Looking to stay ahead of the curve? Check out these 9 project management trends…

Looking to stay ahead of the curve? Check out these 9 project management trends…

Disruption is the name of the game today.

Technology has made it easier than ever before for businesses to enter new markets and create new products and services. This increased competition is good news for consumers, but it can be tough on businesses that are trying to keep up.

To stay ahead of the curve, management teams need to be flexible and adaptable. They need to be able to quickly change direction when necessary and pivot when new opportunities arise.

Project management is a critical tool that can help businesses achieve these goals. By its very nature, project management is all about planning, executing, and tracking progress.

It’s an essential function for any business that wants to stay ahead of the competition.

9 Super Important Trends For Project Management

There are a number of project management trends that are worth watching for the foreseeable future. Here are nine that we think will have a big impact on the way businesses operate in the next few years:

Trend #1 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) And Automation

Well it’s finally here and it’s mind boggling. With the rapid advancements in computer processing power and data storage, artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a reality for businesses across the globe.

What was once considered the stuff of science fiction is now being used to automate tasks, make decisions, and even improve customer service.

In project management, AI can be used to automate repetitive tasks, such as creating reports or tracking progress. This frees up time for project managers to focus on more important tasks.

AI can also be used to make decisions about projects. For example, it can be used to assess risks and identify potential problems.

AI-powered project management software is still in its infancy, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses operate.

If you’ve played around with DALL-E , you know exactly what we’re talking about. Essentially, it’s an AI that creates images from textual descriptions, and the results are often…surprising, to say the least.

Copywriting is one area where AI is already starting to make an impact. Programs like Grammarly and ProWritingAid use AI to help people write better.

And it’s not just limited to English either. There are now AI-powered grammar checkers for a number of different languages, including Spanish, French, and German.

Trend #2 – Remote Work And Virtual Teams

It’s safe to say that the pandemic has changed the way we work forever.

For many businesses, the shift to remote work was a necessity. But it’s clear that there are a lot of benefits to working from home, including increased productivity and lower overhead costs.

As a result, we expect to see more businesses embrace remote work in the coming years. This trend will have a big impact on project management, as more and more teams will be dispersed around the globe.

To manage remote teams effectively, project managers will need to use new tools and technologies. They’ll also need to be adept at communicating across time zones and cultures.

Trend #3 – Emphasis on Emotionally Intelligent Team Members

When team members are not on the same page, it can lead to confusion, frustration, and ultimately, a failed project.

To prevent this from happening, businesses are placing an emphasis on emotional intelligence. In the “emotional intelligence world” they call it Emotional Quotient (EQ).

Individuals with high EQ are self-aware and good at managing their emotions. They’re also excellent communicators and team players.

EQ training is becoming more common in the corporate world. And we expect to see more businesses invest in EQ training for their employees in the coming years.

This trend will have a big impact on project management, as emotional intelligence will become an important skill for team members.

Trend #4 – Data-Driven Decision Making

Although data has always been at the foundation of business decision making, we expect to see a greater emphasis on data in the coming years.

With the rise of big data and artificial intelligence and pixel-perfect CRMs, businesses now have access to more data than ever before.

And they’re using it to make better decisions about everything from product development to marketing.

Data-driven decision making will become increasingly important for project managers in the coming years. They’ll need to be able to collect and analyze data to make decisions about projects.

They’ll also need to be able to use data to assess risks and identify potential problems.

Trend #5 – Emphasis on Soft Skills Over Hard

Soft skills are often described as the “people skills” that are needed to succeed in the workplace. They include things like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, conflict management, and emotional intelligence.

Hard skills are the technical skills that are needed to do a job. They include things like programming, accounting, and project management.

In the past, businesses have placed a greater emphasis on hard skills. But we expect that to change in the coming years.

As businesses increasingly rely on technology, the importance of soft skills will continue to grow. This trend will have a big impact on project management, as project managers will need to be more people-oriented.

They’ll need to be good at communicating, managing conflict, and building relationships.

