AI Won't Replace You, It Will Make you a Better Project Manager

Last year, I read a compelling Harvard Business Review France article, In the Era of AI, Enterprises Must Value Soft Skills (title translated by me from French). Reflecting on this piece, I've realized that a significant aspect of modern work environments, especially in project management, is the persistent lack of empathy and effective interpersonal skills.

Historically, project management methodologies were heavily focused on tasks, processes, and tools, often sidelining the human aspect. However, recent advancements in the past decade, particularly in agile methodologies, have increasingly emphasized inclusivity, empathy, and communication. With AI's rise, this emphasis will become not only beneficial but necessary.

First, let's clarify a fundamental point: the term "soft skills" is outdated. These skills are neither "soft" nor secondary to technical skills. They should be recognized as "interpersonal skills," reflecting their true value in professional environments. 

As a Project Manager, a significant part of my job involves extensive technical data entry, managing project management software, and ensuring dashboards and reports remain accurate and updated. However, as AI increasingly automates these administrative and technical tasks, such as aggregating data across multiple platforms, my role will naturally evolve. And it is! Freed from these repetitive tasks, I can better focus on negotiation, coaching, mentorship, and conflict resolution.

Imagine a scenario where I can uninterruptedly mediate between developers or negotiate timelines among various managers and stakeholders without fearing that my next automated report won't be correct because data is missing or is incomplete. AI doesn't diminish my role here; rather, it empowers and enhances it. This transition mirrors the original intention behind agile frameworks and Scrum Masters roles inherently built around interpersonal connections and facilitation.

Nevertheless, this transition raises concerns. Many organizations currently lack the structure or culture necessary to support the development of interpersonal skills effectively. Budget constraints, tight schedules, and ingrained resistance to change often hinder companies from cultivating these crucial competencies. Yet, companies must adapt, and quickly. Failing to do so will result not only in their falling behind technologically but also in perpetuating harmful work environments that negatively impact employees' well-being.

Additionally, addressing the fear of AI taking over jobs, especially project management and Scrum Master roles, I firmly believe that our positions remain secure. AI will streamline workflows, yes, but project management, Scrum mastery, and similar roles depend inherently on interpersonal interactions, strategic stakeholder management, and nuanced decision-making areas where AI complements it the background but does not replace human capabilities.

Ultimately, AI is an enhancement tool, not a replacement. Its real power lies in enabling us to reclaim our roles as holistic leaders. Rather than being trapped behind spreadsheets and struggling with dashboards, we can now truly lead by example, reading rooms effectively and facilitating genuine team collaboration.

This is the future of project management, one where technology amplifies our human abilities, allowing us to foster richer, more empathetic, and productive workplaces.

Cover image generated using ChatGPT.