The Importance of Personal Effectiveness and Human Factors in Project Management

Thaisa Fernandes
PM101
Published in
3 min readOct 26, 2016

I have been continuing my studies on leadership and human factors in Project Management. This year, I have been reading some fantastic books on the topic, all written by Zachary Wong. I had the opportunity to take a class with him at UC Berkeley and was thoroughly impressed by his writing style and the practical exercises in his books

Personal Effectiveness in Project Management

Tools, Tips & Strategies to Improve Your Decision-making, Motivation, Confidence, Risk-taking, Achievement and Sustainability.

This book is a great resource for improving personal performance as a project manager. It is divided into four modules that focus on Decision-Making, Motivation, Achievement, and Sustainability.

Each module provides practical tools and techniques to enhance your effectiveness as a leader. The exercises in the book are engaging and insightful, and will help you learn more about yourself, your weaknesses, and your strengths.

I have found that understanding these aspects of ourselves can help us better understand our limits, work habits, and areas for improvement. I highly recommend taking the time to read the book and complete the exercises sincerely. Cheating won’t work, and there is nothing to lose by exploring new strategies for personal growth.

Human Factors in Project Management

Concepts, Tools, and Techniques for Inspiring Teamwork and Motivation.

This book focuses on the application of human factors in the work environment, particularly in the challenging situations that project managers face. Wong covers a range of topics including team motivation, conflict resolution, communication, leadership, and more.

The book uses personality type theories, such as Myers-Briggs and Keirsey, to guide how to motivate a diverse workforce. While some may view these theories as akin to horoscopes, I find them to be a useful tool for understanding my natural tendencies. It’s important to consider the information provided and decide for oneself if it makes sense.

Although the book may be priced higher than others, I would still recommend purchasing a used copy or renting it on Amazon. It is definitely worth the investment!

In conclusion:

Both of these books by Zachary Wong provide valuable insights and practical tools for improving personal effectiveness and leadership in project management. Whether you are just starting in the field or looking to enhance your skills, I highly recommend giving these books a read.

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Thaisa Fernandes
PM101
Editor for

Program Management & Product Management | Podcast Host | Co-Author | PSPO, PMP, PSM Certified 🌈🌱