As IT project managers, staying adaptable is essential. A recent podcast reflecting on the APM’s (Association for Project Management) 50th Anniversary Conference offered five key takeaways worth integrating into your practice:

1. Preparation Builds Resilience
Catherine Green highlighted how solid preparation during calm periods enables rapid, effective action during crises – drawing from her experience with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. For IT projects, that means upfront planning, team training, and process optimization to stay ready for high-pressure situations.

2. Lead with Purpose
Ellie Orton emphasized the power of clear purpose and values during tough times. In IT, a well-defined “why” fosters alignment, morale, and trust. Make sure your team understands how their work connects to broader goals.

3. Prioritize Communication and Collaboration
Both speakers stressed the importance of open communication. In cross-functional IT environments, regular check-ins and transparent dialogue help reduce silos and improve team cohesion.

4. Stay Agile and Flexible
Adaptability is more than adopting Agile methods – it’s a mindset. Be ready to adjust priorities, timelines, and strategies as project needs evolve. Embrace iterative planning and early feedback loops to stay aligned with stakeholders.

5. Build Trust Through Values
Strong values guide behavior during uncertainty. Promote transparency, recognition, and mutual respect to create a supportive, high-performing team culture.

In Summary
These insights reinforce the importance of preparation, purpose, communication, agility, and trust in IT project management. Apply them to navigate complexity and lead your team to success