Emotional Intelligence and The Project Manager
By Harold Kerzner, Ph.D. and Elissa Farrow, Ph.D.
Abstract
The field of project management has witnessed numerous advancements and continuous improvement efforts across various leadership applications and management domains. While past efforts primarily focused on structural and technical aspects, recent developments have embraced the integration of previously unrelated knowledge domains to enhance both the process and outcomes.
Traditionally, project management practices predominantly revolved around well-defined requirements and followed the Waterfall approach, with improvements centered around management control concepts. However, as project management methodologies expanded to encompass diverse project types, such as those demanding creativity, innovation, and unclear scopes, flexible approaches like Agile and Hybrid emerged. These new methodologies emphasized collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and incremental value delivery, highlighting the significance of behavioral and psychological factors in project management.
Additionally, with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation in future organizational models, the relational side of project management gains enhanced value. Successful project managers and leaders must not only comprehend Emotional Intelligence (EQ) but actively demonstrate its application within their teams and in engaging stakeholders. As AI agents take over certain processes, forms, and checklists, the role of EQ in project management becomes even more critical.
About the Authors
Harold Kerzner, Ph.D
Dr. Harold Kerzner is a globally recognized expert in project, program, and portfolio management, innovation, and strategic planning, and Senior Executive Director at International Institute for Learning (IIL). For over 50 years, Dr. Kerzner has shared vital guidance for making project management a strategic tool for competitive advantage and helping companies around the world build a powerful foundation for company improvement and excellence.
He has authored or co-authored more than 60 textbooks/workbooks on project management, including multiple editions of his seminal works. His books include Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling and Controlling; Project Management Metrics, KPIs and Dashboards; Project Management Case Studies; Project Management Best Practices: Achieving Global Excellence; The Future of Project Management; Using the Project Management Maturity Model; and Innovation Project Management.
Dr. Kerzner holds an MS and Ph.D. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Utah State University. He taught engineering at the University of Illinois and business administration at Utah State University, and for 38 years taught project management at Baldwin-Wallace University. A testament to Dr. Kerzner’s profound influence on the field is the establishment of the Kerzner International Project Manager of the Year Award. This prestigious award, presented annually by the Project Management Institute (PMI) which recognizes outstanding project managers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and contributions to the project management profession.
Elissa Farrow, Ph.D.
Senior Consultant and Facilitator
International Institute of Learning
Dr. Elissa Farrow is a futurist, author, facilitator, coach, and strategist. She has over 25 years of experience in research, organizational innovation, design, adaptation, and benefit realization. Dr. Farrow is known for her compassionate leadership and engagement approach. She is an experienced leader and has been a partner in transformation in various industries. Dr. Farrow is a published author, and her doctoral research explored the implications of Artificial Intelligence on organizational futures. Her research created innovative adaptation principles for leaders and delivery teams as well as new knowledge relating to how to best transform organizations operating models to anticipate and create positive futures. In 2023, Dr. Farrow became an Adjunct Fellow at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
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