You're a sustainability project manager. What are the most important skills you need to succeed?

2 Stakeholder management

You need to be able to build and maintain positive relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, both internal and external. These may include employees, customers, suppliers, investors, regulators, communities, NGOs, or media. You need to understand their expectations, interests, and concerns, and engage them in a transparent and inclusive way. You also need to manage potential conflicts and trade-offs, and negotiate win-win solutions.

3 Project management

You need to be able to plan, execute, monitor, and evaluate your sustainability projects according to the best practices and standards of project management. You need to define the scope, objectives, deliverables, and resources of your projects, and establish clear roles and responsibilities for your team members. You also need to manage the budget, schedule, quality, and risks of your projects, and report on the progress and outcomes.

4 Analytical skills

You need to be able to collect, analyze, and interpret data and information related to your sustainability projects. You need to use appropriate tools and methods to measure the environmental, social, and economic impacts of your projects, and to benchmark them against relevant indicators and standards. You also need to use data and evidence to support your decision-making, problem-solving, and reporting.

5 Communication skills

You need to be able to communicate effectively and persuasively with different audiences and formats. You need to tailor your message and style to suit the purpose, context, and medium of your communication, whether it is a presentation, a report, a proposal, or a conversation. You also need to use clear, concise, and compelling language, and avoid jargon and technical terms. You also need to listen actively and empathetically, and respond constructively to feedback and questions.

6 Leadership skills

You need to be able to inspire and motivate others to join and support your sustainability projects. You need to demonstrate passion, vision, and commitment, and model the values and behaviors that you expect from your team and stakeholders. You also need to empower and coach your team members, and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and learning.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?