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University of Maryland Faculty

As the PMBOK® Guide aptly states, “projects are performed by people and for people,” (page 9, 7th Edition).

People drive projects. Period.

As experienced project managers, we are continuously working with stakeholders to maintain good relationships to ensure that their expectations are in alignment with the goals of the project. Having effective people management skills is a crucial component of project management experience to achieving project success.

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As the PMBOK® Guide aptly states, “projects are performed by people and for people,” (page 9, 7th Edition).

People drive projects. Period.

As experienced project managers, we are continuously working with stakeholders to maintain good relationships to ensure that their expectations are in alignment with the goals of the project. Having effective people management skills is a crucial component of project management experience to achieving project success.

Linked to the Leadership skill area of the PMI Talent Triangle® as well as linked to the people domain of the PMP Certification exam, this course will place focus on managing the expectations and relationships of the people involved in projects. To achieve the project goals, it is important to have the knowledge, skills and behaviors needed to guide, motivate and/or direct others. People skills are crucial in achieving success. One way to effectively motivate others is to show them what they can achieve through collaboration and cooperation. Project leaders are constantly helping project stakeholders see the potential for success by demonstrating knowledge, skills and behaviors related to people.

There are a variety of skills that will be covered in the course, such as negotiation, active listening, emotional intelligence, and servant leadership. These powerful skills can be incredibly helpful throughout the lifecycle of your projects, so it’s important that project professionals learn them well.

In this course learners will cover the core interpersonal skills and key techniques to effectively manage the expectations and the relationships with project stakeholders:

1. Identifying project stakeholders

2.Planning resource needs

3. Sharing the vision of the project with your stakeholders

4. Educating your stakeholders on the methodology and framework used in the project environment and business environment

5. Keeping your stakeholders informed in the predictive vs. the agile environment

6. Motivational theories

7. Addressing interpersonal conflicts

8. Emotional intelligence

9. Decision making techniques

10. Communications management.

Learners will uncover the importance of managing expectations and relationships effectively and how to create a positive work environment and build good relationships with team members. This is an essential skill for any project manager, and this course will focus on how to manage the expectations of others, both internally and externally. By doing so, you can help your team and organization stay productive and successfully meet the goals of the project..

By the end of the course, learners will be able to confidently identify the stakeholders of a project and determine the appropriate strategies to manage expectations and maintain a productive working relationship with team members and all stakeholders. This is an important competency in any industry, whether it be healthcare, information technology, government, private-sector, or non-profit. Additionally, upon successful completion of this course, learners can earn 8 contact hours of project management education or professional development units which are recognized by the Project Management Institute (PMI). A total of 35 contact hours (PDUs) in project management education are a requirement (see PMI.org) to those looking to achieve the Project Management Professional (PMP®) credential. Learners will finish this PMP certification course with increased knowledge of the better practice tips to engage stakeholders and be more than ready to continue their project management and PMP® journey, which we hope completes your certificate with us.

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Examines how to manage expectations and relationships with stakeholders effectively
Develops interpersonal skills and techniques for successful stakeholder management
Explores various management theories and frameworks, including emotional intelligence and decision-making techniques
Teaches effective communication management, including stakeholder engagement and motivation
This PMP certification course aligns with Project Management Institute (PMI) standards
May require additional software or resources, which could incur costs

