Abstract
The purpose of this multi case positivistic study was to determine if the combination, rather than any individual skill or competency, of project management technical skills, communication skills, and emotional intelligence is what makes a project manager successful. While numerous studies have been conducted on the importance of individual project management technical skills, communication skills, and emotional intelligence, it is the combination of these three skills and competencies that differentiate this case study. This multi case positivistic case study relied on interviews with five project managers (as well as four or five peers for each project manager) to explore the importance of the combined skills contributing to the success of five project managers. Findings included: (a) project managers needed project management technical skills; (b) communication skills were important, although having strength in one area (verbal, written, and listening communication skills) compensated for gaps in other areas; (c) emotional intelligence competence (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management) was valued by team members. Research was not found that specifically delineated communication skills as verbal, written, and listening skills so this combination and breakdown of communication skills as including all three is also new.