PMcrunch

Fresh perspectives on the world of project management

PMcrunch header image 2

Development of Soft Skills

July 24th, 2007 · No Comments

Here are some quick pointers on leadership development and soft skills training:
 

Any training assumes that a person has a strong foundation of values, beliefs, habits, etc.  These are critical to ensuring the person internalizes the training correctly.  This is why continuous [tag]personal improvement[/tag] – building good habits, developing healthy attitudes, strong character, and the like – is so important.  It is also difficult for a person to effectively choose the right members for a team, and enable people to grow, if they do not have a high level of personal mastery.
 

Training
The best results from training occur when the person uses that knowledge right away.  Hence, the training selected should be closely aligned with the person’s current challenges.  A professional should be facing certain challenges related to the training, where the training is seen as a refreshing perspective, their attention in the training is really peaked and focused, and they cannot wait to apply some of the ideas when back on the job.
 

Coaching
I think it is helpful if coaching can be provided by PMs within the organization but OUTSIDE the current line of responsibility of the individual, in order to provide a forum for openness and honesty.  This can provide additional perspective for helping the individual identify areas for improvement and further training.
 

Mentoring
Same comment as Coaching.
 

Consulting
The higher the level and the bigger the project, the more likely project managers are to be engaged in [tag]change management[/tag].  Also, any [tag]project management[/tag] staff member can put themselves in the position of change management by taking responsibility and ownership and by being proactive.  One of the great opportunities of consulting is constantly dealing with change, since that is why you and your team are there.  Over time, you adapt to many situations, and, coupled with timely and relevant training, can develop the skill of managing change – a key leadership and [tag]soft skill[/tag] component.

____________________________
John Reiling, PMP
Project Management Training Online
Lean Six Sigma Training Online
 

Tags: Soft Skills

0 responses so far ↓

  • There are no comments yet...Kick things off by filling out the form below.

You must log in to post a comment.