An Emerging Skill in HR: Mastering Project Management

Whether you’re an emerging HR talent or an experienced leader, it’s likely that you’ve played a role in managing change, implementing new systems, or initiating a new program for your organization. Hold on to those skills - the demand for project management abilities is proving to be increasingly essential as companies grow and integrate their people strategy into their business strategy.

 Here are five other ways these skills have become more important:

1. Improving Efficiency:

For deeper and quicker impact, a project management framework allows for delegation among a team, ownership of responsibility, and deadline accountability. The infusion of project management expertise streamlines task management, allowing HR’s voice to be more strategic and less clerical.

2. Responding to Escalating Demand:

The symbiotic relationship between technology and HR has burgeoned, accompanied by a surge in change management endeavors. This dual demand underscores the significance of not only executing large-scale technology implementations but also deftly orchestrating multiple programs. The quick pace points the spotlight at existing project management frameworks, which, if established, improve with repetition and discipline.

3. Safeguarding Reputation:

The proficiency of the HR function in seamlessly launching initiatives - whether it be expansive enterprise-wide programs or targeted endeavors - significantly impacts its standing. Excellent execution bolsters the reputation of the HR function, amplifying its capacity to influence strategy down the road. Conversely, mismanaged rollouts can cloud credibility, and undermine its potential to drive meaningful change.

4. Global Dispersion Challenges:

In an era marked by hybrid work, remote collaboration, and globalized organizations, the importance of effective coordination and communication is paramount. The need for project management skills (and software!) intensifies as HR professionals work across time zones, cultures, and geographies.

5. Creating Intentional Space for Communication:

Project teams must account for communication and articulate the rationale and blueprint for implementing changes. Ensuring a consistent and sustainable flow of communication to stakeholders who are near and far from the project will engender greater trust around the work of the HR team.

Mastering project management allows HR leaders to be more agile and enables prompt responses to changes and challenges. For aspiring HR professionals, cultivating robust project management skills is a worthwhile endeavor because it:

1.     Demonstrates the ability to manage complex initiatives with a team and through an organized system.

2.     Allows the company to respond quickly and move faster.

3.     Enables the delegation of administrative work and gives more time for HR to contribute strategically to the organization.

As companies grow and changes are introduced, project management skills will help enhance effectiveness of HR teams and individuals.