Ever discover a team member was overloaded...after a deadline passed? Regulatory operations leader Ayaz shares how AI transformed his approach to resource management.
Remember the last time you discovered a team member was overloaded – but only after deadlines started slipping? For most PMs, resource management has traditionally been more reactive than proactive. But AI is changing that game, as regulatory operations leader Ayaz Ahmed discovered.
Even experienced project managers can miss subtle signs of team overload in complex projects. "One game-changer for me was incorporating AI-powered forecasting tools for resource management," Ahmed shares. "Initially, I expected faster task allocation, but what surprised me was how it highlighted bottlenecks I had yet to notice. This shifted my focus from managing schedules to proactively optimizing team workflows, which elevated my role to more strategic problem-solving." The ability to spot potential issues before they impact delivery has transformed how PMs can support their teams.
Ahmed's experience with AI tools proved transformative during a critical resource management challenge. Using Runn, an AI-powered tool, his team identified a hidden bottleneck: a key developer unknowingly spread across three concurrent projects. "It slipped under the radar due to overlapping sprint schedules," he explains. By consolidating the developer's workload and postponing non-urgent work, sprint completion rates improved by 20%, and the team avoided burnout.
While AI enhances project management, Ahmed emphasizes that some principles remain constant. "If there's one principle that's remained rock solid, it's the value of clear communication," he notes. "Whether it's traditional tools or AI-driven platforms, aligning stakeholders remains essential."
The key is finding the right balance. Ahmed uses tools like Jira and Slack for routine updates but maintains crucial human touchpoints. "For sensitive matters – like scope changes or stakeholder feedback – I always initiate personal conversations, usually through video calls. These human touchpoints foster trust and ensure we capture everyone's insights, which AI alone can't replicate."
AI isn't here to make decisions for PMs – it's here to help them make better ones. Smart project managers don't see AI as a replacement for their expertise, but as a tool that lets them focus on what humans do best: strategic thinking and relationship building. By automating routine tasks and spotting potential issues early, PMs can focus on what matters most: leading teams, fostering communication, and driving real results.
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