
Projects don’t fail because of Gantt charts – they fail because of people. That was the powerful premise behind RMC Learning Solutions’ July webinar: Leadership and Influence in Project Management. Hosted by Senior Content Developer Cheryl Ide, the session explored how the soft skills outlined in the People Domain of the PMP® Exam Content Outline can transform you from a task manager into a true leader.
Whether you missed the live event or simply prefer reading over watching, this summary will walk you through the key insights and practical tools Cheryl shared for leading projects with empathy, clarity, and confidence.
Moving from Manager to Leader
Project managers wear many hats, but those who stand out do more than track timelines and delegate tasks. They lead with purpose, emotional awareness, and presence. Cheryl kicked off the session with a comparison of management vs. leadership:
- Managers focus on control, efficiency, and doing things right.
- Leaders empower their teams, foster trust, and prioritize doing the right things.
It’s not about abandoning your management duties – it’s about embodying the leadership mindset so your team naturally follows your lead.
Why emotional intelligence matters
Emotional intelligence (EI) is foundational to leadership. Cheryl outlined how self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy empower project leaders to navigate complex team dynamics:
- Recognize your own emotional triggers. Pause before reacting.
- Model emotional control. Your energy sets the tone for your team.
- Practice empathy. Understand what motivates your team and what might be weighing on them.
Real-world examples brought these lessons to life, from de-escalating team conflict to re-energizing a team after a disappointing release.
Servant leadership and coaching
Project leaders are not at the top of the pyramid – they’re at the center, supporting everyone else. Servant leadership is about meeting your team’s needs so they can perform at their best. Cheryl outlined four key responsibilities of a servant leader:
- Shield the team from distractions and unnecessary demands
- Remove blockers and obstacles to progress
- Communicate and re-communicate the project vision
- Provide the resources, encouragement, and recognition your team needs
Simple gestures like a sincere thank you or bringing in donuts can be just as powerful as solving technical issues.
Communication that connects
Project success hinges on communication that is clear, inclusive, and adaptive. Cheryl emphasized three practices:
- Active listening: Hear what your team is really saying, not just what’s on the surface
- Tailored messaging: Adapt your communication style to your audience (e.g., visual dashboards for executives, detailed walkthroughs for your team)
- Psychological safety: Foster an environment where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and learn from failure
By listening deeply and creating space for honest conversations, leaders can uncover burnout, inspire innovation, and strengthen team cohesion.
Managing conflict and team dynamics
Conflict is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. Cheryl offered guidance for diagnosing and resolving tension:
- Look for root causes like overlapping roles or unclear goals
- Use tools like RACI charts and facilitated sessions to realign expectations
- Ask open-ended, curious questions to surface what really matters
Avoiding conflict often leads to bigger issues. Proactive, empathetic leadership transforms disagreements into alignment opportunities.
Stakeholder engagement as leadership
Stakeholder engagement isn’t just a process – it’s a leadership discipline. Cheryl explained how to map your stakeholders and build influence:
- Identify stakeholders early, especially those who can block or champion your project
- Clarify their needs and communication preferences
- Make trade-offs and expectations visible
Effective stakeholder engagement builds trust, reduces resistance, and fosters shared ownership of outcomes.
Three things you can do today
- Assess your emotional intelligence. Use RMC materials or free online tools to identify your strengths and areas for growth.
- Step into a servant leadership mindset. Ask yourself, “What does my team need to thrive?” and act on it.
- Get curious about conflict. The next time tension arises, ask open-ended questions and listen with empathy.
Final thoughts
As Cheryl so clearly put it, “Project success isn’t just measured by deliverables. It’s measured by how well you’ve led people toward a shared purpose.” Leadership isn’t about knowing it all – it’s about showing up with clarity, compassion, and the willingness to model the culture you want to create.
Want more insights like these? Follow RMC Learning Solutions on LinkedIn and check out our upcoming webinars and exam prep courses at rmcls.com.