Technology is transforming roles and workplaces faster than most of us ever expected. So fast in fact that 85% of jobs set to be available in 2030 haven't even been invented yet, according to a report by the Institute of the Future and Dell Technologies.
So, what does this digital revolution mean for you as a Project Manager? How can you best evolve your skills and experience to future proof your position?
The Project Management Institute has identified six key digital skills they believe PMs will need to excel at in their recent The Project Manager of the Future report. They see these as being essential competencies for project delivery in the digital age.
This means Project Managers today should be focused on outperforming in these six areas:
1. Data Science Skills
Data science is the overarching term incorporating data management, data analytics and big data, and focuses on the ability of Project Managers to extract meaningful knowledge from available data to improve project outcomes.
Data science is set to play an increasingly important role in every step from initiating to closing a project. Those who can spot trends and make smarter decisions will move ahead quickly because they serve their project well and support their company’s business goals.
2. Innovative Mindset
Project teams today are being asked to do more with less. That means Project Managers who can think innovatively and find new ways to achieve great outcomes will be favoured in the job market. Skills and experience alone are no longer enough. It is now crucial to demonstrate examples of your innovative mindset on the job.
3. Security and Privacy Knowledge
Data protection is a major concern for most companies and individuals today. Along with the legal requirements, there is also the general expectation that all personal and project data is treated securely. This becomes increasingly important as more and more projects rely on digital information systems.
The best Project Managers play a part in building security into the projects they manage. They are aware of the requirements and work closely with their IT and Legal teams to ensure data security guidelines are built into each step in a project’s delivery.
4.Legal and Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
Ensuring that your project is compliant on all legal and regulatory fronts is not new. Leading Project Managers are always on top of this aspect. The difference a digital age brings is the increasing need to act as a conduit between project teams and the IT, Legal and Data Protection teams who are all vital to the process, but have little understanding in each other’s area of expertise.
5.Ability to Make Data Driven Decisions
Utilising data to make smart business decisions is at the core of best practice project management. The challenge today is synthesising the high volumes of data available to gain useful insights that can move a project forward. Data is only useful if you know how to interpret it. The best project managers are using the latest tools to make insightful decisions and gain an advantage.
6.Collaborative Leadership Skills
Remote working, outsourcing and cross-functional teams spread across different locations means that Project Managers today need strong collaborative leadership skills more than ever. Their ability to set standards and bring team members together (if only virtually) for the benefit of the project is an increasingly important skill. Projects Managers who can introduce collaborative platforms and work management tools that enhance the way their team operates will outperform their counterparts.
There is no doubt that technology and digital innovation herald an exciting future ahead for Project Managers. Those who embrace the changes will be well placed to excel and increase their value within their organisation.
13 Mar 2025