The Essential Project Management Trends of 2020

Successful project management has changed scope in the last decade, largely driven by improved technologies and shifts in employee trends. For brands that are still using traditional methods of project management, they will inevitably start to fall behind their more forward-thinking contemporaries and competitors. Even just a decade ago, project management teams were smaller, had access to fewer tools, and relied on project simplicity to get things done. The modern approach to managing projects has resulted in larger teams and increasingly complex methods of finding the right solutions. 

As project management continues to evolve, here are the key trends in 2020 that suggest how the world of project management looks set to change in the next ten years. 

Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Project Management

There’s no escaping the fact that artificial intelligence is no longer a sci-fi concept and now another tool for businesses to leverage. Although it remains challenging to predict exactly how much AI and automation are set to change the world, there’s no disputing that project management is already feeling the effects of this emerging technology. Today’s best project management software offers solutions, utilizing the latest automation advantages while also providing project managers with key insights and analytics. AI and project management is only going to grow more interlinked.

The Remote Worker Problem

Project management is all about collaboration and feedback. Although the concept of the remote worker is no longer something that can only be imagined, the fact is that many project managers are still struggling to adapt to this shift in workspace presence. Remote workers are only growing in number, and that means project managers need to be aware of how best to use that workforce when they are not in the same geographical location. However, with the vast number of ways to communicate in real-time, remote working should not be a barrier to improved project management performance.  

Ensure that you:

● Have regular check-in meetings with your remote teams

● Use collaboration tools that are designed for project management

● Ensure that performance reviews are held regularly

Remote working is the next big shift in employment, so project managers need to be ready for that change.

Soft Skills Value and Development

Not all of the trends in project management are about technology. Soft skills are more highly valued than ever in the project management environment, partly because of the cold and logical approach afforded by machine learning and automated analysis. The demand for the more human approach is set to become one of the leading management trends in 2020, with emotional intelligence, teaching skills, and communication skills all highly prioritized. The recent report by the World Economic Forum highlighted the emergence of social skills as being the second-highest priority for employers. This means that project managers need to focus more on the people in their teams, as well as developing their own set of soft skills. 

While these are the most predominant project management trends to consider more closely in 2020, you should also consider the future of your role. The emergence of millennials as project managers will lead to further changes in business management styles and demands, and the ever-present threat of sophisticated cybercrimes continues to be of vital importance in the project management department. The more that you understand the trends that are going to transform project management, the easier it will be to continue making improvements to your efficiency and effectiveness.