As a training professional, you play a crucial role in developing managers who can confidently lead projects. While many managers excel at people management, project management often gets overlooked as a critical skill set. Yet, whether they’re rolling out new initiatives, implementing process changes, or guiding cross-functional teams, project management skills can make the difference between success and frustration.
If you’re training managers who want to be more strategic, organized, and effective in leading projects, this guide will help you equip them with the essential skills they need.
Why Managers Need Project Management Skills
You may hear managers ask, “Isn’t project management a separate discipline from people management?” While technically true, the two overlap significantly in practice.
Managers must juggle deadlines, balance workloads, allocate resources, and keep their teams engaged—all while ensuring projects align with business objectives. By strengthening their project management skills, they can lead their teams more efficiently, reduce chaos, and improve overall outcomes.
What Are Project Management Skills?
Project management skills enable managers to plan, execute, and oversee projects successfully. These skills include technical abilities like scheduling, risk management, and budgeting, alongside essential soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
By incorporating project management training into leadership development, you can help managers improve team performance, optimize workflows, and drive better project results.
10 Project Management Skills Every Manager Should Master
1. Leadership Skills
Managers already lead people, but leading projects requires additional strategic thinking. They must define a clear vision, align their team with project goals, and keep motivation high throughout the process.
Training Tip: Teach managers how to set clear expectations and inspire their teams by connecting project goals to the bigger picture. Encourage them to celebrate milestones to maintain momentum.
2. Communication
Managers are accustomed to team meetings and one-on-ones, but effective project management requires structured communication about goals, expectations, and progress.
Training Tip: Introduce managers to communication planning. Guide them in selecting the right tools (Slack, Teams, Asana) and setting a regular cadence for updates and check-ins.
3. Time Management
While managers are skilled at managing schedules, handling project timelines is another challenge. They must prioritize tasks and deadlines without overwhelming their team.
Training Tip: Show managers how to use project management tools like Trello or Asana to break projects into actionable tasks with realistic deadlines.
4. Risk Management
Unexpected challenges are inevitable in projects. Managers need to anticipate risks and have contingency plans in place.
Training Tip: Train managers on risk assessment techniques, such as identifying potential blockers early and developing response strategies.
5. Problem-Solving
From shifting priorities to resource constraints, managers must be equipped to handle project roadblocks effectively.
Training Tip: Encourage a solutions-focused mindset by introducing root cause analysis techniques and problem-solving frameworks.
6. Technical Proficiency
While managers don’t need to be certified project managers, understanding tools and methodologies like Agile or Scrum can enhance their efficiency.
Training Tip: Provide hands-on training with platforms like Monday.com, Jira, or Microsoft Project to familiarize managers with project planning structures.
7. Budgeting and Financial Management
Even if they’re not handling large budgets, managers should understand how to allocate resources wisely.
Training Tip: Teach managers how to track project costs effectively and stay within budget using tools like Google Sheets or Smartsheet.
8. Team Management
Managing a project team involves balancing workloads, fostering collaboration, and addressing conflicts.
Training Tip: Guide managers in conducting workload assessments and fostering an open communication culture to ensure smooth teamwork.
9. Adaptability
Projects rarely go exactly as planned. A manager’s ability to adjust and keep the team focused is key to success.
Training Tip: Use case studies and role-playing exercises to help managers practice navigating project changes with confidence.
10. Attention to Detail
Small details can make or break a project. Ensuring quality control and thorough oversight is crucial.
Training Tip: Provide templates and checklists for managers to track project progress and prevent missed steps.
How to Strengthen Leadership Through Project Management
To support managers in developing strong project management skills, consider integrating these approaches into your training programs:
- Professional Development: Offer courses on leadership and project management fundamentals.
- Feedback Loops: Encourage managers to seek feedback from their teams to refine their project planning skills.
- Empathy in Leadership: Train managers to recognize team stress levels and provide support when needed.
- Leading by Example: Reinforce best practices by demonstrating clear communication, adaptability, and attention to detail.
- Strategic Alignment: Teach managers how to connect project goals with larger business objectives to boost engagement and effectiveness.
Helping Managers Improve Project Management Skills (Even Without a Formal Title)
If your managers don’t carry the title of “project manager” but still lead projects, here’s how you can help them build confidence in their skills:
- Start Small: Assign them smaller projects to build their experience.
- Encourage Reflection: Have managers analyze past projects to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Offer Certifications: If relevant, support managers in obtaining credentials like PMP or Agile certifications.
- Leverage Internal Mentorship: Connect them with experienced project managers for knowledge sharing.
- Emphasize Soft Skills: Reinforce the importance of collaboration, conflict resolution, and team engagement in project success.
The Value of Project Management for Managers
When managers develop strong project management skills, their teams experience smoother workflows, reduced stress, and improved results.
Remember, managers don’t need to be certified project managers to lead projects successfully. With the right training, they can balance leadership and project management, drive efficiency, and empower their teams to handle more complex challenges—boosting both their success and the organization’s overall performance.
