Effective project management is essential for ensuring that all aspects of a business function more efficiently and effectively.
Given this, it’s no surprise that the demand for project managers is growing faster than for skilled workers in other fields. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average of about 1.2 million job openings in this field each year.
Project managers have extensive technical skills; and, despite the seemingly light-hearted term “soft skills,” their impact on team performance is robust, with 97% of surveyed SHRM employers agreeing that soft skills were equally as important as hard skills.
Below, we outline six essential (hard and soft) project management skills you need to succeed.
6 Essential Project Manager Skills
Project managers must possess a diverse set of skills to effectively complete their responsibilities.
Although the specific duties may differ depending on the industry and position, our examination of job posting data indicates that the most sought-after skills across various sectors include:
- Agile
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Time Management
- Risk Management
- Leadership
Here’s an overview of each project management skill.
1. Agile
Agile project management is an iterative and flexible approach to project management that prioritizes collaboration, customer feedback, and small, rapid releases. It focuses on adapting to change and delivering value to customers consistently.
Understanding the nuances of Agile and Scrum is important for project managers, as each has its strengths and is suited for different project scenarios.
Agile: Focus on Flexibility
Agile project management is a broader approach that emphasizes flexibility and collaboration. It allows for iterative development and enables teams to respond to changes quickly.
- Agile’s strength lies in its flexibility. It accommodates changes in project requirements even late in the development process, ensuring the final product aligns with evolving business needs.
- Agile employs an iterative approach, allowing for continuous improvement throughout the project. This iterative nature is beneficial for projects where early feedback is crucial.
Scrum: Structural Framework
Scrum is a specific framework within the Agile methodology. It structures the development process into fixed-length iterations called sprints, offering a more prescriptive approach compared to the broader Agile philosophy.
- Scrum provides a more structured framework with defined roles, ceremonies, and artifacts. It’s particularly beneficial for projects with well-defined goals and frequent deliverables.
- Scrum emphasizes specific roles, including the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team. This delineation helps clarify responsibilities and streamlines decision-making.
2. Adaptability
In the ever-evolving corporate landscape, project management job responsibilities demand adaptability as a crucial, non-negotiable skill.
This includes not only the capacity to reassess timelines and resources but also the skill to communicate changes transparently to stakeholders, foster team resilience, and implement innovative solutions that align with the organization’s goals.
A project manager’s proactive approach to change can significantly impact project outcomes, making adaptability an essential trait in today’s dynamic work environment.
3. Communication
Clear and concise communication is a cornerstone of successful project management, serving as the foundation for collaboration and coordination among diverse team members.
Project managers must articulate their job responsibilities explicitly to various stakeholders, including team members, clients, and upper management, to ensure everyone has a shared understanding of project goals, timelines, and deliverables.
4. Time Management
Meeting deadlines is a fundamental aspect of effective project management. The capacity to plan, prioritize, and execute tasks efficiently not only contributes to maintaining stakeholder trust but also plays a pivotal role in achieving overall project success.
By adhering to deadlines, project managers can effectively manage resources, mitigate risks, and align team efforts towards common goals, ultimately enhancing both productivity and project delivery outcomes.
This proficiency in time management is often reflected in a project manager’s ability to develop realistic schedules, monitor progress, and implement adjustments as needed, thereby reinforcing their reputation as reliable leaders within their organizations.
5. Risk Management
Project managers must be adept at recognizing potential risks that may arise during the project lifecycle, whether they stem from resource constraints, stakeholder conflicts, or unforeseen external factors.
Using strong risk management practices, such as regular risk assessments, project managers can keep projects on track and achieve their goals. This is especially important when unexpected challenges or changes come up.
6. Leadership
Effective leadership involves a blend of skills, including clear communication of project goals, empathy towards your team, and adept handling of challenges. Recruiters value project managers who can motivate teams, resolve conflicts, and inspire collaborative efforts towards project objectives.
With increasing experience, your leadership skills will naturally evolve. Remember, being a good leader isn’t about fitting a mold; it’s about finding your own approach to motivating and guiding your team, utilizing
Why Project Management?
Project management is crucial because it ensures every part of a business operates more efficiently and effectively.
Given this, it’s no surprise that the demand for project managers is growing faster than for skilled workers in other fields. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 1.1 million job openings in this field each year on average.
Unlike many job titles, “project manager” accurately describes the role: managing projects from conception to completion, involving hands-on work and team leadership. Even at the entry level, project manager salaries in the US remain high:
- Project Coordinator: $60,889
- Assistant Project Manager: $74,413
- Associate Project Manager: $76,510
- Junior Project Manager: $72,699
Merit America’s Project Management Career Track
The best way to learn these project management skills is by practicing them.
Merit America’s Project Management Career Track is designed to equip individuals with the skills necessary to land entry-level project management positions through practical, real-world exercises, flexible online training, and support from career coaches, job success coaches, and technical advisors.
Participants will learn fundamental project management skills, including estimating time and budget, conducting effective meetings, managing stakeholders, applying Agile and Scrum frameworks, and developing leadership skills.
Upon completion of the program, participants will be prepared for various positions such as project assistant, project coordinator, customer success coordinator, project administrator, project analyst, operations analyst, junior consultant, project manager, technical project manager, scrum master, and program manager.