Important behavioral skills for IS project managers

A competent IS project manager is regarded as the most critical factor for project success. Prior research has identified 18 important behavioral skills for IS project managers. This research study had experienced IS professionals evaluate the importance of these 18 behavioral skills to the success of an IS project. The three behavioral skills ranking highest in importance were interviewing, directing, and managing. The lowest-ranking skills of selling, assertiveness, and nonverbal communication were still regarded as somewhat important. Additionally, the rankings were similar for IS professionals who differed in their work experience, application area experience, and project complexity experience. The rankings can be used to guide the initial selection of IS project managers and their behavioral skills training.