Building the project manager's (PM) influence and increased use of informal learning approaches such as social media and experiential training are also important to success as identified by a global panel of consultants and senior executives assembled by ESI.

In 2011, project managers will have to put special focus on leadership skills such as critical thinking, crucial communication and organisational change management. They will also have to make more use of virtual teams and ensure that their project is completed in time and in the specified budget.

Those in search of success will have to identify the meaning of leadership in the project and programme management context.

ESI's Top 10 Global Project Management Trends for 2011 list also indicates that project managers (PMs) demonstrating very high mobility and experience will get the best opportunities for career growth through "overseas" assignments.