As workplaces continue to change, professionals are being asked to do more than deliver tasks or apply technical knowledge. Success now relies just as much on how we engage with others, navigate complexity, and influence outcomes.

These capabilities, once known as soft skills, are now widely referred to as Power Skills. They are the human capabilities that enable people to lead, collaborate, adapt, and communicate effectively. And they matter more than ever.

What are Power Skills?

Power Skills refer to the interpersonal, emotional, and cognitive skills that shape how people work with others. These include communication, emotional intelligence, facilitation, conflict management, negotiation, and leadership.

Power Skills are not tied to any one role, industry or level of seniority. They are portable and practical, and they directly influence team performance, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making.

Research from the Project Management Institute’s Pulse of the Profession continues to highlight the link between power skills and improved outcomes across projects and organisations.

Why these skills are critical right now

Across all sectors, we’re seeing more blended teams, hybrid workplaces, shared accountability, and an increased focus on delivering value. That makes human capability essential.

Professionals today are expected to:

• communicate clearly and confidently
• adapt to change and uncertainty
• lead discussions and facilitate alignment
• engage diverse stakeholders
• navigate difficult conversations with professionalism
• work collaboratively toward shared goals

Power Skills make this possible.

The challenge with Power Skills

These skills are often assumed rather than developed. They tend not to be taught through formal education and rarely get the same attention as technical or compliance-based training.

But they can be learned. And the most effective way to build them is through short, focused programs that are practical, reflective and based on real workplace challenges.

A practical way to build capability

At PM-Partners, we offer a suite of one-day Power Skills courses designed to strengthen the human side of professional performance. These are short, facilitator-led courses that provide practical tools and strategies that can be applied immediately at work.

Our course range includes:

• Communicating with impact
• Writing for success
• Delivering powerful presentations
• Optimising interactions with emotional intelligence
• Managing challenging behaviour
• Building and leading a team
• Coaching for high-performing teams
• Engaging stakeholders effectively
• Leading effective negotiation
• Facilitating for results

Whether you’re leading a team, working with stakeholders, or looking to grow your professional capability, these courses are designed to support you in real-world contexts.

Download our latest brochure or call 1300 70 13 14 to speak with our team about upcoming dates or group training options.

Let’s build the skills that drive real results.