I call a “clumsy assistant ™”, to help me as the director of a GPMO, how can I shift the mindset of my PM population to a more holistic, long-term project perspective.
And now, I let the experiment unfold before your very “A Eyes”.
Rich (the human) enters:
I am a director in a global project management office for a large company with over 3000 project managers. I am trying to shift the mindset of our project managers from only thinking of scope, time, and cost, to thinking past the end of their project - thinking about the project's outcome in the steady state. What do you suggest?
CHATGPT SAYS:
Shifting the mindset of project managers from a narrow focus on scope, time, and cost to a more holistic perspective that considers the project's outcomes in the steady state is a crucial step for ensuring long-term success and value delivery. Here are some strategies you can employ to help your project managers make this shift:
Communicate the Importance of Long-Term Outcomes: Start by communicating the significance of thinking beyond project completion. Emphasize how the project's success is ultimately measured by its impact on the organization's long-term goals, customer satisfaction, and sustainability.
Provide Training and Education: Offer training and educational resources to help project managers understand the broader context of their projects. This can include courses on change management, business strategy, and post-project evaluation.
Set Clear Expectations: Ensure that your organization's expectations for project managers include a focus on post-project outcomes and benefits realization. Make it clear that successful project delivery goes beyond meeting time, scope, and cost constraints.
Incorporate Benefits Realization Management (BRM): Implement a Benefits Realization Management framework within your project management processes. This framework helps project managers track and ensure the achievement of desired business outcomes.
Align Projects with Strategic Goals: Help project managers understand how their projects fit into the organization's strategic objectives. When project managers see the connection between their projects and the bigger picture, they are more likely to consider long-term outcomes.
Measure and Reward Benefits Realization: Implement a system for measuring the success of projects not just at completion but also in the steady state. Tie performance evaluations and incentives to benefits realized, not just project completion metrics.
Encourage Collaboration and Cross-Functional Teams: Foster collaboration between project managers and other departments, especially those responsible for maintaining and operating the project's deliverables in the steady state. Cross-functional teams can help identify potential issues and opportunities beyond project completion.
Regularly Review and Update Project Charters: Project charters should explicitly state the long-term goals and expected outcomes of the project. Regularly review and update these documents to ensure alignment with the organization's evolving strategies.
Provide Tools and Resources: Equip project managers with tools and resources that enable them to track and assess outcomes in the steady state. This might include post-implementation reviews, benefits tracking software, or impact assessment methodologies.
Share Success Stories: Highlight and share success stories of projects that have led to significant, positive changes in the organization's steady state. This can serve as inspiration for project managers to adopt a more outcome-focused mindset.
Encourage a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture that values learning from both successes and failures. Encourage project managers to evaluate the long-term impacts of their projects and apply lessons learned to future initiatives.
Lead by Example: As a director, lead by example and demonstrate the importance of thinking about outcomes in the steady state. Show that you prioritize benefits realization and support project managers in this shift.
By implementing these strategies, you can help project managers develop a more comprehensive view of their projects and drive a mindset shift towards achieving and sustaining positive outcomes in the steady state.
Then, I told ChatGPT that a “self-proclaimed expert” had given me some advice, and gave ChatGPT its own advice back, asking it to validate it and give its opinion as to how good an answer the self-proclaimed expert (i.e. ChatGPT!) gave me. Here is what I got back:
CHATGPT SAYS
The advice provided by the self-proclaimed expert is well-rounded and aligns with best practices for shifting project managers' mindsets towards considering long-term outcomes in the steady state. It emphasizes a holistic perspective and offers a comprehensive set of strategies to achieve this shift.
Overall, the strategies provided in the expert's response align with best practices for making this important mindset shift within your organization. It's a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects of the transformation, from communication and education to measurement and culture development. Implementing these strategies should contribute to your goal of ensuring long-term success and value delivery in your projects.
It did make some slight tweaks, but mostly cosmetic and of little impact. But it did make some adjustments.
In Part 2, I will share another conversation where we can see that ChatGPT is helpful, but clumsy. This is why I think the best way to work with it is to imagine a brilliant intern helping you in the lab. They think of chemical reactions you would NEVER imagine. They are creative and seem to have tons of chemistry knowledge at their fingertips. However, sometimes they knock over a whole rack of test tubes, and inadvertently create explosive reactions that release toxic fumes (see the blog's main photo above).
What is AI? It's a Clumsy Assistant™.
In Part 2, I'll continue with a theme that is emerging here at the conference. To stay relevant as AI becomes more 'atmospheric', you, (yes, you, the very person reading this), must be more human.
As a reminder, the theme for this two-part blog post is symbiosis.
