How to recognize good project project skills when working with people?

Project skills needed among people can be evaluated from various perspectives.

Psychometric measures, setting goals and how they are followed-up during development discussions, experts’ certifications, risk management, keeping project schedules and budgets, customer satisfaction and engagement, well-being at work and the reputation of the service provider. The world is diverse and everything affects everything else. The examples above range from personal characteristics, skills and abilities to leadership, interaction, communication and perceptions.

At one of the EMBA alumni event, I listened to philosopher Esa Saarinen who opened the door to the world of possibilities with the theme of ‘thinking about thinking.’ At the core is the skill of self-observation and tuning in when interacting with others and the precise use of words in communication. Reflecting through one’s own experiences and pausing to engage in thinking provide unlimited opportunities to build an environment that fosters both personal well-being and a rich network for ourselves and others.

What does all this have to do with he world of projects?

People’s role in projects, alongside all technology, still remains significant. The pace accelerates like electric cars - meaning reaction times will shorten while human cognition remains relatively similar from generation to generation.

To address this contradiction, we need to pause and engage in thoughtful reflection. You may lead numerous people or teams, but in reality - a person only leads its own thinking and actions. In the project world, networks and interpersonal interactions are vital for learning, development/growth and success.

In addition to learning how to use software programs and new digital tools, I consider each individual’s personal capability to utilize brain capacity and thinking tools equally important.

Challenging one’s thinking can happen in everyday work within teams of project managers and project members. There is no need for long training days, which can in the worst case be remembered only for good jokes or catering.

Recognition, realization, awareness, comprehension, observation, perception, examination, investigation and experimentation — these are the keys to thinking

Projects create change. One of the most central human factors in change is awareness. How easy it is to go on autopilot as before. We don’t learn from our mistakes and unlearning is challenging and difficult - letting go of old ways of working causes pain.

From the perspective of project management, leadership is not only about actions led by the project manager. Today, it increasingly involves the skills to lead dialogue among professionals, customers and stakeholders as well as each participant’s ability to be a functioning member of the network.

How can each of us reserve time to think about important questions such as: What do I expect from myself in this work situation? What is expected of me? The elements of coaching leadership start with oneself. First, it’s worth while to challenge oneself and then adopt and increase project skills together with the team. The result is positive signals in the everyday buzz and - above all a rewarding shared journey of change created by small successes.

Tuula Nurmiluoto

Certified Business, Leadership & Team Coach – ICF & EMCC