Skills for Effective Project Leadership

Introduction:

In the early stages of project management, the primary focus was on organizing and controlling large, multi-functional, and multi-organizational projects. While these aspects remain crucial, it has become increasingly clear that leadership skills are vital for the successful execution of projects. This program on project leadership and management skills emphasizes developing the essential leadership qualities needed to navigate the complexities of project management, especially when working with constrained budgets, tight deadlines, and diverse teams.

Objectives:

At the end of this project leadership and management skills course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the critical role of leadership in influencing project outcomes and enhancing project performance.
• Evaluate and implement effective leadership strategies suitable for various project contexts.
• Adapt leadership styles to fit different projects, organizational cultures, and management structures.
• Develop key leadership traits necessary for building and maintaining high-performing project teams.
• Enhance interpersonal skills to motivate team members and maximize team potential.

Training Methodology:

• Case Studies
• Interactive Workshops
• Role Plays
• Group Work
• Leadership Games
• Feedback Sessions

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Project Management and Leadership

• Defining leadership and the extent of leadership development.
• The impact of the project environment on leadership effectiveness.
• Characteristics of high-performance project teams and managers.
• Review of leadership models and theories relevant to project management.
• Different leadership styles and the application of leadership power.
• Self-evaluation and improvement of basic leadership qualities.

Unit 2: Essential Skills For Project Leaders

• Perspectives of project leadership: internal, external, and upward.
• Crafting a project vision and strategic thinking elements.
• Developing communication skills essential for leadership.
• Understanding and applying emotional intelligence.
• The role of visibility and influence in leadership.
• Building relationships based on trust and respect.

Unit 3: Leading The Project Team

• Leadership strategies to achieve desired team performance.
• Recognizing team members' roles and preferences.
• Conflict resolution and team collaboration enhancement.
• Setting expectations, managing behavior, and recognizing performance.
• Motivating teams to achieve their best potential.
• Coaching and mentoring team leaders for effective team learning.

Unit 4: Conducting Leadership Activities Across Boundaries

• Gaining influence and support from other leaders.
• Securing authority from stakeholders.
• Identifying and seizing opportunities to lead.
• Developing productive relationships with key partners.
• Integrating into leadership teams and contributing actively.
• Managing as a business leader and overseeing other managers.

Unit 5: Managing Senior Stakeholders

• Managing upward influence and respect from senior stakeholders.
• Negotiation skills: effective pitching and strategic decision-making.
• Building rapport and managing networking challenges.
• Navigating relationships with senior stakeholders using diplomacy.
• Managing diverse personality styles among senior individuals.