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?
WILSON AGUIARSr Project Manager| EmbratelSão Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
I've seen firsthand how AI and technology can transform our industry. When integrated effectively, prompt engineering complements our core competencies—strategic decision-making, leadership, and risk management.
I truly believe that the future of project management lies in this synergy between advanced tools and our irreplaceable human expertise.
I'm working on developing prompt routines to streamline daily activities, allowing us to focus on what truly drives project success: business acumen and power skills. Is anyone available to discuss a method to create a "how to" prompt for the 80/20 principle of PPM routine together? Keep in touch...
Saving Changes...
Siddhartha JainPresident, Technology and life sciences consulting| Shoolin Management CompanyBoston region, MA, United States
AI is excellent with repetitive and manual tasks. So, the PMs that perform repetitive, low value and manual tasks will see their roles being commoditized while the PMs who are adding value through their skills, experience and end-to-end view will be able to standout. It can be a beneficial shift for the skilled PMs. Saving Changes...
Randi KruegerLecturer of Management| Southern Utah University (SUU)Cedar City, Ut, United States
I believe it will be a differentiator, just like any other tool, system, or program one can master. Saving Changes...
Program Manager| HARPER SRLSanto Domingo / Distrito Nacional, Dominican Republic
The widespread adoption of prompt engineering could potentially commoditize certain project management (PM) skills, especially those related to routine tasks that can be automated. However, it also presents an opportunity for PMs to differentiate themselves by leveraging these tools to enhance decision-making, strategy development, and communication. PMs who can integrate prompt engineering effectively into their workflows may command higher value by focusing on more complex, creative, and human-centric aspects of project management, thereby setting themselves apart in the industry. Saving Changes...
Hi Sarah,
I believe it is a challenge for PMs to remain relevant in today's times without falling into the temptation of commercialization, and an opportunity to gain greater value from their skills. Saving Changes...
I am starting in the field so i don't have much experience using AI. I use it to help me make better emails so far. it is working well. My next goal is to use it to make minutes of meeting, but in French! Saving Changes...
Unai LarraganFunctional Manager| EuskaltelBilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
While AI may make some tasks seem replaceable, project managers who effectively leverage these tools can differentiate themselves by focusing on strategic planning, stakeholder management, and problem-solving. AI is a means to help Project Managers who always have the human mind, skills and touch needed to manage projects efficiently. Saving Changes...
While prompt engineering may streamline certain aspects of project management, skilled project managers who combine technical knowledge, soft skills, and strategic thinking could be continue to command higher value.
AI is just a tool that requires highly trained PMs and profound knowledge on project management. All information generated by AI needs an "interpretation" and validation from a skilled PM. I don't think AI is the end of project managers. Saving Changes...
This trend raises important questions about the future of project management in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Many people have wondered whether AI will replace project managers. It's clear that PMs need to adapt and learn how to use and leverage AI to stay relevant and effective in their roles.
Who would have imagined 20 years ago that vehicles would not need drivers? We may not be there yet, but we will be soon.
AI is just a tool, a very good tool for PMs. It helps the PM in task that can be automated and time consuming. But all the responses generated by AI need to be filtered by a high skilled PM to be sure that the response is concordance with the context, the regulations, the ethical criteria, etc. AI cannot do all the job of a PM. Saving Changes...
Anonymous
In my new and limited experience, AI is proving to be a valuable tool but only a tool. At this time AI is only has good as the learning it has access to in combination with the prompts it receives. We are a long way from being able to trust AI without human assessment of output in conjunction with information that may not have been considered in the prompts. A human component still exists with input and design of the AI platforms and prompts that can miss key elements or introduce bias into output. Saving Changes...
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