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Reviews summary

Pmp exam prep: mastering people skills

According to learners, this course is a highly valuable resource for those preparing for the PMP exam's People domain and for project managers seeking to enhance their interpersonal skills. Many students found the instructor's explanations to be clear and accessible, appreciating the focus on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management. The content provides practical takeaways applicable in real-world scenarios. While it offers 8 contact hours (PDUs), some experienced professionals noted that certain sections might feel somewhat basic and suggest it may require supplemental study for comprehensive exam preparation.
Provides practical strategies and real-world applicable skills.
"I appreciate the focus on emotional intelligence and conflict resolution; these are skills I can apply immediately."
"The emphasis on stakeholder management and communication strategies is invaluable for practical application."
"The modules on identifying stakeholders and conflict resolution felt practical and useful."
Instructor effectively communicates complex concepts with clarity.
"The instructor's explanations were clear, and the real-world examples really helped solidify the concepts."
"The instructor made complex topics like servant leadership and decision-making very accessible. Absolutely fantastic!"
"I felt the instructor clearly knows their stuff and provides a solid understanding of the human element in projects."
Directly supports PMP certification preparation and awards PDUs.
"This course was exactly what I needed to grasp the People domain for the PMP exam. ... Earning PDUs was a huge bonus."
"This course is a gem for PMP candidates! It covers essential people management skills thoroughly..."
"I found the content very relevant for PMP, providing a good chunk of the 'People' domain knowledge."
Opinions vary on the engagement and delivery style of the lectures.
"I found the delivery a bit dry at times, feeling more like a theoretical lecture series rather than an engaging prep course."
"The discussions on motivational theories were particularly engaging for me, making the course excellent overall."
"While the course covers topics well, I sometimes wished for a more dynamic delivery to keep me fully engaged."
Course depth perceived differently, especially by experienced project managers.
"Some parts felt a bit basic, especially if I have several years of PM experience, but it’s a solid refresher for PMP aspirants."
"I expected more depth. As an experienced project manager, I didn't learn much new, finding it felt superficial."
"I found this course particularly helpful as someone newer to managing teams or needing to brush up on interpersonal skills."
May require additional resources for comprehensive PMP exam preparation.
"While it provides the PDU hours, I'd still recommend supplementing with other materials for the PMP exam, especially for practice questions."
"I didn't feel it was robust enough for direct PMP exam preparation without significant external study."
"I found it provides a good foundation, but I don't expect it to be the only thing I need for the exam."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in PMP Exam Prep: Managing People with Power Skills with these activities:
Read 'Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion'
This book provides insights into the psychology of persuasion and can help you understand how to effectively influence others in negotiations and other interactions.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes as you go.
  • Identify the key principles of persuasion.
  • Consider how you can apply these principles in your own work.
Join a study group or attend a discussion forum.
Engaging in discussions with other learners can solidify your understanding of concepts, expose you to different perspectives, and help you identify areas where you need further clarification.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Find a study group or discussion forum related to the course.
  • Participate actively in discussions by asking thoughtful questions, sharing insights, and providing feedback to others.
Complete the 'Conflict Resolution for Project Managers' tutorial.
By completing this guided tutorial, you will enhance your conflict resolution skills and learn techniques for managing disagreements and disputes within a project team, leading to more effective collaboration and project outcomes.
Browse courses on Conflict Resolution
Show steps
  • Find the 'Conflict Resolution for Project Managers' tutorial.
  • Go through the tutorial, taking notes and completing any exercises.
  • Apply the techniques you learned to a real-life conflict situation.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People'
This book provides valuable insights into effective leadership and personal development, complementing the course's focus on interpersonal skills and project management.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and reflecting on the key ideas.
  • Identify the habits that resonate with you the most and consider how you can incorporate them into your own life.
Identify a mentor in the field of project management.
Finding a mentor can provide you with valuable guidance and support throughout your project management career, helping you navigate challenges and accelerate your professional growth.
Browse courses on Mentorship
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors within your network or through professional organizations.
  • Reach out to your chosen mentors and express your interest in mentorship.
  • Establish clear goals and expectations for the mentorship relationship.
Write a blog post about a project you worked on.
Documenting your project in a written form through a blog post will allow you to recall and review the details of the project management work you have done, thereby improving retention.
Browse courses on Project Management
Show steps
  • Choose a project to write about.
  • Do some research on the project to refresh your memory.
  • Write a blog post about the project including the steps taken, successes, failures, and lessons learned..
Negotiate a contract for a small project
Simulate a real-life scenario by negotiating a contract for a small project. This will give you valuable experience in applying the negotiation skills and strategies you learned in the course.
Browse courses on Negotiation
Show steps
  • Identify a small project or task that you can negotiate a contract for.
  • Research the going rates for similar projects.
  • Develop a negotiation strategy, including your target price, minimum acceptable price, and walk-away point.
  • Role-play the negotiation with a friend or colleague.
  • Negotiate the contract in writing.
Create a project plan for an upcoming event.
Developing a detailed project plan will provide you with a comprehensive roadmap for managing the event, ensuring that all aspects are considered and executed effectively.
Browse courses on Project Planning
Show steps
  • Identify the goals and objectives of the event.
  • Define the scope of the event, including the target audience, location, and timeline.
  • Develop a project plan that includes a budget, timeline, and resource allocation.
  • Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Create a communication plan to keep stakeholders informed about the project status.

