Project management is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by technological advances, changing workplace dynamics and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). To address these challenges and opportunities, Zenith Vanguard hosted a roundtable discussion as part of the PMI Arts of Projects conference. The session, entitled Lifelong Career Journey and Modern-Day Workplaces, brought together industry leaders, educators and experienced project managers to explore the future of project management.
From combating burnout and navigating the impact of micro-certifications to harnessing AI and honing communication skills, the discussion revealed critical insights that every project manager can relate to. Here are the key takeaways from this engaging session.
๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ฅ๐ – ๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ
Today’s project managers need to adapt quickly to market changes. Flexibility and resilience are more necessary than ever in a world driven by AI and automation.
Daniel Juhasz, MBA, PMP, ACP, a freelance project manager and partner at Zenith Vanguard The Project Management Company, highlighted the increasing incidence of burnout in the profession. Although AI tools are simplifying tasks, the relentless pace and pressure for quick results are jeopardising mental health. Freelancing may offer a way out, allowing individuals the freedom to choose their projects and avenues for personal growth.
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ซ๐จ-๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ
The roundtable sparked a rich debate on the impact of easily obtainable micro-certificates. While they provide easy access to the field and can be good stepping stones, they also run the risk of diluting the prestige of the profession. According to agile trainer Tamรกs Csรฉpรกnyi, PMPยฎ, PMI-ACPยฎ, it’s not just a list of certifications that sets a professional apart, but real experience and communication skills.
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ
Krisztina Varga, with more than 25 years of experience in executive and financial management, emphasised that success in project management depends not only on technical knowledge but also on communication and dealing with different personalities and teams.
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ
AI-powered tools can help alleviate the skills shortage in the project management market. But they cannot replace human qualities such as creativity, empathy and problem-solving skills, says Billal Ben-Redouane, PMPยฎ, vice president of PMI.
The panel concluded that staying informed and adaptable is key to navigating these changes in project management.
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