The importance of people skills for project managers

Abstract

This article demonstrates how project managers can achieve greater success if trained in people skills. Project management is an important skill for businesses to have – particularly companies whose business rests on delivering projects. Often project managers are trained in the technical aspects of project management such as setting objectives; critical path analysis; work breakdown structures; resource allocation and risk management. However, the success of a project often rests on the understanding of related people and management issues, rather than technical issues. ITNET, a UK‐based consulting and business process outsourcing company, reveals how adding soft skills training, such as influencing, motivation, and delegation, to technical project management training can positively impact a business.