Finding a good project manager is a rarity. If you know one or are lucky enough to work for one, watch carefully to see these characteristics in their practice and character.

When was the last time you checked your email account? A few hours ago? Were you looking at your inbox right before you started reading this article?

I. The Very Real Problem with Checking Email

Before we dive in, we should consider: is checking email actually a negative addiction, or is it necessary for functioning in an office job? After all, according to our recent survey, 59% of people report that their team stores project information in emails, and 13% said their team goes as far as to track project status solely via email. It seems like an important tool for getting work done.

Project managers have their work cut out for them — they must manage all the various project stakeholders and keep the project on track by successfully juggling and directing their roles and responsibilities. It’s easy to get bogged down by office politics, looming deadlines, and last-minute project changes.

As a project manager, focusing on professional development and cultivating important skill sets can be vital to work success. These five project management skills are frequently forgotten, but equally important for project managers if they want to do the best they can for their project and their team.