Have you ever wondered what management will look like in the future?
Unprecedented technological advancements are transforming the business environment, revolutionizing both the nature of work and the methods by which it is accomplished. These changes are occurring at a constant and exponential rate, impacting the business landscape significantly.
These modifications have led to:
- A significant shift in the commercial landscape.
- A new division of labor created by changes in organizational structures that support innovation.
- The emergence of new workflows driven by the platform economy, a trend leveraging technology to connect people from diverse backgrounds and skill sets.
Artificial Intelligence and Automation
According to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Project Management Institute, 81% of experts say that AI is already impacting their organizations. This figure is expected to increase even further in the coming years.
Thilo Huellmann, Chief Technology Officer at Levity.ai, highlights the enormous potential of automation: “By automating low-value tasks, project managers can focus their efforts on activities that significantly benefit their businesses, enhancing their ability to drive greater change and increasing the likelihood of achieving strategic objectives.”
Modern Project and Resource Management Tools
A 2020 study by Wellington reveals that over a third of firms spend more than a day gathering data, and 54% lack access to real-time KPIs for their projects. This underscores the critical importance of project management tools. When combined with AI-based automation capabilities, project management software can profoundly improve how organizations manage their projects, regardless of complexity. Explore the Executive Programme in Leadership & Management to learn more.
An Increase in Remote Work
Remote work has surged in popularity, reaching unprecedented levels in recent years. The global pandemic accelerated this trend as businesses embraced telecommuting for safety reasons, a practice likely to persist. This shift presents intriguing challenges for project managers. According to Forbes, up to 97% of workers are not interested in returning to full-time office work.
In this context, cloud-based project management software becomes essential. These tools can be quickly implemented globally, enabling remote or hybrid workforces to efficiently manage their duties and projects. The software captures all pertinent data for project managers to make informed decisions in real-time, regardless of time zones or locations. Explore ISB Leadership in AI for more insights.
The Need for Leaders Who Are Emotionally Intelligent
While organizational and analytical skills remain crucial for project managers, emotional intelligence is increasingly valued. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report confirms that companies are placing greater emphasis on social skills and emotional intelligence.
For project managers, understanding people is fundamental to their role. Effectively managing human resources to lead projects to success requires a deep understanding of team members. The rise in remote working has amplified the importance of relating to and empathizing with people, making emotional intelligence a critical skill for the future.
Increased Focus on Data-Driven Project Management Using Analytics
Every day, businesses generate vast amounts of data, making it imperative to leverage this data for informed decision-making. With the help of data analytics and reporting, project managers can monitor project progress, identify early signs of scope creep, and more.
AI-driven analytics provide comprehensive insights into the entire organization and its projects. They offer detailed visibility into activities and generate customized reports tailored to meet the specific needs of project managers. By utilizing these technologies, project managers can move away from making decisions based on manually compiled data and instead make informed decisions in real-time.
Hybrid Project Management
In the post-pandemic era, there’s a renewed quest for a more reliable and efficient project management methodology. To address this, businesses are exploring hybrid methodologies that blend elements from two or more approaches. Agile, scrum, and lean are no longer standalone topics; the focus now is on amalgamating specific attributes for enhanced flexibility in driving project success. This allows organizations to craft unique strategies tailored to individual projects and industries, including the structuring of project teams.
Greater Emphasis on Soft Skills
A Manager’s value was primarily based on their credentials and proficiency in applying various methodologies. However, there’s now a growing emphasis on soft skills within project management. With AI-powered systems handling the more technical aspects of project management, managers can redirect their focus to other responsibilities, where soft skills are paramount.
Managers are now expected to hone their soft skills, encompassing conflict resolution, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, coaching and mentoring, decision-making, and team building. Developing these skills allows project managers to deliver greater value to their organizations.
Cloud-First Approach Becoming Standard
As businesses increasingly transition their operations to the cloud to adapt to evolving needs, the demand for cloud computing solutions is skyrocketing. Organizations seek cost-effective solutions to scale their operations without compromising performance or efficiency, making cloud computing the preferred choice.
The rise of hybrid and remote work environments has further underscored the importance of cloud solutions, offering users the flexibility to work from anywhere while maintaining access to essential corporate applications.
Implementation of Robust Cybersecurity Measures
With the projected surge in cybercrime costs, cybersecurity has never been more critical. As businesses digitize their ecosystems and embrace remote and hybrid work models, proactive planning and training are essential to safeguard the organization against cyber threats.
Project managers can play a proactive role in cybersecurity initiatives by fostering a culture of awareness and shared responsibility. Collaborating with IT, HR, and cybersecurity departments, project managers can implement best practices and training sessions for project teams, ensuring comprehensive cybersecurity measures are in place.
In conclusion, the future of management will be shaped by technological advancements, modern tools, remote work dynamics, and the growing need for emotionally intelligent leaders. Embracing these trends will be essential for management professionals to thrive in the evolving business landscape.