How AI is Shaking Up Project Management: The Human Touch Still Matters

How AI is Shaking Up Project Management: The Human Touch Still Matters

AI is incredible. There is no doubt that it’s making our lives easier. But it’s not a replacement for human creativity, empathy, and leadership. The recent techBREK event reminded me that, “AI is the tool, humanity is the architect.”

The future of project management isn’t about choosing between humans and AI, it’s about using AI to amplify what we do best – a collaboration, of sorts. By embracing AI, project managers can focus on leading teams, solving problems, and delivering results.

What This Means for You

Whether you’re a PM professional looking to level up or a hiring manager building a top-notch team, AI’s impact on project management is something you can’t ignore.

Here’s what you need to know:

For Talent:

  1. Get Comfortable With AI Tools: Tools like Monday.com, Asana, or Trello are becoming must-haves in the PM world.
  2. Build Hybrid Skills: Technical know-how is great, but don’t forget the soft skills such as emotional intelligence, leadership, and adaptability.
  3. Be a Lifelong Learner: Stay curious and open to new ways of working.
  4. Showcase Your AI Experience: If you’ve used AI tools, make sure they’re front and centre on your resume.

For Hiring Managers:

  1. Look for AI-Savvy Talent: Seek out professionals who know how to use AI to drive results.
  2. Focus on Change Management: Identify individuals who can effectively guide teams through AI adoption while maintaining a human-centric approach.
  3. Invest in Training: Help your team get up to speed on AI tools and data analysis.
  4. Balance Skills: Build teams that can blend AI insights with human creativity and leadership.

AI is transforming project management, but at its core, success still depends on human judgment, creativity, and leadership. AI can streamline processes, predict risks, and automate tasks, but it can’t replace the strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving abilities that drive great projects forward. The best project managers will be those who can harness AI’s power while keeping people at the centre of their work.

More about Jane…

Jane Olden is a Senior Associate in the Projects, Transformation & Change division of Barden’s talent advisory and recruitment firm.

Connect with Jane on LinkedIn or at jane.olden@barden.ie.

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