Tune up your EQ

Download 6 Things You Must Know To Make Your Project An Outstanding Success in pdf format

Project management skills are not only critical for certified project managers; they are key competencies for anyone interested in being successful in business. In the February 2006 issue of Project Management magazine, the worldwide publication for project management professionals, the business journalist, Sarah Fister Gale described Emotional Intelligence as “The Secret Of Stellar Managers.” Sarah asked me six questions as part of her interview. In part 1 of this post, we explore 3 ways that Emotional Intelligence lays the foundation for outstanding project management.

SFG: Why is Emotional Intelligence important for a project manager?

GB: Project Managers are expected to master their technical skills. To be effective, they also need to understand how their emotions affect them in their work. For example, a self aware project manager knows how to motivate them self to perform effectively when they are feeling “down”. He or she also needs to understand how emotions affect their project team members. Most meetings, especially project kick off meetings, undeniably have an emotional component.

Project Management is all about achieving effective strategic change. Any form of organisational change will require those involved to manage their emotions. A 2003 dissertation by Leban Williams showed that the type of leadership style used by a project manager and his or her Emotional Intelligence abilities increased the probability that large scale projects would be delivered effectively.

SFG: How can Project Managers improve their Emotional Intelligence? What kinds of training programmes, coaching, etc. are useful in improving these traits?

GB: Unlike your IQ, which is fixed, you can improve your Emotional Intelligence through practice and learning. The starting point is to develop a good understanding of your self. If you want to go the self-directed route, you can write a journal, review your behaviour and set new goals. Reputable companies will help you develop your self awareness. One to one coaching is also an excellent option. It’s important to work with a coach who you trust and who holds you accountable.

SFG: How can a manager make sure he/she is making an emotional connection with team members, without being overly emotional? Is that a difficult balance?

GB: The workplace is inevitably an emotional place. For example, when project members buy into a series of project objectives, they do so with their heart as well as their head. When members express their feelings openly and within acceptable bounds, communication becomes more effective. We all have different boundaries about how much of our self we wish to reveal at work. An effective project manager should aim to be authentic and open. This will ensure that he or she is well understood. He or she can establish good relationships by showing a genuine interest in colleagues as people, without trampling over their personal boundaries. An effective project manager will consider holding one on one discussions with each project team member to surface their different expectations and needs.

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