By Jorgelina Bross-Puglisi
October 23, 2024
In a world increasingly dominated by technology, the human touch (still) remains irreplaceable.
In the early days of project management, success was often measured by delivering on time, on budget and within quality requirements. While these metrics remain essential, projects are not just about tasks and deadlines, they are about people. It demands empathy, active listening, and an understanding of human dynamics. And people come with emotions, complexity, and unpredictability. I know what I am talking about, I am Argentinean.
Emotional intelligence has been the cornerstone of project management. Understanding the nuances of team dynamics, empathizing with stakeholders, and navigating the emotional landscape of projects has been crucial in achieving successful outcomes.
Effective project managers use emotional intelligence to connect with team members on a deeper level. They create an environment where individuals feel valued, understood, and motivated. By leveraging trust and collaboration, they turn diverse groups into cohesive teams capable of overcoming any challenge.
A(I) Powerful Ally
It’s impossible to ignore the significant impact of artificial intelligence on project management. While technology has evolved rapidly, it has always been a tool, not a replacement. If emotional intelligence is about people, AI is about process.
AI has emerged as a powerful ally in project management, automating tasks, providing insights, and enhancing decision-making. Tools like Trello, Wrike, and Monday.com have made the “heavy lifting” part of project management much lighter.
However, it’s essential to remember that AI is most effective when guided by human intelligence and intuition. AI doesn’t replace the human touch, it amplifies it, enabling project managers to be more effective and agile.
While AI may never develop true emotions (hopefully), the algorithms behind it are beginning to understand human emotions better than ever. Sentiment analysis, for example, can scan team communications for signs of frustration or low morale. This cutting-edge technology helps project managers identify signs of stress, fatigue, or disengagement early, allowing them to take proactive measures to support their teams.
Power to the People
The heart of project management lies in blending emotional intelligence with AI. One doesn’t replace the other, they complement each other. The most successful project managers know how to leverage both.
Managing people and managing tasks are two different skill sets, but they must be treated as interconnected. The best PMs understand that emotions can have as much impact on project timelines as missed deadlines or resource shortages. At the same time, leaning into AI allows you to take a more proactive approach, keeping an eye on the road ahead while maintaining a steady hand on the steering wheel.
As we look ahead to the future of project management, we can be confident that the field will continue to evolve. But one thing will always remain true: the success of a project depends on the people who deliver it.
After all, it has always been about getting things done with people, for people. And now, why not, powered by AI.
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Trainer & Consultant
International Institute for Learning (IIL)
Jorgelina is an accomplished industrial engineer, project manager, and consultant with solid international experience in various industries. She has conducted numerous projects in more than 15 countries in Latin and North America, Europe, and Asia. She is a results-oriented leader, with excellent communication and facilitation skills.
