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?
Prompt Engineering is important as most of the organizations use GPT in daily operations, to get accurate, reliable and without bias. The way we interact on the prompt is important. Most of the GPT may have limitations to 4096 tokens, So in what use case which GPT to be used and how to interact on the prompt plays a vital role in delivery. Saving Changes...
Sundaram SaravananManager - Delivery| Virtusa Consulting Services Pvt LtdChennai, Tamil Nadu, India
We clearly need to understand that Gen AI is a tool for our efficiency and tuning it and using it appropriately moves us in the right direction with the optimal speed and transparency. Saving Changes...
Jide AdesaluDirector of Project Management| Microhills IncHalifax, NOVA SCOTIA, Canada
Welcome to the exciting world of super project managers! With the knowledge of prompt engineering and the power of AI, project managers can now efficiently deliver multiple complex projects with various degrees of integrations at an unprecedented pace, all while maximizing resource utilization.
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2 replies by Phoebe M. Malumi
Jul 07, 2025 3:36 AM
Phoebe M. Malumi
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Hi Jide,
That’s a powerful and inspiring vision—super project managers indeed!
However, while the efficiencies are exciting, I also wonder how we can ensure that human-centered leadership and strategic thinking remain at the core of project delivery. Technology is the tool, but the project manager's judgment and adaptability will certainly still play a crucial role.
Regards,
Phoebe.
Jul 07, 2025 3:36 AM
Phoebe M. Malumi
...
Hi Jide,
That’s a powerful and inspiring vision—super project managers indeed!
However, while the efficiencies are exciting, I also wonder how we can ensure that human-centered leadership and strategic thinking remain at the core of project delivery. Technology is the tool, but the project manager's judgment and adaptability will certainly still play a crucial role.
I think it is always important to put a structure for what I need, and define a strategy for what I look for like a quick draft of the answer framework before using AI. When I do that, I find that prompt engineering always streamline my project management tasks and help me to be way more productive. Saving Changes...
Sheetal ParanjpyeProject Manager| 3Di SystemsLomita, Ca, United States
I believe that a right balance needs to be struck between use of AI in Project Management. Project Management soft skills are certainly an area where AI cannot replace a human. Understanding the tone and body language of the users and being empathetic in difficult situations or while having hard conversations are still needed in real life. It can certianly augment and make the project managers life easier to handle routine tasks that can be automated. Prompt engineering will be a skill which leverages a structured thinking process and providing examples from experience. Saving Changes...
I believe GenAI and prompt engineering are redefining—not replacing—PM skills. While they may automate routine tasks like reporting and documentation, they open doors for PMs to add greater strategic value. By learning how to use AI effectively, PMs can enhance decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and project outcomes. Prompt engineering becomes a differentiator, especially for those who can blend AI literacy with human-centered leadership. Saving Changes...
Paul AyresProject Manager| Fisher & Paykel HealthcareManukau, Auckland, New Zealand
Something to ponder. Assuming we all have the same access to the same AI tools - would we not all be producing output of equivalent quality. If this is the case, then what we currently consider to be great output information will become the new standard, becoming merely 'good'. My thinking is that AI will elevate the standard for all, but as it becomes our new normal, in order to be considered 'great' will still require something special from the individual. Additionally, as collateral produced by AI grows in complexity, so does the task of adapting and verifying those outputs.
Like it or not, we'll need to embrace AI.
Kind regards, Paul
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2 replies by Phoebe M. Malumi
Jul 07, 2025 3:32 AM
Phoebe M. Malumi
...
Hi Paul,
Well said! You’ve raised some compelling points, especially your observation about “great output information becoming the new standard.”
As you rightly noted, we’re in a position where embracing AI is no longer optional. However, it’s worth reflecting on what cost comes with that embrace, not just in terms of resources and training, but also the potential implications on job roles and income.
It’s an exciting shift, but one that requires thoughtful navigation.
Regards,
Phoebe.
Jul 07, 2025 3:32 AM
Phoebe M. Malumi
...
Hi Paul,
Well said! You’ve raised some compelling points, especially your observation about “great output information becoming the new standard.”
As you rightly noted, we’re in a position where embracing AI is no longer optional. However, it’s worth reflecting on what cost comes with that embrace, not just in terms of resources and training, but also the potential implications on job roles and income.
It’s an exciting shift, but one that requires thoughtful navigation.
Something to ponder. Assuming we all have the same access to the same AI tools - would we not all be producing output of equivalent quality. If this is the case, then what we currently consider to be great output information will become the new standard, becoming merely 'good'. My thinking is that AI will elevate the standard for all, but as it becomes our new normal, in order to be considered 'great' will still require something special from the individual. Additionally, as collateral produced by AI grows in complexity, so does the task of adapting and verifying those outputs.
Like it or not, we'll need to embrace AI.
Kind regards, Paul
Hi Paul,
Well said! You’ve raised some compelling points, especially your observation about “great output information becoming the new standard.”
As you rightly noted, we’re in a position where embracing AI is no longer optional. However, it’s worth reflecting on what cost comes with that embrace, not just in terms of resources and training, but also the potential implications on job roles and income.
It’s an exciting shift, but one that requires thoughtful navigation.
Something to ponder. Assuming we all have the same access to the same AI tools - would we not all be producing output of equivalent quality. If this is the case, then what we currently consider to be great output information will become the new standard, becoming merely 'good'. My thinking is that AI will elevate the standard for all, but as it becomes our new normal, in order to be considered 'great' will still require something special from the individual. Additionally, as collateral produced by AI grows in complexity, so does the task of adapting and verifying those outputs.
Like it or not, we'll need to embrace AI.
Kind regards, Paul
Hi Paul,
Well said! You’ve raised some compelling points, especially your observation about “great output information becoming the new standard.”
As you rightly noted, we’re in a position where embracing AI is no longer optional. However, it’s worth reflecting on what cost comes with that embrace, not just in terms of resources and training, but also the potential implications on job roles and income.
It’s an exciting shift, but one that requires thoughtful navigation.
Welcome to the exciting world of super project managers! With the knowledge of prompt engineering and the power of AI, project managers can now efficiently deliver multiple complex projects with various degrees of integrations at an unprecedented pace, all while maximizing resource utilization.
Hi Jide,
That’s a powerful and inspiring vision—super project managers indeed!
However, while the efficiencies are exciting, I also wonder how we can ensure that human-centered leadership and strategic thinking remain at the core of project delivery. Technology is the tool, but the project manager's judgment and adaptability will certainly still play a crucial role.
PMI Team Member
