Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Effective Project Management in IT

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the skill that helps deliver successful projects and keep the team and stakeholders satisfied. Not everyone has high EI naturally; it's a skill we learn over time. EI is what allows project managers to be effective leaders.

Darya Dzemidzenka , Technical Project Manager at Olsys, shares essential strategies for leveraging emotional intelligence to enhance project success.

Defining Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the subtle but powerful capability that affects how we manage behavior, navigate social complexities, and make decisions to achieve positive outcomes. It encompasses self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills.

In the era of AI and automation, the topic of Emotional Intelligence becomes more and more important as we tend to automate routine tasks and enhance productivity, which could potentially affect how we use our EQ. Essentially, EQ is about recognizing and understanding emotions in ourselves and others, and using this awareness to guide our thinking and actions. It's not just about being 'softer' or 'kinder'—it's about combining empathy with purpose-driven leadership.

Tips for Leveraging Emotional Intelligence at Work

1. Practice Active Listening

Develop the ability to listen deeply without preemptively formulating responses. Focus on both verbal and nonverbal cues, ask open-ended questions, and engage fully in conversations.?

“This approach enhances collaboration and helps in identifying potential risks early on, especially in remote or hybrid work environments. In the era of AI, it’s important to remember that it won’t fully replace human connection. Active listening can also signal underlying issues or emerging risks communicated by the development team or clients, which may become critical if overlooked by a PM. “

2. Build Genuine Relationships

Connect with team members on a personal level to understand their motivations, fears, and strengths. Regular team-building activities and personal catch-ups can go beyond work tasks to foster stronger connections.?

“In remote and hybrid settings, building relationships requires heightened empathy and communication skills to bridge geographical and cultural gaps, enhancing team cohesion and performance.”

3. Foster Flexibility and Adaptability

Lead by example in adapting to change. Embrace evolving technologies and industry trends with an open mindset.?

“Demonstrating flexibility helps set a standard for the team, encouraging them to be more adaptable in a rapidly changing project environment.”

4. Cultivate a Positive Work Environment

Recognize and celebrate achievements, provide constructive feedback, and maintain open communication, especially during challenging times. While quantitative metrics and KPIs are essential, maintaining team morale is crucial for success.?

“A positive work environment fosters open communication and helps prevent unmet expectations, demoralized teams, and unresolved conflicts, ultimately contributing to any project success.”

5. Develop Cultural Sensitivity

In increasingly global teams, cultural sensitivity is key. Be aware of and respect cultural differences, and tailor communication and management styles accordingly. This approach enhances inclusivity and fosters a harmonious work environment.

“Cultural sensitivity is about being open-minded, not making assumptions based on a culture, ability to communicate with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds, and remembering that these differences do not make someone inferior or superior in terms of their skills. “

By integrating these strategies, project managers can harness emotional intelligence to lead with empathy and purpose, driving project success and fostering a thriving work culture.