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?
As a "newbie" in the world of PM, I believe prompt engineering and having full knowledge of AI and its capabilities launches you into uncharted territory, which in my opinion is great! AI can be an enhancement to a project manager when utilized to its full potential. Times an technology are advancing and its important to adapt with it. basic principals and methodologies are still tried and true, but the addition of the growing world of AI makes the future of project management exciting. Saving Changes...
I think that AI won't commoditize project management skills, but instead make project managers who know how to add value using AI more valuable than those who don't Saving Changes...
IF PMs learn to use prompt engineering effectively to enhance their decision-making, tailor their strategies, and add value to their projects, they could stand out in the market. The ability to adapt and use these tools innovatively can turn PMs into experts who provide unique and superior value, distinguishing themselves from their peers. With commoditization, PMP roles might become obsolete, but those who leverage prompt engineering creatively will remain relevant and valuable. Saving Changes...
Ernest KohlSenior Project Manager| -Vancouver, Wa, United States
In the most rudimentary sense, utilizing AI as a project manager is just like using any other tool. Naturally, it is not *just* another tool! It is a quantum leap ahead of resources we have had over the last 20+ years. So I don't fully believe prompt engineering will 'commoditize PM skills'. The more I use tools, such as Copilot, in the real world, and listen to videos / webinars such as the ones on PMI, I think that they will definitely help differentiate those who use them and use them effectively and efficiently Saving Changes...
Anonymous
The important thing is the adoption and the trained data. As shared, the way how we structure the prompt is indeed very important to ensure the workload can be reduced. AI will not be able to 100% replace the PMs but it will definitely reduce the workload and indirectly reduce the number of workforce needed. A verification at times are still crucial. Saving Changes...
Anonymous
The important thing is the adoption and the trained data. As shared, the way how we structure the prompt is indeed very important to ensure the workload can be reduced. AI will not be able to 100% replace the PMs but it will definitely reduce the workload and indirectly reduce the number of workforce needed. A verification at times are still crucial. Saving Changes...
Amy HiltunenProject Manager| National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA)Mi, United States
I feel that generative AI is just another tool for a PMs toolbelt that will help improve productivity and efficiency. Prompt engineering skills will help PMs to get the most out of the tool. By using it for drafting documents and some of the more administrative tasks, they can focus on other aspects of the PM role, like the people management. Saving Changes...
Lori WaldoEDI Developer| Tempur Sealy InternationalWinston Salem, Nc, United States
I think it depends on your perspective of AI. If you see it as a threat, you will go by the wayside. If you see it as another tool in your belt, you will thrive! Saving Changes...
I believe it will have an effect on both with a greater tilt towards commoditization. There is also a chance of PM's leaving all the work to AI to do. On the other hand, a PM can leverage the capabilities of the AI tool to differentiate themselves in a highly competitive industry.
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