In the first post I illustrated symbiosis with the example of the clownfish and the sea anemone. This time: another example – the acacia tree and a species of aggressive, stinging Pseudomyrmex ferrugineusants
Once again, I don’t mean to infer that sustainability is represented by the tree and project managers are pseudomyrmex ferruginei. It’s just an an-t-alogy. Learn more about this with this academic paper from SciencDaily. Or, watch this 2 minute video from National Geographic:
The symbiosis to which I am referring is about the mutual benefit that the CSO (Chief Sustainability Officer) department of an organization can (and should!) have with the project managers.
To take this idea to another level – an important level, I decided to see what this meant in terms of careers and jobs. I entered what I thought would be a very helpful prompt into ChatGPT, and here is what came out.
My Prompt:
Acting as a talent acquisition manager, identify the connections between project management and the positions of Chief Sustainability Officer or Director of Sustainability or ESG Director.
ChatGPT’s response (highlighting is mine):
As a talent acquisition manager, it's essential to recognize the connections between project management and positions like Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), Director of Sustainability, or ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Director. Understanding these connections will help you identify suitable candidates with the right skills and experience for these roles. Here are the key connections:
Strategic Planning and Implementation: Both project management and sustainability roles require strategic planning and implementation skills. Project managers are adept at setting clear goals, creating action plans, and overseeing the execution of projects to achieve objectives. Similarly, sustainability professionals need to develop and implement sustainability strategies, which may involve a variety of initiatives and projects aimed at improving environmental, social, and governance performance within an organization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Project managers often work across different departments, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among various stakeholders. Similarly, sustainability roles involve working with teams from different business units to integrate sustainability practices and initiatives throughout the organization. Both positions require the ability to collaborate and engage with diverse stakeholders to drive positive change.
Performance Measurement and Reporting: Project managers are responsible for tracking project progress, identifying key performance indicators (KPIs), and reporting on project outcomes to relevant stakeholders. Likewise, sustainability roles involve measuring and reporting on environmental, social, and governance metrics to assess the organization's sustainability performance and demonstrate the impact of sustainability initiatives.
Risk Management: Both project management and sustainability roles involve risk management. Project managers identify potential risks to project success and develop mitigation plans. Sustainability professionals must assess environmental and social risks and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards, addressing any potential negative impacts.
Change Management: Project managers often deal with change within an organization when implementing new projects or initiatives. Sustainability professionals also play a crucial role in driving organizational change, as they advocate for sustainable practices and help shift the company's culture towards greater environmental and social responsibility.
Long-term Vision: Project managers typically work on time-bound projects with specific objectives and deliverables. In contrast, sustainability roles require a long-term vision to develop and implement sustainable strategies that align with the organization's overall mission and values.
Stakeholder Engagement: Both roles involve working with internal and external stakeholders. Project managers communicate with project sponsors, team members, and other stakeholders. Similarly, sustainability professionals engage with investors, customers, regulatory bodies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to promote sustainability efforts and ensure transparency.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Project managers seek opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement within their projects. In sustainability roles, driving innovation to develop sustainable products, processes, and practices is crucial for the organization's long-term success.
When recruiting for positions like Chief Sustainability Officer, Director of Sustainability, or ESG Director, it's important to look for candidates with a strong background in project management, excellent communication and collaboration skills, and a passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship. These candidates will be well-equipped to lead sustainability initiatives, drive positive change, and align sustainability efforts with the organization's broader goals.
OK. Now that you have seen that, I know that at least my students of my Project Value Strategies class will recognize much of what is taught there. It could almost be the Syllabus of the course.
So the lesson here is that the intertwined needs and outcomes of good project leadership and sustainability professionals means that opportunities for holistic, long-term, value-based project leaders (I stay away from the word ‘managers’ here, because… well, because this is leadership) will be the ones that are in highest demand in the near future, especially with the advent of AI.
With that in mind, I asked ChatGPT what those skills would be to see if I was at all on target, or more like an ant climbing up the wrong tree.
My prompt:
Responding to a project manager concerned about losing their job to AI, what particular skills should they work on which will make them more resilient to the advent of AI in project management?
Chat GPT’s ant-ser:
To become more resilient to the advent of AI in project management, project managers should focus on developing specific skills that complement and go beyond AI capabilities. Here are some particular skills to work on:
Strategic Thinking: Enhance your ability to think strategically and see the big picture. AI can assist with data analysis and provide insights, but it often requires human intervention to formulate and implement strategic decisions.
Complex Problem-Solving: Develop expertise in handling intricate and multifaceted problems. AI might excel at solving routine issues, but complex challenges often require human creativity and judgment.
