Will the widespread adoption of prompt engineering commoditize project management skills, or can it help PMs differentiate themselves and command higher value?
Director, Learning Design & Development| PMIAsheville, NC, United States
Hi PMI Community! I’m Sarah Philbrick, and I work as a Product Manager at PMI with a focus on our learning offerings. As we go on this skill-building journey together, I’m excited to engage in meaningful conversations, explore trending topics, and learn from each other.
Reflecting on one such topic, GenAI and prompt engineering, I am interested to hear your perspective on commoditization vs. differentiation.
Will the widespread adoption of prompt engineering commoditize project management skills, or can it help PMs differentiate themselves and command higher value?
Indu JainConsultant - Project Lead| Biorev LLCJacksonville, Fl, United States
Good material, thanks. I think that as any other tool, AI will not make you wiser than what you are just use the tool based on the thought process of individual PMs. Having a balanced approach is important. Will it add value? If used wisely it can indeed make things better and well presented, use the AI to answer the scenario can help to brainstorm with self and be more effective and efficient. Saving Changes...
Donna RookerProgram Administrator| Aeronix, Inc.Cocoa, Fl, United States
May 24, 2024 5:41 AM
Replying to Sergio Luis Conte
...
With the new generation of generative AI portfolio/program/project manager and business analyst role "are dead" at least in the way they were originally defined. I think a good source to understand that are the two courses on generative AI delivered for free by the PMI, mainly if you see the 3 layer model.
Using Prompt engineering can both commoditize and differentiate project managers. Senior project managers who are highly trained in prompt engineering should be able to command a higher level of value because they would be more averse to commoditization. If a Level 2 PM starts out with his focus on prompt engineering, he will be really good at it but will be more likely to use it as a crutch and it will be more of commoditization. Saving Changes...
Donna RookerProgram Administrator| Aeronix, Inc.Cocoa, Fl, United States
May 24, 2024 5:41 AM
Replying to Sergio Luis Conte
...
With the new generation of generative AI portfolio/program/project manager and business analyst role "are dead" at least in the way they were originally defined. I think a good source to understand that are the two courses on generative AI delivered for free by the PMI, mainly if you see the 3 layer model.
Using Prompt engineering can both commoditize and differentiate project managers. Senior project managers who are highly trained in prompt engineering should be able to command a higher level of value because they would be more averse to commoditization. If a Level 2 PM starts out with his focus on prompt engineering, he will be really good at it but will be more likely to use it as a crutch and it will be more of commoditization. Saving Changes...
I see Gen AI is a another tool for PM. Because it facilitate and guide through process, it may reduce timeline for day-to-day tasks and/or some documentation, but at the end PM is required. I would say Gen AI skilled PM will have certainly a edge compare to other PM but at the end Gen AI may replace project coordinator or assistant, but not PM. Another benefit could be consistency and standardization within organization when PM uses qualified Gen AI tools for the project deliverables. Saving Changes...
Tabetha SummerlinMs Tabetha L. Summerlin| Cox EnterprisesAtlanta, GA, United States
May 24, 2024 5:41 AM
Replying to Sergio Luis Conte
...
With the new generation of generative AI portfolio/program/project manager and business analyst role "are dead" at least in the way they were originally defined. I think a good source to understand that are the two courses on generative AI delivered for free by the PMI, mainly if you see the 3 layer model.
If used as an enhancement to increase efficiency and strategic thinking in existing or new spaces, then yes prompt engineering can definitely "help PMs differentiate themselves and command higher value." Saving Changes...
Tabetha SummerlinMs Tabetha L. Summerlin| Cox EnterprisesAtlanta, GA, United States
May 24, 2024 5:41 AM
Replying to Sergio Luis Conte
...
With the new generation of generative AI portfolio/program/project manager and business analyst role "are dead" at least in the way they were originally defined. I think a good source to understand that are the two courses on generative AI delivered for free by the PMI, mainly if you see the 3 layer model.
If used as an enhancement to increase efficiency and strategic thinking in existing or new spaces, then yes prompt engineering can definitely "help PMs differentiate themselves and command higher value." Saving Changes...
Muhammad AbubakarProject Manager| Sapphire Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd.Pakistan
It will help PMs differentiate themselves and command higher value, act and respond more accurately and efficiently. Saving Changes...
Muhammad AbubakarProject Manager| Sapphire Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd.Pakistan
It will help PMs differentiate themselves and command higher value, act and respond more accurately and efficiently. Saving Changes...
Gen AI and prompt engineering are like evolutionary tools at the service of the PM, in the sense that it can bring added value if the ingredients of its use are well balanced. This is just as true of technology-related inventions such as social networking: for example, every member of the PMI community can share his/her opinions via this platform, but not all will do so, which in no way detracts from their status as PMI members or PMs.
The rise of prompt engineering, especially in the age of AI-powered tools, is definitely shaking things up in professions like project management and it can commoditize project management skills only for certain layers of PM work.
Prompt engineering can automate or significantly streamline:
1. Task tracking & reporting
2. Drafting communication (status updates, stakeholder emails, etc.)
3. Risk assessments based on templates
4. Documentation and meeting minutes
However, for PMs who mostly operate at an administrative or coordination level, there's a real risk of skills becoming commoditized, especially if their value is tied to repeatable processes that AI can now do faster and cheaper.
Thank you.
Gen AI and prompt engineering are like evolutionary tools at the service of the PM, in the sense that it can bring added value if the ingredients of its use are well balanced. This is just as true of technology-related inventions such as social networking: for example, every member of the PMI community can share his/her opinions via this platform, but not all will do so, which in no way detracts from their status as PMI members or PMs.
The rise of prompt engineering, especially in the age of AI-powered tools, is definitely shaking things up in professions like project management and it can commoditize project management skills only for certain layers of PM work.
Prompt engineering can automate or significantly streamline:
1. Task tracking & reporting
2. Drafting communication (status updates, stakeholder emails, etc.)
3. Risk assessments based on templates
4. Documentation and meeting minutes
However, for PMs who mostly operate at an administrative or coordination level, there's a real risk of skills becoming commoditized, especially if their value is tied to repeatable processes that AI can now do faster and cheaper. We must be mindful of how we to it to optimize our tacks. Thank you.
PMI Team Member