Career center

Learners who complete PMP Exam Prep: Managing People with Power Skills will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in PMP Exam Prep: Managing People with Power Skills.
Classic in the field of conflict resolution and provides a step-by-step guide to negotiating agreements without giving in. It is written by three of the world's leading experts on negotiation and has been translated into more than 30 languages.
Classic text on project management that provides a comprehensive overview of the field. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn about project management or improve their skills.
This is considered the foundational text of the modern servant leadership movement. It introduces Greenleaf's core philosophy that the leader is servant first, and provides the theoretical underpinnings for the concept. is essential for gaining a broad understanding of the topic and is often referenced in academic discussions.
Explores the decline of listening in modern society and highlights its importance in various aspects of life. It draws on insights from experts in different fields to provide a compelling case for improving listening skills and offers practical advice. This contemporary look at the topic.
Offers a framework for providing feedback and building strong relationships with direct reports based on caring personally and challenging directly. It's highly practical for contemporary people management, focusing on effective communication, guidance, and creating a feedback culture. It's particularly useful for deepening understanding of performance management and employee development.
Provides a framework for having difficult conversations in a constructive way. It is written by three of the world's leading experts on conflict resolution and has been translated into more than 20 languages.
Drawing on interviews with over 80,000 managers, this book identifies what top-performing managers do differently to build engaged and productive teams. It challenges conventional wisdom and provides practical insights into selecting, motivating, and developing employees based on their strengths. offers a practical approach to people management and is considered a must-read for new and experienced managers alike.
Comprehensive guide to conflict resolution for practitioners. It provides a step-by-step process for resolving conflicts and includes tools and resources for practitioners.
Practical guide to project management that is full of insights and advice. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to manage projects more effectively.
Practical guide to agile project management that is full of tips and advice. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use agile methods to improve their project management skills.
Comprehensive guide to project management that provides answers to common questions. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about project management or solve specific problems.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of linguistics, covering topics such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. It valuable resource for students who want to develop a strong foundation in the field of communication.
While not solely focused on listening, this book presents a powerful framework for compassionate communication that heavily relies on empathic listening. It teaches readers to identify and express their needs and feelings while also deeply listening to others'. This foundational text in the field of communication.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of language, covering topics such as the origins of language, the structure of language, and the relationship between language and thought. It valuable resource for students who want to develop a strong understanding of the biological and cognitive aspects of language.
Following up on 'The Servant,' this book delves deeper into the practical application of servant leadership principles. It provides actionable steps and insights for individuals seeking to embody servant leadership in their daily lives and work. helpful guide for those looking to move from understanding to practicing servant leadership.
Written by a business psychiatrist and former FBI hostage negotiation trainer, this book offers practical techniques for getting through to difficult or resistant people by using active listening and empathetic communication. It's highly applicable for professional settings and conflict resolution.
Edited by renowned leadership expert Ken Blanchard, this book features contributions from a variety of servant leadership practitioners and experts. It offers diverse perspectives and practical advice for implementing servant leadership in real-world settings. valuable resource for professionals and graduate students looking for actionable strategies.
This seminal book introduced the concept of emotional intelligence and its critical role in personal and professional success. Understanding emotional intelligence is fundamental to effective people management, influencing leadership effectiveness, team dynamics, and interpersonal relationships in the workplace. It provides essential background knowledge for understanding human behavior in organizations.
Considered a seminal work in the field, this book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding what organizational culture is, how it is formed, and how leaders can influence it. Culture profoundly impacts people management, shaping behaviors, values, and interactions within an organization. is essential for a deep understanding of the environmental context of people management and is often used as an academic text.
Presents a framework for mastering active listening in a business context to improve employee engagement, build trust, and enhance organizational culture. It offers a 5-step cycle for effective listening and acting upon what is heard.