Trend #6 – The Rise of Virtual Environment

At this point it’s safe to say that Virtual Reality is no longer just for gaming.

The technology is being used in a number of different industries, including healthcare, education, and training.

And businesses are beginning to use Virtual Reality to create virtual environments for their employees.

This trend will have a big impact on project management. Project managers will need to be able to create and manage virtual environments.

It’s hard to say when this will hit a tipping point, but it’s definitely something to keep an eye on in the coming years.

Trend #7 – Gamification In Project Management

Gamification is the use of game mechanics in non-game contexts.

It’s a way to motivate employees and get them engaged in their work. And it’s something that we expect to see more of in the coming years.

There are a number of ways to gamify project management, including using points, badges, and leaderboards.

It’s all about incentives and making work more fun. By creating tiny micro dopamine hits, you can increase engagement and motivation.

This trend will have a big impact on project management. Project managers who are able to gamify their projects will be more successful in engaging their team members.

Trend #8 – Increased Use of Agile Practices

Agile is a project management approach that emphasizes iterative development and the ability to respond to change.

It’s a popular methodology for software development, but it’s also being used in other industries.

We expect to see an increased use of agile practices in the coming years. This trend will have a big impact on project management.

Project managers will need to be able to adapt their projects to the agile approach. They’ll need to be able to work in iterative cycles and be flexible in their plans.

Trend #9 – The Increase Demand For Sustainable Projects

Sustainability is a hot topic these days. And it’s making in-roads into the business world.

More and more businesses are looking for ways to make their operations more sustainable.

This trend will have a big impact on project management. Project managers will need to be able to identify sustainable practices and incorporate them into their projects.

They’ll need to think about things like waste reduction, energy efficiency, and resource conservation.

The demand for sustainable projects will continue to grow in the coming years. And project managers who are able to meet this demand will be in high demand.

The 4 Pillars In Project Management That Will Never Change

Change is the only constant in life.

And that’s especially true in the world of project management.

There are always new trends and technologies emerging. And as a result, the way we manage projects is constantly evolving.

But despite all the changes, there are some things that will never change in project management.

These are the 4 pillars that will always be relevant, no matter what new trends emerge:

Pillar #1 – The Need for Good Communication

No matter how big or small your team is, and no matter what tools you’re using, good communication will always be essential for successful project management.

That means being able to communicate clearly and concisely, as well as being a good listener. With so many different personality types on any given team, it’s important to be able to adjust your communication style to meet everyone’s needs.

So, be sure to brush up on your communication skills before embarking on your next project.

Pillar #2 – The Importance of Planning

As you already know, a well-thought-out plan is the foundation of any successful project.

Without a plan, it’s easy to get off track and miss important deadlines.

Even if you only have a rough idea of what you want to achieve, it’s still important to sit down and map out a general plan of action. As the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail.

The trends of AI and automation might make you think that planning is becoming obsolete. But don’t be fooled. A good plan is still essential for any successful project.

Pillar #3 – Change is Inevitable (and Often Unpredictable)

Calibrating your expectations is key to maintaining a healthy outlook throughout any project.

No matter how well you plan, there will always be unforeseen obstacles and challenges. And the only way to deal with them is to roll with the punches and adjust your plans accordingly.

Flexibility and adaptability are essential skills for any project manager.

Because no matter how well you plan and how carefully you execute your plans, there’s always a chance that something will happen to throw a wrench in the works. The key is to be prepared for change and adaptable enough to roll with the punches when it happens.

Pillar #4 – There Will Always Be Room for Improvement

Even if a project goes off without a hitch, there’s always room for improvement.

After all, there’s no such thing as perfect—there’s only “good enough.” By constantly strive to improve upon your previous successes (and learn from your failures), you can ensure that each new project is even better than the last.

There are several Project Management Methodologies available for use, but these 4 pillars will always remain the same.

So, no matter what new trends emerge in project management, be sure to keep these 4 pillars in mind. They’ll help you set your team up for success.