Developing project management skills

Article Career Development, Leadership, Technical Skills, Education September 1991

Project Management Journal

Thamhain, Hans J.

How to cite this article:

Thamhain, H. J. (1991). Developing project management skills. Project Management Journal, 22(3), 39–44, 53.
Education and training are key components to a skilled project manager.In an effort to determine the skill requirements for project managers, 220 project managers were interviewed.Based on the results of the interview, the research showed that the right mix of skills include three primary areas: interpersonal/leadership, technical and administrative skills.The research also revealed that 94 percent of the mangers felt that the necessary skills for project leadership are learnable.In fact, on the job experience was cited as the largest source for developing the skills.Methods of skill development include: experiential learning, observations of management practice, formal on the job training, literature reading, coaching by upper management, seminars/workshops, formal courses, consulting, professional conferences, special work groups and job rotation.Suggestions are offered that may be helpful in developing the skills needed for effective project management performance.
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