The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Project Management: A Lesson from Personal Loss
Crystal Richards
Project Management Educational Consultant | PMP Success Strategist | Global Keynote Speaker | Author | Misfit Project Manager | Adjunct Faculty | Principal and Owner at MindsparQ??
Project management is often thought of in terms of schedules, budgets, and resources. However, one crucial aspect often overlooked is emotional intelligence (EI). Understanding human emotions can play a significant role in the success of a project. This is more than just a "soft skill"; it’s an essential tool for project managers.
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Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Project Management
Emotional intelligence involves recognizing, understanding, and managing our own emotions while also being aware of and understanding the emotions of others. This is particularly important for project managers who must navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. Effective communication, motivation, and conflict resolution are all much more achievable with high levels of EI. Studies have shown that project managers with higher emotional intelligence are better at managing stress and leading their teams, ultimately delivering more successful projects (Project Management Institute, 2017).
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A Personal Story: Losing My Dog and Maslow's Hierarchy
Very recently I lost my dog, a loyal companion of 15 years. As any pet owner can attest, the loss felt is devastating. I’m struggling with focus and performance as I grieve. As I evaluate my emotions, I have found solace in Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs—a psychological theory often applied in business environments. Remember this in your PMP studies?
Maslow's Hierarchy comprises five fundamental needs:
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In the context of my loss, my focus has naturally shifted from higher-order needs like esteem and self-actualization to more basic needs like safety and belongingness. I’m realizing that even though as an experienced project manager with a job to do, managing projects also heavily involves people who have their own sets of emotional needs and priorities.
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In a project management context, team members may also be going through personal issues that affect these same levels. It's not just about delivering tasks on time; it's about understanding why someone might be lagging and how you can emotionally support them to get back on track.? You see, there will be times when project team members lose focus, get derailed, or feel frustrated.? That goes the same for you as the project leader.
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Emotional Intelligence in Action
In a professional context, a project manager with high emotional intelligence might recognize similar signs of emotional distress in a team member. They might use their empathy to understand the team member's situation, their self-regulation to manage their own response, and their social skills to navigate a conversation about the issue. Addressing emotional challenges head-on can lead to better team cohesion and, ultimately, project success.
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For instance, a project manager might offer flexible work hours or additional support to the affected team member, ensuring that they can fulfill their roles without adding undue stress. By acknowledging and addressing these 'lower-tier' needs, the project manager clears the path for higher-order functions like creativity and problem-solving to flourish within the team.
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Conclusion
Managing a project isn't just about ticking off tasks. It’s about people—understanding them, motivating them, and leading them towards a common goal. Emotional intelligence is not a "nice-to-have"; it's a necessity. It can make the difference between a project that struggles and a project that thrives. So, invest in developing your emotional intelligence. You never know when life will test you, and having strong EI skills can make all the difference.
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As an aside, there’s always this debate about how personal we should be getting on professional platforms such as #LinkedIn but writing this article was quite cathartic.? I miss my fur baby tremendously and this experience has made me realize the importance of EI on a professional and personal level.
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Have you ever experienced a situation where emotional intelligence made a significant difference in the outcome of a project? Please share your experiences and insights in the comments.
References
Project Management Institute (2017). Success Rates Rise: Transforming the high cost of low performance. Retrieved from https://www.pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/pulse/success-rates-rise
#projectmanagers #pmp #projectmanagerlife #dogmom #emotionalintelligence #EI
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Management Analyst at Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
1 年Hi Crystal. As someone who lost a fur baby last month, this hit very close to home. From one fur mama to another, I appreciate you putting this into perspective. ??
Senior Managing Director
1 年Crystal Richards Very Informative. Thank you for sharing.
Employment Influencer and Expert | Author | Speaker | Podcast Host
1 年Thank you Crystal. I agree that there might be a line to sharing personal information on LI (and you have not even come close IMO) but there is also a need for leaders to be vulnerable and you have demonstrated that beautifully. We all struggle with our needs and knowing that we are not alone and that struggling does not make us "less than" but human is crucial Thank you for the insights.
Project Manager helping business owners organize and manage their projects and teams.
1 年Thank you for sharing, Crystal. I believe showing empathy and compassion as a person makes you a stronger leader. I have found that people work harder for leaders that show that they are human too. Thanks again for sharing your story.
Improving healthcare utilization management one product at a time.
1 年Sorry about your dog but great read Crystal.