C1 M2- Responsibilities that utilise interpersonal skills

Question 1

What are interpersonal skills, and why are they important for project managers?

Answer 1

Interpersonal skills are behaviors used to interact with others, such as communication, active listening, and leadership. They are crucial because they help project managers teach, mentor, build relationships, control change, empower their team, and communicate effectively.

Question 2

How can project managers serve as mentors to their teams?

Answer 2

Project managers can mentor their teams by:

• Explaining expectations clearly to reduce rework, confusion, and frustration.
• Sharing lessons learned to help the team make better decisions.
• Supporting team members in exceeding their personal potential.

Question 3

Why is building relationships important for project managers?

Answer 3

Building relationships helps foster trust and investment in the project. Project managers can build relationships by:

• Getting to know team members as individuals.
• Checking in regularly and paying attention to their work styles.
• Asking about their lives outside work and following up on discussions.

Question 4

How should project managers handle project changes?

Answer 4

1. Stay flexible and adjust to stakeholders’ needs.
2. Document initial expectations and track requested changes.
3. Communicate the budget and schedule impacts of changes to stakeholders.
4. Protect their team from constant rework and change.

Question 5

What are the benefits of empowering your team?

Answer 5

Empowering the team builds trust and appreciation, encourages fresh ideas, and fosters passionate problem-solving. It includes:
* Delegating responsibilities.
* Allowing team members to make decisions.
* Involving their input in planning and execution.

Question 6

Why is effective communication essential for project managers?

Answer 6

Effective communication helps address challenges, builds trust, and maintains a positive tone for the project. Project managers should:

• Keep an open-door policy.
• Set the tone for collaboration and transparency.
• Communicate status updates and concerns clearly.

Question 7

What are the key interpersonal responsibilities of a project manager?

Answer 7

• Teaching and mentoring the team.
• Building relationships with team members and stakeholders.
• Controlling changes and their impacts.
• Empowering team members to make decisions.
• Communicating status updates and concerns.