Whether you’re already working in project management and keen to progress your career, or whether you’re new to the profession, there are a few key skills that will make a significant difference to your performance.

Organisational skills
It almost goes without saying that good organisational skills are essential for a project manager. However, if this isn’t your strong point then there’s no need to panic. If you have successfully completed project management training and follow a project management methodology, such as PRINCE2, you’ll have a really clear structure within which to run your projects, a framework of documentation that you know you need to complete, and guidance on timescales. If, even with all the support provided, you’re still struggling with organisation, it’s worth considering time management training.

People management skills
Managing people is also very important for a project manager. You may not be directly managing a team or individuals, but you will be working closely with a wide range of people, and will need their support. Whether it’s ‘managing upwards’ when you’re making sure a stakeholder signs things off on time, or managing external resources to get your project complete, you’ll really benefit from knowing how to get people to respond well to your requests.

Communication skills
Many of the key parts of project management rely on effective communication. From writing a business case to presenting you thoughts to a panel of experts, you need to be clear and confident to get your message across. If you can build good written communication skills, think how much faster you can work through your email inbox and respond to project stakeholders. Of course, it’s also important to have good verbal communication skills – particularly where you’re managing remote or virtual teams and doing significant part of your role by telephone.

Financial skills
While you don’t need to be an accountant to be an effective project manager, it helps to have a basic understanding of numbers. You’ll need to manage project budgets, watch for overspend or reallocate funds as appropriate. And of course, following the project you’ll need to review the spend to ensure that you improve project performance in the future.

Analysis skills
Post-project analysis is covered in many of the project management methodologies, such as PRINCE2, but as well as following the process, you’ll need to develop your own critical skills as well. One of the most important ways to improve project success is through on-going and post-project review. You’ll need to be able to understand what worked, and what didn’t.

Of course, not all skills come naturally, so it’s worth making sure that you’re able to undertake training in the areas where you need further support, as well as your core project management training. Once you’ve got these skills in place you’ll be in a really strong position to progress your career as a project manager.