Mastering the resource management maze: Stakeholders, communication, and tech

In this blog, we share insights from Season 2, Episode 4, Mastering the resource management maze: Stakeholders, communication, and tech with guest Melissa Athie, Advisory Capacity and Resource Management Director. This episode explores the challenges and nuances of resource management. It highlights the importance of setting realistic stakeholder expectations, adapting communication to build trust, and leveraging technology to elevate the discipline.

Christine and Melissa share their top takeaways to help you navigate the resource management maze:

1. Set realistic stakeholder expectations

Melissa and Christine highlight stakeholder management as a fundamental skill for resource managers while introducing the idea that client management skills are a valuable and transferable asset. They draw parallels between managing external clients and resource management scenarios, which often involve navigating interactions with senior stakeholders, handling difficult conversations, and setting expectations when ideal solutions aren’t available.

"In my experience working with external clients, setting clear expectations around deliverables was essential. Transitioning into the resource management role, this evolved into managing expectations about timelines for finding resources or explaining why a proposed resource might be a 70% match instead of 100%—and supporting my recommendation. Client management skills proved invaluable for navigating these conversations and are undoubtedly highly transferable."

Melissa Athie, Advisory Capacity and Resource Management Director

"Resource managers could benefit from more training in client management. It’s not just about conversational skills—it’s about effectively engaging with senior stakeholders and setting clear expectations. While the perfect ‘unicorn’ match might not always be possible, these skills help set realistic expectations and navigate difficult conversations."

Christine Robinson, Strategic Advisor to Dayshape

2. Tailor communication styles to build trust and resolve conflict

Melissa and Christine explore the power of effective communication in the resource management role, emphasizing the importance of tailoring your approach to suit your audience. They share valuable insights on being heard, building trust, and the benefits of shadowing. Together, their perspectives highlight how thoughtful communication can help resource managers navigate challenging conversations and establish themselves as trusted advisors.

"Over the past five years, as the team has grown globally, I’ve learned the importance of adapting communication to different cultures and levels of understanding. It’s about knowing your audience, understanding how they prefer to receive information, and taking the time to tailor your approach."

Melissa Athie, Advisory Capacity and Resource Management Director

"Choosing the right forum and method of communication is crucial. In my experience across various firms, industries, and geographies, I’ve seen many conflicts that could have been easily avoided if the conversation had been a phone call instead of an email ."

Christine Robinson, Strategic Advisor to Dayshape

"I’m a big proponent of shadowing—it’s such a valuable way to see how others work and help you develop your own communication style. Exposure to different approaches is incredibly important.

Listening is another key skill. One piece of advice that stuck with me is that you need to find a way to get people, even those far above you, to listen to you. For me, asking thoughtful questions and actively listening made a huge difference. It helped me earn trust because they could see I was genuinely interested in learning the business and applying what I heard."

Melissa Athie, Advisory Capacity and Resource Management Director

2. Blend the art and science of resource management with technology

Christine and Melissa discuss the evolution of technology in resource management, emphasizing that the discipline will always require a blend of human art and science. They explore how technology enhances capabilities and highlight the increasing need for change management skills, especially in the face of disruptive AI. Acknowledging the rapid shifts in the industry, they advocate for investing in change management training to successfully navigate the technological advancements shaping the profession's future.

"People who understand resource management know it’s both an art and a science. The science aspect is crucial to what we do, and having the right technologies helps by providing a single source of truth, enabling us to work better and faster. However, technology doesn’t replace our jobs; it helps us perform them more strategically. It’s a challenging adjustment for some—while some may be ready for technology to take the lead, those who truly understand the function know it requires a balance. What technology really does is elevate the role of the resource manager, not replace it."

Melissa Athie, Advisory Capacity and Resource Management Director

"To be a successful resource manager now and in the future, change management skills are going to be crucial. It would be beneficial to offer some form of change management 101 training for resource managers. In my own experience, resource management often involves rolling out new processes, scheduling tools, or productivity measurements. As a profession, we should invest more in these skills, especially as technology continues to transform the industry. It’s only going to become more essential, not less."

Christine Robinson, Strategic Advisor to Dayshape

The takeaway? Navigating the resource management maze begins and ends with people-centric thinking. Whether it’s refining communication skills, managing stakeholder relationships, or integrating technology, the key is always putting people at the heart of decision-making. Mastering these elements allows resource managers to overcome challenges, build trust, and grow in dynamic and rewarding profession.