{"id":1324,"date":"2026-05-18T15:53:41","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T14:53:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.amberhill.biz\/blog\/?p=1324"},"modified":"2026-05-18T15:53:41","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T14:53:41","slug":"people-skills-for-project-managers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.amberhill.biz\/blog\/?p=1324","title":{"rendered":"People Skills for Project Managers"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

\"Rs=wThere is loads of advice out there regarding Project Management Process & documentation but here are some of my takes on building effective relationships & Teams, some may be obvious & others less so:-<\/p>\n

1) Don\u2019t play email tennis. We\u2019ve all seen those boring long winded email chains copying the world & his wife on a topic of disagreement. Nip it in the bud at the first opportunity by picking up the phone & discussing it directly. Even better have a face to face. You will get a better understanding of the other parties perspective & in the vast majority of cases be able to reach a compromise without either party \u2018losing face\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n

Also remember it may be you who has to revise their opinion on something – this is not a sign of weakness but strength – to be able to assimilate a different point of view & accept it for the overall benefit of the project..<\/p>\n

2) Don\u2019t embarass colleagues in a Team Meeting by highlighting an error they have made. Discuss offline with the colleague & seek solutions rather than blame. This can then be presented in subsequent meeting as \u2018we mitigated the risk by doing x,y & z – Note the emphasis on We.<\/p>\n

3) Give credit where its due highlighting the positive impact of an action & by expressing gratitude to the person responsible. Don\u2019t try to take credit for the actions of other – you will negatively impact the Team & destroy your own credibility.<\/p>\n

4) Own up to your own mistakes – we are all human & this will encourage others to do the same.<\/p>\n

5) Be prpared to deliver bad news to stakeholders – however, before doing so always prepare a Contingency Plan highlighting Risk Mitigation. No one wants to hear a key milestone is going to be missed without knowing there is a back up plan in place which keeps the overalll plan on track.<\/p>\n

6) Protect the Team by being the first point of contact for key stakeholders minimising the impact of organizational politics.<\/p>\n

7) For Technical issues always consult the experts – don\u2019t pretend you know everything – you don\u2019t.<\/p>\n

8) Celebrate success – there are always plenty of of challenges in any project so make the most of the high points !<\/p>\n

Any other suggestions – please comment.<\/p>\n

Chris@amberhill.biz<\/p>\n

www.amberhill.biz<\/p>\n\n\n