When hiring or promoting employees, organisations often weigh technical expertise (hard skills) against interpersonal capabilities (soft skills). Both matter, but research consistently shows that what sets high performers apart is emotional intelligence. At PM-Partners, we don’t call these “soft skills.” We call them Power Skills because they determine whether technical expertise translates into results. Hard
Leadership success is often measured in results: projects delivered, profits achieved, strategies executed. Yet when leaders fail, it is rarely because they lacked technical knowledge or intelligence. More often, they falter because they neglected the very capabilities that sustain trust, engagement, and collaboration — the so-called “soft skills.” At PM-Partners, we call these Power Skills,
Every project lives or dies by stakeholder engagement. No matter how advanced the technology or how skilled the delivery team, without stakeholder buy-in projects stall, face resistance, or fail altogether. Effective stakeholder engagement depends on Power Skills — the ability to communicate, influence, and build trust. This article examines why stakeholder engagement is challenging, how
Every manager eventually faces challenging behaviour — whether it’s disengagement, conflict, resistance to change, or outright hostility. How leaders respond can either escalate issues or turn them into opportunities for growth. Success depends on developing Power Skills that balance empathy with authority. This article explores why challenging behaviour arises, how managers can respond constructively, and
The step from manager to leader is one of the most challenging career transitions. Managers coordinate tasks and resources; leaders inspire, influence, and create vision. What enables this transition are Power Skills — the interpersonal and behavioural capabilities that allow managers to lead people rather than processes. This article examines the Power Skills that distinguish
If you’re scrolling LinkedIn with the green “Open to Work” banner across your profile photo, you’re not alone. Thousands of professionals are between roles right now, navigating uncertain job markets, corporate restructures, and shifting industries. Being unemployed or underemployed, is stressful. It can take a toll on your confidence and your outlook. But here’s the
In modern organisations, professionals often need to lead initiatives without formal authority. Project managers, business analysts, consultants, and subject matter experts all face situations where they must secure support without having direct control. This capability, often dismissed as a “soft skill,” is a Power Skill: the ability to influence without authority. Why influencing without authority
Conflict is often viewed as something to avoid. But in reality, conflict is inevitable in any team. In fact, when managed well, it can be a catalyst for growth, innovation, and stronger collaboration. What makes the difference is whether teams have the Power Skills to resolve conflict constructively. This article explores why conflict arises, how
Trust is the foundation of leadership. Without it, even the most technically competent leaders struggle to inspire commitment or deliver results. In today’s volatile business environment, employees want leaders who are authentic, empathetic, and consistent. These qualities come from emotional intelligence (EQ) — a Power Skill that enables leaders to connect with others on a
Negotiation happens every day in workplaces. Whether it’s resolving a resource conflict, aligning project priorities, or reaching agreement with vendors, negotiation is everywhere. While often described as a “soft skill,” negotiation is a Power Skill that determines whether professionals create alignment or sow division. This article explores why negotiation is so important, the mistakes people
