At a gathering of the Project Management Institute (PMI) Ghana Chapter Meeting, Edna Engmann, Head of Transformation Programmes at Fidelity Bank Ghana, delivered a thought-provoking keynote highlighting the crucial role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in effective leadership within project management.
Addressing an audience at the Alisa Hotel, North Ridge, Engmann underscored the distinction between management and genuine leadership, asserting that emotional intelligence serves as a pivotal differentiator. Her presentation, titled “Emotional Leadership,” emphasized the importance of this skill set for project managers, enabling them to elevate beyond mere task management to inspire teams towards a unified vision.
Engmann articulated that emotional intelligence empowers project managers to actively listen to customer feedback, foster team empowerment through trust, and provide guidance without stifling autonomy. “Leading does not mean you won’t correct or coach,” she noted, “but it’s about guiding your team along a path to achieve a common goal.”
Drawing from a compelling case study at Fidelity Bank, Ms. Engmann showcased the success of their 24/7 WhatsApp banking assistant, Kukua, developed using Scrum and Agile methodologies. She highlighted how small, cross-functional teams were entrusted with ownership of tasks and empowered to address challenges identified during daily stand-up meetings.
Ms. Engmann emphasized, “We weren’t managing them; we were creating an environment where they could thrive.” This collaborative approach led to the rapid launch of Kukua within just eight weeks, a feat that traditionally would have taken significantly longer.
Ms. Engmann further argued that emotional intelligence fosters a customer-centric approach. By understanding customer needs and emotions, project leaders can ensure their projects deliver value.
“Successful companies actively listen to their customers. We, as project managers, often aren’t directly interacting with customers. Emotional intelligence helps us bridge that gap by attuning us to their needs and desires. This, in turn, guides us in shaping products and services that truly resonate.”
Edna Engmann
Furthermore, Ms. Engmann emphasized the significance of self-awareness and social awareness in effective leadership. She emphasized the importance of understanding oneself and others, as well as being mindful of one’s environment and goals. “Self-awareness is paramount. You need to understand what motivates you and what frustrates you. Then you can learn to manage those emotions effectively,” she stated.
Mindfulness As A Key Component Of Emotional Intelligence
Ms. Engmann also emphasized mindfulness as a key component of emotional intelligence. “Leaders must be present and aware of their surroundings, their teams, and the project’s overall goals”, she said.
Ms. Engmann addressed the evolving workplace demographic. She highlighted the need for project managers to adapt their leadership styles to engage younger generations who value participation and entrepreneurial thinking.
“A purely autocratic approach may not resonate with this new generation. However, some level of direction is still necessary. The key is to strike a balance, fostering a sense of belonging and ownership within your team.”
Edna Engmann
Ms. Engmann concluded by acknowledging that the journey of developing emotional intelligence is a continuous learning process. She encouraged leaders to embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. “You will make mistakes. That’s part of the learning process. But emotional intelligence allows you to recognize those mistakes and adjust your approach, ultimately leading to a more successful outcome for your projects and your team,” she said.
The PMI Ghana Chapter Meeting provided a valuable platform for project management professionals to gain insights into effective leadership practices and exchange best practices for project success.
Fidelity Bank’s participation in the PMI Ghana Chapter Meeting reflects its commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development. By emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, Ms. Engmann’s presentation equipped project managers with valuable tools to navigate complex projects, build high-performing teams, and achieve sustainable success.
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