In the world of project management, soft skills are indispensable for leading any successful projects but they are particularly useful for the part time project manager.

Baby Boomer project managers, known for their experience and dedication, can not only greatly enhance their project outcomes by honing their soft skills, they can also raise productivity, increase collaboration and engagement and reduce resistance. And these are particularly useful for as their generation nears retirement and may want to cut their hours without a drop in quality or increase in stress.

This article explores practical soft skill methods and techniques tailored for Baby Boomer project managers. It also looks at their unique generational traits and the benefits project soft skill offer them , for those seeking a move to part-time work for a better work-life balance

By embracing project soft skills Baby Boomer Project managers can not only capitalise on their generational strengths but also ‘grease the wheels’ of their project practice allowing them to do more with less time and effort on their part. Which is particularly useful for those either working part time or considering a move to part-time working.

Understanding Baby Boomers in the Workplace

Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, bring a wealth of experience, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to organizational loyalty. These characteristics can both aid and challenge their soft skill development:

Experience and Expertise: Deep knowledge and experience provide a strong foundation for leadership but can sometimes lead to resistance to new methods or technologies.
Strong Work Ethic: Dedication and hard work drive success but may result in a reluctance to delegate.
Organizational Loyalty: Commitment to their organization fosters stability but may hinder adaptability in changing environments.

The last and the youngest of the Baby Boomer Project Managers are now sixty years old and many will seek part time roles ahead of retirement from the profession. This is no time for winding down however.

As anyone who has ever undertaken part time project management work knows, successfully delivering with no loss of quality whilst working part time requires well-developed people skills, on the part of the project manager, to ensure traction whilst they are absent.

Keys to Success: Soft Skills for Baby Boomer Part time Project Manager

Enhancing Communication Skills

Why It’s Relevant: Baby Boomers often excel in face-to-face communication but may need to adapt to digital communication tools to stay effective.
How to Implement: Leverage platforms like Microsoft Teams or Zoom for virtual meetings, ensuring clear and consistent communication. Practice active listening and clear articulation to enhance understanding.
Example: Schedule regular virtual check-ins with your team to discuss progress, address concerns, and maintain alignment, using video conferencing to maintain personal connections.

Developing Emotional Intelligence

Why It’s Relevant: Emotional intelligence (EI) is crucial for understanding and managing emotions, fostering a positive team environment, and resolving conflicts.
How to Implement: Engage in self-awareness exercises, empathy training, and conflict resolution workshops. Use tools like the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal to assess and improve EI.
Example: Use team-building exercises that focus on empathy and understanding to strengthen team bonds and improve emotional intelligence.

Embracing Adaptability

Why It’s Relevant: Adaptability is essential for navigating the fast-paced and ever-changing project landscape. Baby Boomers can benefit from being open to new methods and technologies.
How to Implement: Stay updated with industry trends and technologies through continuous learning. Attend webinars and read industry publications to stay informed.
Example: Encourage a culture of continuous improvement by integrating new project management tools and techniques that enhance efficiency and adaptability.

Fostering Collaboration and Teamwork

Why It’s Relevant: Collaboration and teamwork are vital for project success. Baby Boomers can leverage their experience to mentor and guide team members.
How to Implement: Use collaborative project management tools like Asana or Trello to facilitate teamwork. Encourage knowledge sharing and mentorship within the team.
Example: Create a mentorship program where experienced team members guide newer ones, fostering collaboration and knowledge transfer.

Building Strong Interpersonal Relationships

Why It’s Relevant: Strong interpersonal relationships are the backbone of effective project management. Baby Boomers can use their experience to build trust and rapport.
How to Implement: Organize team-building activities and one-on-one meetings to build rapport and trust. Use personality assessments like the DiSC Profile to understand and appreciate diverse working styles.
Example: Schedule regular team lunches or social events to strengthen relationships and improve team cohesion.

Navigating Conflict Resolution

Why It’s Relevant: Effective conflict resolution skills are crucial for maintaining harmony and productivity within the team. This is particularly important for the part time project manager who must do more with less in terms of time.
How to Implement: Practice mediation techniques and structured problem-solving methods. Attend workshops focused on negotiation and conflict resolution to improve your ability to manage and resolve conflicts effectively.
Example: Implement a conflict resolution framework where team members can address issues in a structured and constructive manner.

Leading with Authenticity and Integrity

Why It’s Relevant: Baby Boomers value authenticity and integrity in leadership. Leading with these values builds trust and inspires teams.
How to Implement: Showcase your commitment to these values by being transparent and honest in your communications. Lead by example and stay true to your principles.
Example: Share both successes and challenges with your team to build an environment of trust and openness, demonstrating authentic leadership.

Conclusion

For Baby Boomer project managers, particularly the part time project manager aiming to enhance their soft skills and project management success, whilst cutting the time and effort necessary to deliver – investing in these techniques really pays off.

To dive deeper into the deliberate and systematic use of soft skills within project management, and learn how to leverage the emotional bank account concept and a host of other soft skills, visit www.projectsoftskills.com.

Our pool of carefully curated Courses, Articles Book Reviews are the perfect resource to start, or continue your journey, with project soft skills and the significant benefits they offer, when blended with technical project management tools and methods.

By focusing on Project soft skills development, Baby Boomer project managers can bridge any gap between technical expertise and enhanced team leadership and stakeholder management.

By Leveraging the enhanced trust, goodwill and emotional connections project soft skills offer – the Baby Boomer project manager can increase the success of their projects and the satisfaction of project teams and stakeholders.

And all while doing more with less – particularly helpful for the part time project manager or those considering a move to part time work ahead of retirement.

Start or continue your journey towards enhanced project management today, with Project Softskills