What's the future of project management as a profession?

As they say...hard to make predictions, especially about the future, but based on current trends and observations, here are a few potential scenarios that I see for the future of project management as a profession:

1. Increased demand for project managers: With the ongoing digital transformation and increasing complexity of projects, the demand for project managers is expected to grow in the coming years. Many industries, such as IT, healthcare, and construction, will require skilled project managers to oversee projects and ensure their successful completion.

   
   

2. Emergence of new technologies: As technology continues to advance, new project management tools and methodologies are likely to emerge. For example, artificial intelligence and machine learning may be used to automate routine project management tasks, while blockchain technology may be used to enhance project data security and transparency.

   
   

3. Integration with other disciplines: Project management is becoming more integrated with other disciplines, such as data science, design thinking, and agile development. This trend is expected to continue, as project managers increasingly work with cross-functional teams and adopt a more collaborative approach to project management.

   
   

4. Greater emphasis on soft skills: While technical skills are important for project managers, soft skills such as communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence are becoming increasingly valued. As projects become more complex and team members come from diverse backgrounds, project managers who possess strong soft skills will be better equipped to manage and motivate their teams.

   
   

5. Focus on sustainability and social responsibility: As organizations become more aware of their impact on the environment and society, project managers will be expected to incorporate sustainability and social responsibility considerations into their project planning and execution. This will require project managers to have a broader understanding of the social and environmental impact of their projects and to develop strategies to mitigate any negative effects.

Overall, project management is likely to continue to evolve and adapt to new technologies, trends, and societal expectations. As the demand for skilled project managers continues to grow, those who are able to adapt to these changes and possess a diverse range of skills are likely to be in high demand.

What if Hamlet was a Project Manager?

To launch, or not to launch: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The risks and delays of an uncertain project, Or to take arms against a sea of obstacles, And by opposing end them? To delay—to postpone— No more; and by delay to say we end The timeline, and the thousand natural shocks That projects are heir to? 'Tis a consummation Devoutly to be wished. To launch—to deliver— To deliver! Perchance to succeed! Ay, there's the rub, For in that success of launch, what risks may come, When we have shuffled off this project's stage, Must give us pause—there's the respect That makes calamity of a successful launch; For who would bear the whips and scorns of stakeholders, The sponsor's delay, the customer's complaints, The pangs of missed targets, the schedule's delay, The insolence of developers, and the spurns That patient merit of the worthy project manager, When he himself might his quietus make With a bare delay? Thus the thought of launch Makes cowards of us all; And thus the native hue of resolution Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of risk, And enterprises of great pith and moment, With this regard their timelines turn awry, And lose the name of action.