Building on 'Start With Why,' this book explores how creating a 'Circle of Safety' within an organization fosters trust and cooperation among team members, leading to stronger, more resilient teams. It emphasizes the responsibility of leaders to prioritize the well-being and security of their people. offers insights into building high-performing teams through a focus on psychological safety and empathy.
Building on the concept of emotional intelligence, this book explores how leaders can create resonance and drive positive results by understanding and managing emotions in themselves and others. It delves into the practical application of emotional intelligence in leadership and people management, offering a deeper understanding of how leaders influence the emotional culture of a team or organization.
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Written by a former CEO, this book provides a compelling case for servant leadership as a driver of business success. It shares practical examples and personal experiences of leading with a servant's heart while achieving strong results. is particularly relevant for professionals and business students interested in the link between servant leadership and organizational performance.
Offers a practical guide to applying servant leadership principles in a business context. It provides tools and insights for nurturing employees and fostering a positive work environment, with a focus on tangible results. This book useful resource for managers and professionals seeking to implement servant leadership in their teams.
Written by a former Navy submarine captain, this book presents a compelling case for a leader-leader model of leadership, emphasizing empowerment and decentralized decision-making. It offers valuable insights into building a highly engaged and effective team by giving control rather than taking control. It's relevant for contemporary approaches to leadership and people management focused on autonomy and ownership.
Another accessible book from Ken Blanchard, this work uses a story to illustrate the principles of servant leadership in action. It highlights the importance of serving others as the foundation for great leadership. is suitable for a wide audience, including those new to leadership concepts.
Offers a practical, tool-based approach to improving active listening skills. It provides specific techniques and exercises that readers can immediately apply to enhance their communication in both personal and professional contexts. It's a useful resource for hands-on learning.
Foundational text for anyone in a management or leadership role, offering timeless principles on effectiveness. While not solely focused on 'People Management,' it provides essential context on how effective managers operate and make decisions, which directly impacts their interactions with people. It's a classic considered a must-read for developing a broad understanding of the manager's role and is often referenced by professionals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of nonverbal communication, covering topics such as facial expressions, body language, and gestures. It valuable resource for students who want to develop a strong understanding of how to communicate effectively without words.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of listening and how to improve your listening skills. It covers topics such as the different types of listening, the benefits of listening, and the barriers to listening. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their ability to listen effectively.
This concise book delves into the principles of empathic listening, a key aspect of active listening. It provides a research-backed approach to understanding others' perspectives and emotions, particularly useful in counseling and helping professions.
Written by Google's former head of People Operations, this book reveals the company's data-driven approach to HR and people management. It covers topics like hiring, performance management, and building a strong culture. It provides insights into contemporary practices at a leading tech company and is useful for understanding innovative approaches to people management.
The former Chief Talent Officer at Netflix shares insights into the company's unique and often counterintuitive approach to culture and talent management. It emphasizes high performance, freedom, and responsibility. offers a look into contemporary and unconventional people management practices, valuable for those looking to challenge traditional HR models.
Through a fable format, this book outlines five key actions that define serving leaders and provides a practical framework for implementation. It emphasizes the impact of servant leadership on teams, businesses, and the wider community. is accessible and provides actionable steps for individuals at various stages of their leadership journey.
Specifically aimed at managers in the tech industry, this book provides a clear roadmap for navigating the different stages of technical leadership, from managing individual contributors to leading managers and directors. It offers practical advice on common challenges faced in people management within a technical context. It's particularly useful for those in or aspiring to technical management roles.
Focuses on the practical skill of validation as a core component of effective listening and building strong relationships. It offers a simple yet powerful approach to making others feel heard and understood.
Explores seven key pillars that support servant leadership, offering a structured approach to understanding and practicing the philosophy. It provides a framework for developing the characteristics and behaviors of a servant leader. This book is valuable for those seeking a deeper understanding of the components of servant leadership.
Emphasizes the intentional aspect of listening and its role in building genuine connections. It provides practical guidance on how to listen with purpose and improve the quality of your relationships through better communication.

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