Essential interpersonal and managerial skills

Project managers work through people, so besides technical skill they need interpersonal (people) and managerial skills. PMBOK lists these among the project manager's competencies.

Interpersonal skills

1. Leadership: create a vision, give direction, inspire and motivate the team.
2. Communication: listen actively, give clear and timely information, adjust to the audience.
3. Team building: develop trust, cooperation and a shared purpose.
4. Motivation: understand what drives each member and recognise good work.
5. Influencing: persuade others without direct authority, especially in matrix structures.
6. Negotiation: agree on scope, price, time, resources and contract terms.
7. Conflict management: resolve disputes by collaboration, compromise or problem solving rather than avoiding.
8. Decision making: choose between alternatives using facts.
9. Emotional intelligence and empathy: understand own and others' feelings.
10. Political and cultural awareness.

Managerial skills

1. Planning and organising: set goals, prepare WBS, schedule and budget.
2. Time management: prioritise and meet deadlines.
3. Delegation: assign work to the right person and follow up.
4. Controlling and monitoring: track progress and take corrective action.
5. Problem solving: identify cause, find options, act.
6. Risk handling: anticipate and manage uncertainty.
7. Financial / budget management.
8. Technical and organisational knowledge of the application area.
9. Stakeholder management.

Strong skills in both areas help the manager keep the team productive and satisfy the customer.