The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Agile Project Management

Abstract

This paper is one skeptical look at the role of emotional intelligence in project “outcome value” success and whether emotional intelligence can be measured. The emotional intelligence framework defined by Daniel Goleman and behavioral neuroscience is included in the analysis. One study shows the Self-Assessment measurement of emotional intelligence. Three studies show patterns and correlation of emotional intelligence “peoplefactors” to the outcome success of agile projects. The “accidental technical project managers” practitioners may find interesting areas and opportunities for better practices to enhance their emotional intelligence to become more compassionate and resilient under complexity and ambiguity. Project managers may also identify a genuine language of appreciation model to express words of affirmation, quality of time, acts of service and gifts with team members, adapted to their individual trait which motivates them to stay in their organization and reduce organization turnover. The project management principles and domains work in the context of a system of value delivery. The emotional intelligence framework is integrated into the project management principles and performance domains. The project manager behavior facilitates the environment for a project outcome value for the whole organization value delivery system. The project management leadership skills can be critical especially in the challenging pandemic times.“People work better when they know what the goal is and why” -Elon Musk.