The real MVPs of project management are soft skills. Yep, project management soft skills take you from just “getting it done” to absolutely killing it.

Fun fact: a PMI study says 92% of project managers think soft skills are just as important—if not more—than technical skills. So, it's officially time to sharpen those people skills!

In this post, we’re talking about the top 10 project management soft skills you need to shine in 2024 and beyond. 

Project Management Soft Skills

Learning soft skills in project management can be achieved by surrounding yourself with the right people, and that’s exactly what the Women of Project Management membership offers.

It’s more than just a network—it’s a community of powerhouse women helping each other sharpen those leadership, communication, and team-building skills that take your career to the next level.

Joining means you’ll not only grow professionally but also have a solid support system every step of the way.

Communication: The Cornerstone of Project Success

• Clear and effective communication is key in project management—it’s how you keep everyone aligned and moving toward the same goal.

• Whether you're speaking or writing, knowing how to communicate with different stakeholders is a game-changer for keeping things on track.

• Active listening goes a long way in building a strong, collaborative team that works well together.

• With remote and hybrid work becoming the norm, it’s important to have strategies in place to break through communication barriers and keep everyone connected.

Emotional Intelligence: The Secret Weapon of Top Project Managers

Understanding and managing your own emotions is key to staying calm and in control, especially when projects get stressful.

• Recognizing and responding to your team members' emotions helps you lead with more awareness and keep everyone motivated.

• Using empathy goes a long way in building stronger relationships and creating trust within your team.

• Leveraging emotional intelligence allows you to resolve conflicts more effectively, making sure issues don’t derail the project.

Problem-Solving: Tackling Project Challenges Head-On

• Analytical thinking and critical reasoning skills help you break down problems and figure out the best way forward.

• Creative problem-solving techniques give project managers fresh ideas for tackling challenges in new ways.

• Decision-making frameworks are great for handling complex project issues without getting stuck in the details.

• Balancing quick solutions with long-term strategic thinking is key to keeping things moving while still planning for the big picture.

Essential soft skills every project manager should master to minimize project roadblocks.

• Leadership is about inspiring your team to greatness and fostering a culture that motivates everyone to achieve their best.

• Adaptability is about embracing change and uncertainty in project environments. This is especially important if you work with technology projects. 

• Time Management means using prioritization techniques to juggle multiple project tasks effectively.

• Negotiation is the process of discussing and reaching agreements that help project managers effectively manage resources, align stakeholder interests, and resolve conflicts.

• Conflict Resolution focuses on identifying and addressing sources of conflict in projects to promote a healthier team dynamic.

Mastering these skills is a journey, not a destination, and trust me, it’s worth every step.

As you grow and polish your soft skills, you'll tackle projects with more confidence, inspire your team to reach new heights, and deliver results that leave everyone impressed.

So, what are you waiting for? Start honing these skills today and get ready to see your project management career soar! Remember, it's all about taking action and making an impact. 

By, Airess Rembert, PMP, Member of Women Of Project Management & Blogger at The Nerd Bae

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If you're new to our community, Women Of Project Management is the only community created to support & amplify the voices of women & women of color in every specialty of the project management industry worldwide. We support women in every stage of their career, learn more at Women Of Project Management.