Emotional Intelligence: Strengthen your emotional intelligence, as it plays a crucial role in managing teams and stakeholders effectively. AI cannot replace the empathy and understanding needed to build strong relationships and resolve conflicts.
Communication and Negotiation: Focus on honing your communication and negotiation skills. These are essential for managing diverse teams, engaging stakeholders, and reaching mutually beneficial agreements.
Adaptability and Learning Agility: Embrace a growth mindset and be willing to learn and adapt continuously. AI technologies evolve rapidly, and being adaptable will help you stay relevant in a changing landscape.
Leadership and Team Management: Cultivate your leadership abilities to inspire and guide your team. AI may facilitate task management, but human leaders are still crucial for motivating teams and ensuring everyone is aligned with the project's goals.
Domain Expertise: Become an expert in your specific industry or domain. Understanding the intricacies of your field allows you to provide valuable insights and make informed decisions that AI might not fully grasp.
Risk Management: Specialize in risk assessment and mitigation. AI can help analyze data related to risks, but your experience and judgment are necessary to determine appropriate risk responses and contingency plans.
Innovation and Creativity: Foster a culture of innovation and creativity within your team. While AI can automate repetitive tasks, human creativity drives innovative solutions and new project opportunities.
Ethics and Responsible AI Use: Familiarize yourself with the ethical considerations of AI implementation. As a project manager, it's essential to ensure that AI is used responsibly, adheres to regulations, and addresses potential biases.
Data Literacy: Develop a good understanding of data analysis and interpretation. This skill will enable you to collaborate more effectively with AI experts, understand AI-generated insights, and make data-driven decisions.
Client and Stakeholder Management: Master the art of managing client expectations and stakeholder relationships. Human communication skills are vital for fostering trust and maintaining strong partnerships.
By concentrating on these skills, project managers can position themselves as indispensable assets in the AI-driven project management landscape. Remember that AI should be seen as a tool to augment your capabilities, not a direct threat to your expertise and contributions. Being adaptable, innovative, and focused on adding value will ensure your resilience in the face of AI advancements.
Notice the connection here? The more you focus on holistic, long-term thinking, the more secure your career, and the more you can do well by doing good.
Bottom line: when it comes to integrating sustainability thinking into your project management work, remember – that’s going to make you more resilient. Think: Project Leadership, not Project Management.
As a reminder, the theme for this two-part blog post is symbiosis.
In the first post I illustrated symbiosis with the example of the clownfish and the sea anemone. This time: another example – the acacia tree and a species of aggressive, stinging Pseudomyrmex ferrugineusants
Once again, I don’t mean to infer that sustainability is represented by the tree and project managers are pseudomyrmex ferruginei. It’s just an an-t-alogy. Learn more about this with this academic paper from SciencDaily. Or, watch this 2 minute video from National Geographic:
The symbiosis to which I am referring is about the mutual benefit that the CSO (Chief Sustainability Officer) department of an organization can (and should!) have with the project managers.
To take this idea to another level – an important level, I decided to see what this meant in terms of careers and jobs. I entered what I thought would be a very helpful prompt into ChatGPT, and here is what came out.
My Prompt:
Acting as a talent acquisition manager, identify the connections between project management and the positions of Chief Sustainability Officer or Director of Sustainability or ESG Director.
ChatGPT’s response (highlighting is mine):
As a talent acquisition manager, it's essential to recognize the connections between project management and positions like Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), Director of Sustainability, or ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Director. Understanding these connections will help you identify suitable candidates with the right skills and experience for these roles. Here are the key connections:
Strategic Planning and Implementation: Both project management and sustainability roles require strategic planning and implementation skills. Project managers are adept at setting clear goals, creating action plans, and overseeing the execution of projects to achieve objectives. Similarly, sustainability professionals need to develop and implement sustainability strategies, which may involve a variety of initiatives and projects aimed at improving environmental, social, and governance performance within an organization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Project managers often work across different departments, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among various stakeholders. Similarly, sustainability roles involve working with teams from different business units to integrate sustainability practices and initiatives throughout the organization. Both positions require the ability to collaborate and engage with diverse stakeholders to drive positive change.
Performance Measurement and Reporting: Project managers are responsible for tracking project progress, identifying key performance indicators (KPIs), and reporting on project outcomes to relevant stakeholders. Likewise, sustainability roles involve measuring and reporting on environmental, social, and governance metrics to assess the organization's sustainability performance and demonstrate the impact of sustainability initiatives.
Risk Management: Both project management and sustainability roles involve risk management. Project managers identify potential risks to project success and develop mitigation plans. Sustainability professionals must assess environmental and social risks and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards, addressing any potential negative impacts.
