Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Mar 20, 2018 10:05 AM
Replying to Eric Simms
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True. That breakdown in communication is what caused Kevin problems. The interviewer thought he was saying one thing, but he conveyed a different meaning entirely.
That is exactly right - I fully agree Eric. Saving Changes...
Diwakar KillamsettyAssociate Director| Capgemini EngineeringHyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
Out of all the multiple skills a PM need; Communication is the top most - I feel. Saving Changes...
angela allenManager, EPMO| LexisNexis Risk SolutionsDelray Beach, Fl, United States
There is no single attribute or skill that will make a PM successful. Being a "people-person" is a must in terms of attribute and it's surprising how many you will find that don't have soft skills. As for an actual skill, organizational abilities is key, since we spend a large amount of our time "herding cats". Additionally, communication skills are crucial. Too often I hear feedback that PMs have little patience and drive their projects by the timeline, often without a clear understanding of the dynamic of the workplace (waterfall vs agile, for instance), or predecessors that may delay a deliverable. They don't ask questions to understand the variables in play. The project plan is a tool, not the last word, and a PM must be able to discern when to speak and when to listen to be able to drive to the needs of the project and lead the project team as a whole. Saving Changes...
Candace MunkresSenior Program Manager| ComcastSan Diego, Ca, United States
Sometimes working the people skills or your EQ skills will be an answer that can navigate through someones unclear question. "The skill to build bridges between people, departments and organizations." or even "Adaptability with a large tool belt of skills and tools that can be leveraged to successfully achieve goals. "
Most folks hiring project managers that aren't hiring into a PMO, will entail a hiring manager from other business units. This sometimes will lead to challenges on how to truly identify the resource they need. This will ask questions that are less about project management methodology or skills but rather the organization and soft skills needed to navigate the perceived situation. Saving Changes...
Ebtesam HameidProgram Manager| Gap InternationalHorsham, Pa, United States
Interesting! Yesterday, I was asked this question in an interview. And it is correct Kevin, they are really looking to hear from you about your greatest strength. You could even refer to this strength as an opportunity area too. I answered communication. I believe this area should be the greatest strenght and opportunity to any PM and/or any leader. Saving Changes...
Dileep SankarProject Engineer| Mechon Trading and ContractingDoha, Qatar
I have the same answer, Communication.
This is a skill which is to be used in conjunction with all the other skills in the PM's quiver, and which the PM cannot succeed with. Saving Changes...
Great!!!!
Am learning...singularly, I agree with the communication skill. Saving Changes...
Stefano TomasiSr Project Manager| Roche DiagnosticsIndianapolis, In, United States
In my opinion, the most important skill is the ability to listen. Saving Changes...
David BrezlerOwner| Brezler, LLCWhite Plains, Ny, United States
Two, actually: 1) Storytelling (for leadership.) Karin Hurt has great presentations on this.
2) Humor. See Andrew Tarvin on Humor that Works. Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Projects are all about people. People working on the projects, people interested in the project, people against the project. The one skills you need is working effectively with people. Saving Changes...
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