In the rapidly evolving world of AI projects, 2024 is poised to be a year where organizations shift their focus towards achieving tangible returns from their investments in AI. Despite the allure of AI tools and technologies, the success of AI projects is not solely dependent on the choice of tools or the incorporation of AI. As companies start to scrutinize their AI investments, the emphasis is shifting towards setting realistic goals and ensuring that AI solutions are applied to problems where they can deliver meaningful results.
Boston University master lecturer Rich Maltzman, who has decades of project management experience, highlights the importance of “power skills” in driving AI project success. In a recent interview on the AI Today podcast, he discusses how project management skills in conjunction with AI technologies are crucial for ensuring that AI projects yield practical and useful outcomes. By leveraging a combination of power skills such as communication, problem-solving, and collaborative leadership, project teams can effectively drive project success through the integration of AI technologies.
As the landscape of project management evolves with the integration of AI, Rich emphasizes the need for human interaction and the synchronized utilization of AI and human capabilities to drive project success. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for human roles or workflows, he stresses the importance of creating a dynamic environment where AI and humans work together harmoniously. By tapping into the unique power skills and ethical considerations that humans bring to the table, organizations can amplify the impact of AI and enhance project outcomes.
According to Rich, organizations that prioritize power skills in project management experience higher levels of business benefits realization management (BRM) maturity and project management maturity. By focusing on critical skills such as communication, accountability, and innovative thinking, organizations can enhance their project success rates and drive impactful outcomes. This emphasis on power skills has been linked to higher levels of maturity in both BRM and project management, highlighting the importance of interpersonal skills in determining project success.
Interestingly, the Project Management Institute (PMI) Pulse of the Profession 2023 report does not mention AI at all, underscoring the significance of human skills in driving project success. Despite the rapid advancements in AI technologies, the success of AI projects ultimately hinges on the power skills and interpersonal capabilities of project team members. By prioritizing these power skills, organizations can achieve higher levels of business benefits realization management and project management maturity, ultimately leading to more successful AI project outcomes.
As organizations continue to invest in AI to boost their returns, it is becoming increasingly clear that the role of humans and their power skills are paramount to the success of AI projects. By fostering a collaborative environment where AI technologies are seamlessly integrated with human capabilities, organizations can unlock the full potential of AI and drive meaningful results. In the ever-evolving landscape of AI projects, the emphasis on power skills and human interaction is essential for achieving tangible returns and driving project success.
