The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital processes for businesses. Many businesses have closed as a result of their failure to digitize, but for others, the pandemic has accelerated their digital transformation.
Project management’s role has shifted in the midst of this massive change, but it remains critical to improving overall efficiency and business performance. When done correctly, digital transformation entails integrating digital tools into every aspect of a business, fundamentally altering how it operates and provides value to customers. As the pandemic has disrupted traditional business processes, digitization has become critical in the post-COVID-19 era.
She claims that modern digital tools have elevated project management to a new level, allowing managers to focus more on the big picture and results rather than the tedious array of nuts and bolts that comprise the processes.
Here are some examples of how digital transformation is affecting project management today:
Managers are being prompted to uncover fear and build trust
Employees resist change because they are afraid of learning something new, which they believe will be difficult when it comes to digital transformation or specific projects. Project managers can use this response to be a calming influence and build trust, which is critical to project success.
To be honest, a lot of people’s unwillingness to accept is motivated by a fear of failing or being exposed as unworthy. A manager can’t do anything to alleviate the fear until they figure out what it is. This results in a trustworthy relationship. You can avoid two of fear’s worst consequences by focusing on uncovering people’s fears: gossip and withholding information.
Immediate and comprehensive communication
Many project team members used to communicate via sporadic in-office meetings and email, but digital tools like Slack and Chanty have created a virtual, real-time space where much of the productive interaction takes place.
This shift accelerates communication and shifts it to an organized model in which team members provide frequent updates rather than waiting for infrequent in-person meetings. In the post-COVID era, cloud-based video conferencing has made project management easier. Overall, you’ve reached a new level of cooperation.
The management minutiae will be reduced
Siloed project work is no longer fashionable, and with more digital project management tools at their disposal, project managers are more akin to facilitators or coordinators. This allows project managers to focus on the big picture rather than obsessing over scheduling and other details. They will be able to concentrate more on core goals such as strategy optimization and project delivery.
Analytics’ importance is growing
Project managers can track and quantify their team’s work more easily with all-digital workflows. Project managers can use artificial intelligence and business intelligence built into the software to use data in new and creative ways.
Despite the importance and value of digital transformation, the human element remains the most critical component of project management. The beauty of embracing technology is how it can improve communication, collaboration, and team chemistry, all of which are necessary for a successful project.
Learn more from business and read Collaboration and team/project management trends to watch in 2022.
