How can project managers develop their soft skills?

1 Assess your strengths and weaknesses

The first step to develop your soft skills is to identify your current level of competence and confidence in various areas, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, and emotional intelligence. You can use self-assessment tools, such as online quizzes, personality tests, or 360-degree feedback surveys, to get a baseline of your skills and areas for improvement. You can also ask for honest and constructive feedback from your colleagues, managers, clients, or mentors, to gain different perspectives on your performance and behavior.

2 Set specific and realistic goals

Once you have assessed your strengths and weaknesses, you can set specific and realistic goals for improving your soft skills. For example, you may want to improve your listening skills, your assertiveness, your empathy, or your conflict resolution skills. You can use the SMART framework to define your goals, which means they should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. You can also break down your goals into smaller and manageable steps, and track your progress and achievements.

3 Learn from various sources

There are many sources of learning that you can use to develop your soft skills, such as books, podcasts, blogs, courses, webinars, or workshops. You can choose the ones that suit your learning style, preferences, and budget, and that cover the topics that you want to improve. You can also learn from other project managers, either within your organization or outside of it, by joining professional networks, communities of practice, or mentoring programs. You can benefit from their experience, insights, and advice, and exchange feedback and ideas.

5 Review and refine your skills

Developing your soft skills is an ongoing process, that requires constant review and refinement. You should monitor and evaluate your progress and achievements, by using indicators, such as feedback, ratings, testimonials, or results. You should also celebrate your successes, and acknowledge your efforts and improvements. You should also identify and address any gaps, challenges, or mistakes, and learn from them. You should seek continuous learning and improvement, by updating your goals, seeking new sources of learning, and applying your skills in different contexts.