The 5 Love Languages of Project Management
Have you ever thought about what your project management love language is? The concept of love languages as it relates to romantic relationships can also be applied in the workforce - and specifically in project management. Imagine how well project teams could work together if everyone honored each other’s love language! These 5 love languages that I’ve outlined below are different ways that people receive and give love to each other.
The end goal for applying this concept in romance and in the workplace is to foster sustainable relationships.
These 5 love languages of project management are the same love languages written by Gary Chapman. I’d challenge you to identify which love language resonates with you the most and share it with your team.
Words of Affirmation
As women in project management, we all know how important communication is. It’s literally the only way to keep the project on track and team members involved. It may be extremely important to you to have a solid communication plan with constant feedback and updates from stakeholders on the health and progress of the project.
Receiving praise for finishing a project on time and within budget is also a way to express words of affirmation. This is top tier for me personally. Other examples include recognition for other work-related accomplishments in the workplace.
Lakia “LB” Brandenburg
Quality Time
To others, having face time is most important. Sometimes looking someone in the face or having frequent 1:1s ensures you that everything is on track and going according to plan. It may be easier to have a real conversation face-to-face than a more formal email or Teams chat. If you’re a telecommuter, find ways to engage your team often; and it doesn’t have to be work-related each time.
Acts of Service
Project teams are often a group of individuals working on different things towards a common goal. But there are special occasions when individuals decide to throw in an assist to their teammate as needed.
Click below to watch a clip of Marquise talk more about the project management love languages; and if you haven’t already, join the Women of Project Management membership to receive access to the full course.
Physical Touch
Think of a high-five or a fist pound - we don’t need HR issues. Some of us connect through physical touch; the need to touch to feel included or heard. Physical touch in the workplace could also be something as simple as asking your teammates how their families are doing and connecting on a more personal level. While it’s not a physical touch, I think this is as intimate as it should get at work.
Receiving Gifts
Do you love to receive gifts from your mate? If so, you might also like to receive gifts from teammates or leaders. This could be a mid-week lunch, a gift card or some kind of token to show appreciation.
Remember, it may not be a good idea to give love the same way that you like to receive love. Be mindful of your team’s wants and needs as well and work together to create a more cohesive and pleasant work environment.
By, Airess Rembert, PMP, Member of Women Of Project Management & Blogger at The Nerd Bae
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