Abstract
M. Ing.
Project management introduces new challenges for project managers tasked with
the responsibility of delivering successful projects in the 21st century. One such
challenge is the development and maintenance of project leadership skills within the
project management environment as organisations seek competent individuals to
ensure successful execution of projects.
This dissertation explores the importance of project leadership skills development in
the project management environment. A model of project leadership development to
enhance project leadership skills in newly appointed project managers is proposed
and tested using data collected from a survey of members of the Project
Management department in Eskom Northern Region. The model proposes that four
critical competencies that need to be possessed by newly appointed project
managers, namely; technical competency, conflict management, leadership skills
and coaching and mentoring skills. Analysis of the data showed that all the four
critical competencies predicted project leadership skills development success;
however more emphasis was made on coaching and mentoring of newly appointed
project managers. Based on the results of the study, the paper explores and
recommends strategies to develop and maintain project leadership skills to a level
that promotes the success of enhancing these critical skills in newly appointed
project managers.