Presentation: The Emotional Advantage: Harnessing Emotional Intelligence for Project Management Success
Abstract: Emotional intelligence (EI) is a vital yet often underutilized skill in project management. It directly impacts how leaders communicate, motivate, and resolve conflicts within their teams and with stakeholders. In this session, The Emotional Advantage: Harnessing Emotional Intelligence for Project Management Success, participants will explore the five key components of EI—self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills—and learn how these attributes can transform project outcomes. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to foster trust, navigate interpersonal dynamics, and create resilient, high-performing teams. This session is designed to equip project managers with the tools to lead with empathy, adapt to challenges, and achieve sustained success.
Key Takeaways:
- Enhancing Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation: Participants will learn techniques to identify and manage their own emotional triggers, leading to more effective decision-making and communication under pressure.
- Fostering Team Cohesion through Empathy: Discover how practicing empathy can improve collaboration, strengthen relationships, and create an inclusive and supportive team environment.
- Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Conflict Resolution: Gain tools to de-escalate tensions, navigate interpersonal challenges, and maintain productivity during high-stakes or high-stress project phases.
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills
Biography: Andrea D. Wilson is a seasoned acquisition professional with several years of diverse federal acquisition experience, having served as a Contract Specialist, Contracting Officer, and Procurement Specialist. Noted for her expertise in federal acquisition, contract processes, and agile methodologies, she has played an integral role in several major enterprise-wide acquisitions, including establishing multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) and Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQs) vehicles. Andrea has helped design and implement a wide variety of contracting solutions and innovative strategies, helping to maximize efficiency and productivity for several government agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and currently, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Andrea, a senior contract and acquisition professional, has been a featured guest speaker and panelist at prestigious events, including the 2023 University of Maryland Project Management Symposium, the National Contract Management Association’s 2023 World Congress, and the National Contract Management Association’s 2022 Government Contract Management Symposium, sharing valuable insights and knowledge to empower the contracting community.
Andrea’s natural leadership abilities have helped her to excel in every position she has held. She has consistently won the respect of both her peers and superiors, racking up numerous accomplishments and creating countless successful programs. She remains dedicated to serving her country and looks forward to continuing to blaze trails in federal acquisition.
