📊 Insights from a Recent Study on Project Manager Competencies

Based on an in-depth analysis of 750 self-evaluations, we’ve gained invaluable insights into the most pivotal competencies that define an exceptional project manager.

Fig. 1. Result of self-evaluation presented as statements of current and target stage (N = 750).
Fig. 1. Result of self-evaluation presented as statements of current and target stage (N = 750).

🎯 Top-Requested Competencies:

  1. Achievement Drive: The passion for success and continuous improvement remains at the forefront.
  2. Leadership: Guiding teams and making impactful decisions continue to be highly valued.
  3. Conflict Management: Navigating challenges harmoniously is a skill everyone’s keen on enhancing.
  4. Initiative: Seizing opportunities and taking proactive steps is a priority for growth.

What’s remarkable is that these top four competencies have also consistently ranked high in the current stage. 📈 This highlights a genuine eagerness to refine skills that are already part of our professional repertoire.

🔍 Targeted Areas of Development:

  • Analytical Thinking: Sharpen your ability to dissect complex situations and derive valuable insights.
  • Stress Management: Equip yourself with strategies to thrive under pressure and maintain balance.
  • Decision Quality: Enhance your knack for making sound judgments that drive positive outcomes.
  • Achievement Drive (Again!): Reinforce the relentless pursuit of success.

💼 Implications for Organizations: These findings have significant implications for organizations. It’s essential to pinpoint the competencies most aligned with your projects. 🎯 While each project may have its unique demands, our research underscores the importance of focusing on these skills.

🌟 Empowering Project Managers: Let’s foster a culture of competency enhancement! Encourage project managers to invest in their professional growth. By doing so, we’re not only elevating project success but also contributing to the overall success of our organization.

🔗 Reference: Liikamaa, K. (2015). Developing a project manager’s competencies: A collective view of the most important competencies. In Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE 2015)