Change Management: Project managers often deal with change within an organization when implementing new projects or initiatives. Sustainability professionals also play a crucial role in driving organizational change, as they advocate for sustainable practices and help shift the company's culture towards greater environmental and social responsibility.
Long-term Vision: Project managers typically work on time-bound projects with specific objectives and deliverables. In contrast, sustainability roles require a long-term vision to develop and implement sustainable strategies that align with the organization's overall mission and values.
Stakeholder Engagement: Both roles involve working with internal and external stakeholders. Project managers communicate with project sponsors, team members, and other stakeholders. Similarly, sustainability professionals engage with investors, customers, regulatory bodies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to promote sustainability efforts and ensure transparency.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Project managers seek opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement within their projects. In sustainability roles, driving innovation to develop sustainable products, processes, and practices is crucial for the organization's long-term success.
When recruiting for positions like Chief Sustainability Officer, Director of Sustainability, or ESG Director, it's important to look for candidates with a strong background in project management, excellent communication and collaboration skills, and a passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship. These candidates will be well-equipped to lead sustainability initiatives, drive positive change, and align sustainability efforts with the organization's broader goals.
OK. Now that you have seen that, I know that at least my students of my Project Value Strategies class will recognize much of what is taught there. It could almost be the Syllabus of the course.
So the lesson here is that the intertwined needs and outcomes of good project leadership and sustainability professionals means that opportunities for holistic, long-term, value-based project leaders (I stay away from the word ‘managers’ here, because… well, because this is leadership) will be the ones that are in highest demand in the near future, especially with the advent of AI.
With that in mind, I asked ChatGPT what those skills would be to see if I was at all on target, or more like an ant climbing up the wrong tree.
My prompt:
Responding to a project manager concerned about losing their job to AI, what particular skills should they work on which will make them more resilient to the advent of AI in project management?
Chat GPT’s ant-ser:
To become more resilient to the advent of AI in project management, project managers should focus on developing specific skills that complement and go beyond AI capabilities. Here are some particular skills to work on:
Strategic Thinking: Enhance your ability to think strategically and see the big picture. AI can assist with data analysis and provide insights, but it often requires human intervention to formulate and implement strategic decisions.
Complex Problem-Solving: Develop expertise in handling intricate and multifaceted problems. AI might excel at solving routine issues, but complex challenges often require human creativity and judgment.
Emotional Intelligence: Strengthen your emotional intelligence, as it plays a crucial role in managing teams and stakeholders effectively. AI cannot replace the empathy and understanding needed to build strong relationships and resolve conflicts.
Communication and Negotiation: Focus on honing your communication and negotiation skills. These are essential for managing diverse teams, engaging stakeholders, and reaching mutually beneficial agreements.
Adaptability and Learning Agility: Embrace a growth mindset and be willing to learn and adapt continuously. AI technologies evolve rapidly, and being adaptable will help you stay relevant in a changing landscape.
Leadership and Team Management: Cultivate your leadership abilities to inspire and guide your team. AI may facilitate task management, but human leaders are still crucial for motivating teams and ensuring everyone is aligned with the project's goals.
Domain Expertise: Become an expert in your specific industry or domain. Understanding the intricacies of your field allows you to provide valuable insights and make informed decisions that AI might not fully grasp.
Risk Management: Specialize in risk assessment and mitigation. AI can help analyze data related to risks, but your experience and judgment are necessary to determine appropriate risk responses and contingency plans.
Innovation and Creativity: Foster a culture of innovation and creativity within your team. While AI can automate repetitive tasks, human creativity drives innovative solutions and new project opportunities.
Ethics and Responsible AI Use: Familiarize yourself with the ethical considerations of AI implementation. As a project manager, it's essential to ensure that AI is used responsibly, adheres to regulations, and addresses potential biases.
Data Literacy: Develop a good understanding of data analysis and interpretation. This skill will enable you to collaborate more effectively with AI experts, understand AI-generated insights, and make data-driven decisions.
Client and Stakeholder Management: Master the art of managing client expectations and stakeholder relationships. Human communication skills are vital for fostering trust and maintaining strong partnerships.
By concentrating on these skills, project managers can position themselves as indispensable assets in the AI-driven project management landscape. Remember that AI should be seen as a tool to augment your capabilities, not a direct threat to your expertise and contributions. Being adaptable, innovative, and focused on adding value will ensure your resilience in the face of AI advancements.
Notice the connection here? The more you focus on holistic, long-term thinking, the more secure your career, and the more you can do well by doing good.
Bottom line: when it comes to integrating sustainability thinking into your project management work, remember – that’s going to make you more resilient. Think: Project Leadership, not Project Management.
