Must Read for IT Managers: Secrets of Top-Performing SharePoint Consultants: It’s Not Just About Tech!”

You have a SharePoint | M365 | Teams project. It may be small medium or large. You have decided an expert should be brought in who has done this before, been bloodied, and knows what it truly takes to be successful. Let’s take it as a given they know SharePoint and the M365 Ecosystem really well.

But there is much more you need to consider if your project is to succeed. Dive deeper into each of these soft skills and explore how they provide value to IT managers in SharePoint projects:

1. Communication: Value: Clear communication ensures that everyone involved in the project understands their roles, expectations, and progress. It minimizes misunderstandings and keeps stakeholders informed. Example: During a SharePoint migration, an IT manager communicates project updates to the executive team, ensuring alignment and managing expectations.
2. Collaboration: Value: Collaboration bridges gaps between technical and non-technical team members. It fosters creativity, problem-solving, and efficient decision-making. Example: When designing a SharePoint intranet, collaboration between developers, designers, and end-users results in a user-friendly interface that meets everyone’s needs.
3. Adaptability: Value: SharePoint environments evolve due to changing business requirements or unexpected issues. An adaptable consultant can pivot and adjust the solution accordingly. Example: When a critical SharePoint feature breaks unexpectedly, an adaptable consultant quickly identifies an alternative solution to keep the project on track.
4. Problem-Solving: Value: Consultants who excel at problem-solving identify root causes, propose solutions, and implement fixes. This skill ensures smooth project progress. Example: When faced with a permissions issue preventing document access, a skilled consultant troubleshoots and resolves it promptly.
5. Time Management: Value: Effective time management ensures project phases stay on track. It minimizes delays and helps meet deadlines. Example: A consultant prioritizes tasks during a SharePoint customization project, ensuring timely completion of critical features.
6. Empathy: Value: Understanding end-users’ needs and pain points leads to better-designed solutions. Empathetic consultants create user-friendly interfaces aligned with workflows. Example: When gathering requirements for a SharePoint collaboration site, an empathetic consultant actively listens to end-users’ challenges and tailors the solution accordingly.
7. Leadership: Value: Even as a consultant, leadership skills matter. Guiding stakeholders, motivating teams, and providing direction contribute to project success. Example: During a SharePoint governance workshop, a consultant sets the tone, encourages participation, and ensures alignment with organizational goals.
8. Negotiation: Value: SharePoint projects involve trade-offs. A consultant skilled in negotiation finds win-win solutions, balancing customization with out-of-the-box features. Example: When stakeholders disagree on a design choice, a skilled negotiator facilitates compromise by highlighting the benefits of each approach.
9. Attention to Detail: Value: SharePoint configurations require precision. A consultant who pays attention to details avoids oversights that could impact functionality. Example: When configuring metadata fields, meticulousness ensures accurate categorization and searchability of documents.
10. Conflict Resolution: Value: Disagreements arise during projects. A consultant who handles conflicts diplomatically maintains a positive project environment. Example: When team members clash over design decisions, a skilled conflict resolver facilitates constructive discussions and finds common ground.
11. Stakeholder Management: Value: Building strong relationships with stakeholders ensures project buy-in and support. A consultant aligns project goals with organizational objectives. Example: Regular check-ins with project sponsors and end-users demonstrate commitment and foster trust.

Remember, these soft skills complement technical expertise and contribute to successful SharePoint projects. As an IT manager, recognizing and nurturing these qualities in your consultants will lead to smoother implementations and satisfied stakeholders.

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