Overview

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This practical and engaging course focuses on the essential soft skills that every project manager needs to succeed. Taught by world leading Project Management instructor Chris Croft, the course brings together proven techniques in assertiveness, influencing, customer care, selling, negotiation, leadership, communication, and self-improvement. Each topic is delivered through short, actionable videos packed with practical tips that can be applied immediately. Successful project management is about much more than plans, schedules, and budgets. The projects that succeed are usually led by people who can communicate effectively, influence stakeholders, negotiate solutions, and motivate teams to deliver results. Designed specifically for project managers, the course explores the people side of project delivery. Learners will develop the confidence to handle difficult conversations, manage stakeholder expectations, build stronger relationships, influence decisions, and lead teams more effectively. The course also provides practical tools for improving communication, resolving conflicts, and maintaining positive customer relationships throughout a project lifecycle. Whether you are new to project management or an experienced professional looking to strengthen your leadership and communication skills, this course will help you become a more effective, influential, and successful project manager.

Syllabus

Welcome to “Soft Skills for Project Managers”, & Skill 1: Assertiveness

Successful project managers must do more than manage schedules and budgets—they must effectively influence stakeholders, communicate expectations, and manage difficult situations. In this module, learners will explore the role of emotional intelligence, stakeholder management, and assertiveness in project success. Participants will develop practical techniques for communicating confidently, setting boundaries, and influencing project outcomes without creating conflict.

Skill 2: Influencing & Skill 3: Customer Care

This module focuses on the skills required to gain support, build relationships, and deliver excellent stakeholder experiences. Learners will examine key influencing techniques, stakeholder relationship management, objection handling, and the principles of customer care. The module emphasizes practical approaches that help project managers secure cooperation and maintain stakeholder satisfaction throughout a project.

Skill 4: Selling & Skill 5: Negotiation

Project managers frequently need to sell ideas, gain buy-in, negotiate resources, and secure stakeholder agreement. This module explores the principles of persuasive communication, selling concepts, and professional negotiation techniques. Learners will discover how to create win-win outcomes while protecting project objectives.

Skill 6: Leadership

Leadership is one of the most important soft skills for project managers. This module examines leadership styles, motivation techniques, coaching methods, and team development strategies. Learners will discover how to inspire project teams, adapt leadership approaches to different individuals, and foster high levels of engagement and performance.

Skill 7: Communication

Communication is at the heart of successful project management. This module explores communication planning, meeting management, stakeholder engagement, supplier relationships, and professional communication techniques. Learners will develop the skills necessary to communicate clearly, manage expectations, and build productive working relationships.

Skill 8: Working on Yourself

The most effective project managers are committed to continuous self-improvement. This module focuses on personal productivity, stress management, creative problem-solving, career development, and self-leadership. Learners will develop strategies for managing their workload, improving effectiveness, and building long-term professional success.