The discipline of project management has been on a constant incline as more businesses and organizations recognize the crucial role it plays in the success of projects. By definition, a project manager is in charge of the operations involved in a particular project. This sounds like a simple role, but considering the magnitude of risks and resources that the individual handles, it becomes evident that it is no mean feat. Ideally, a project involves various phases, and the team leader of the project is tasked with coordinating the activities of all the members throughout the different stages.
With the digital evolution experienced in the recent past, there are no signs that indicate that it will even slow down. As such, industries are anticipating that technological advancements will interfere with their operations in one way or another.
Trends anticipated in project management
- Incorporation of hybrid approaches
Years back, most, if not all, project managers had a single method that they applied in their job. However, over the years, more people have expanded their adaptability and become more diverse. The diversity is expected to grow even further. More project managers are increasing their proficiency in being flexible according to the demands of the tasks they are presented with. This trend will allow for more collaborative work between departments, even from different industries. This trend is beneficial because of the increased complexity of projects and the need for more individuals in the field, which would be accounted for by the hybrid technologies incorporated.
- Advancement in agile project management
This is basically an iterative process that involves software management and is expected to become more common in project management jobs. This is a narrower aspect of hybrid approaches because it specifically points to the working with software teams that would help in making better responses to the changes and demands of the market.
- Increased demand for soft skills
At the center of jobs that entail having a personal interaction with people is having an understanding of people and knowing how best to relate with them in the professional setting. Soft skills are increasingly becoming an essential analytic and organizational skill required of project managers. Emotional intelligence is one of the major skills that have been overlooked before but is gradually becoming critical. The talent is an essential guide in how the project manager interacts with the rest of the team members. This skill is complemented by other soft skills, including communication, decision making, trust-building, and conflict resolution. If you are looking to get a project manager job, you might as well start working on these skills.
- Growth of remote working
The new ways of life that emerged in response to the COVID-19 pandemic shook most industries to their core and challenged the versatility of most businesses. Project managers were no exception as they also had to work from home, and this might not change any time in the near future. This will prompt project managers to become better suited for remote working and embrace communication platforms that link them to their clients virtually.
- Advancement of artificial intelligence and data analytics
The 21st century has been characterized to a large extent by the advent of machine learning, increased data collection, and the rise of artificial intelligence technology. These areas are likely to lead to the increased automation of tasks such as making updates on budgets and resource allocation. Consequently, this will reduce the time spent on tasks that are time-intensive and not necessarily vital and enable the project manager to focus on meeting and surpassing the expectations of the clients. In preparation for this, project managers should seek to internalize the principle of artificial intelligence and how it is incorporated in different industries.
Parting shot
It does not cut it anymore just to understand what project management is. Understanding the dynamics of the field and how the future may affect the operations is vital. This helps in aligning one’s skills with the market trends hence making a step ahead of other project managers. For businesses and organizations, they can work around the advancements in the field to get the ultimate value of money they invest in the project managers.
