IT project management is transforming rapidly (when isn’t it?!), and as professionals it’s never been more important to constantly evolve – just to keep up.
BUT, as organisations face tighter deadlines, hybrid teams, constant innovation, etc, what skills might project managers need to master, not just to keep up, but to thrive and get ahead.
Over the last six months, I’ve been asking IT project professionals: “Based on this year so far, what’s the one skill you wish you were better at?”
Reading the replies, there are seven must-have competencies that can help you deliver better IT Project outcomes (and boost your career potential too!!!).
As it happens, I’m writing this in early June, imagine how much better your IT project delivery would be if you focussed on one of these key skills a month for the rest of the year:
JUNE … Be More Flexible and Adaptable
JULY … Develop A Blank Sheet (Open Mind) Approach
AUGUST … Optimise Talent and Resource Allocation
SEPTEMBER … Develop State Of The Art Tech Savviness
OCTOBER … Be A Better Listener
NOVEMBER … Communicate More Effectively
DECEMBER … Work On Resolving Conflict Constructively
That last one will also come in handy when the family comes together for Christmas!!!
Whether you choose one a month or to binge-upskill the lot in one go, let’s dive in!
SEVEN ESSENTIAL SKILLS TO SHARPEN UP
1 – Be More Flexible and Adaptable
Modern projects are constantly evolving, and at a pace that is unprecedented in some industry sectors due to competitive markets, remote work setups, and shifting priorities. Flexibility allows project managers to adjust plans without derailing progress, while adaptability helps them respond to changes swiftly. Being clear on project objectives from the beginning and having a strong risk management strategy enables smarter decision-making when the unexpected occurs.
To strengthen this skill, project teams could encourage feedback loops within their teams to monitor and respond to change more effectively. Adopting Agile methodologies can also support flexible planning and iterative improvement. The more responsive and transparent a project leader is to evolving circumstances, the more confidence stakeholders and team members will have in the process.
2 – A “Blank Sheet” Approach To Resourcing, Methodology And Processes
Ed, a PM from London, told me that he has developed what he calls a “blank sheet approach” to all his projects. This year, more than ever, Ed had noticed that no project was like the last – so why adopt the same resourcing strategy, the same methodology, the same processes?
Like most of us, Ed’s project team has “go-to”, default approaches to project delivery. “I now question whether the ‘way we do it’ is right for every project,” he told me. “It usually is, but this is a useful check that has led to delivering a project using waterfall (there are members of my team who had never done that from start to finish and it gave them greater understanding of how waterfall works as a cog in a hybrid approach, we discovered the benefits of Project Management as a Service as a consciously planned resourcing tool (rather than an emergency resourcing service), and we have perfected and refined communication and documentation to a fine art.”
Your tried and tested approaches serve you well but remember that everything you do was once a new, better skill to learn. IT Projects have changed, it doesn’t hurt to have an open mind and ask if your “go-to” needs to-go.
3 – Optimise Talent and Resource Allocation
As Ed brought it up, we may as well dip into this some more.
Placing the right people in the right roles is crucial for project success. Understanding your team’s strengths, availability, and workload helps avoid burnout and ensures resources are used efficiently. Effective resource allocation leads to higher morale, better output, and a more resilient team—key ingredients for long-term project success.
Advanced planning tools and workload management platforms can aid in visualising resource allocation, while regular one-on-one check-ins ensure alignment between individual goals and project objectives. Empowering team members by aligning tasks with their skills and aspirations not only boosts productivity but also promotes career development and retention.
And, of course, Project Management as a Service is a game-changer, giving you access to experienced Project Managers, Business Analysts and PMO specialists—when and where you need them—at a predictable and scalable cost.
4 – Develop State Of The Art Tech Savviness
Today, all project management depends heavily on technology, so we have an advantage in IT project management – it helps to be an IT expert already!
It also means we don’t have an excuse to not be confident using digital tools – especially AI and automation platforms. These can streamline operations and improve accuracy, so staying informed about new tools and integrating them effectively into your workflow can boost both productivity and performance.
Be careful when reviewing what AI churns out though!!! Use AI them as a guide, a thought starting point, a brainstorming partner, but remember – nothing beats a human subject matter expert!
5 – Be A Better Listener
Active listening helps reduce misunderstandings, increases engagement, and builds trust within teams. Key habits to practice include resisting the temptation to interrupt a colleague mid-flow or finish their sentence, paraphrasing to confirm your understanding, asking open-ended questions, and staying focused on the matter at hand. When team members feel heard, they are more likely to contribute fully and collaborate effectively.
Beyond day-to-day team interactions, active listening is invaluable in stakeholder engagement. Understanding concerns, expectations, and definitions of success enables project managers to tailor communication and prioritise work accordingly. Cultivating this skill helps avoid misalignment and promotes stronger working relationships across the board.
Great leadership starts with great listening.
6 – Communicate More Effectively
Clear, concise communication is essential, particularly in remote or hybrid work environments. Clearly outlining expectations, roles, and timelines is, perhaps, a basic skill, but it’s worth super-focussing on upskilling these basics.
Strengthening communication skills by tailoring your message to different audiences can be very impactful. What resonates with an executive stakeholder may not be appropriate for a technical team member. Understanding how to adjust tone, detail, and delivery method based on your audience can reduce friction and enhance team alignment, keeping projects on track and everyone informed.
Tom in Leicester told me that he’s abandoned paragraph emails and instead uses bullet points after noticing that he and his colleagues tended to “scan-read” emails. He said, “Using bullet points ensures important details aren’t missed.” Such a simple switch has made a huge difference.
7 – Work On Resolving Conflict Constructively
Accepting that conflict is part of project life is wise but addressing it early and effectively is what separates great managers from the good.
Be proactive! There was a consistent theme of wanting to spot issues before they escalate in the replies to my question. As Projects become more complex, and working patterns evolve, it’s never been more important (and difficult) to bring involved parties together! Back in the day they’d be in the same office, nowadays it isn’t guaranteed everyone working on a project is in the same city!
Organisations should create a culture where open dialogue is encouraged, this can reduce the frequency and intensity of conflicts. Establishing a psychological safe space and team members will feel more comfortable expressing concerns early. Training in emotional intelligence and negotiation techniques further equips project managers to handle disputes with empathy and effectiveness.
Guiding colleagues toward a resolution that supports your overall goals, while keeping discussions respectful and outcome-focused to ensure smoother progress and team cohesion is an art form worth perfecting.
Self-improvement is always a good idea– thanks to everyone who took part.
Tell me … “Based on this year so far, what’s the one skill you wish you were better at?”
And … if it’s Optimising Talent and Resource Allocation … give me a call on 01623 723910.
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