Belong to a PMI Chapter
Being part of a PMI Chapter presents opportunities to
network and to learn of new PM work being done at organizations. I go to my
state chapter’s annual symposium, which is a full day of break-out sessions of
different topics ranging from Agile to how Edison was an innovator and how to
incorporate his philosophy into your daily work life. I have never been
disappointed with these symposia. Also, my state chapter has monthly programs
that discuss a PM topic. If I am interested, I go to the meeting or one of its
satellite meetings where the main meeting is broadcast. In other words, my
state chapter provides options that fit my schedule.
Become an author
I can say with certainty and experience that becoming an
author brings with it a certain level of authority. I am not suggesting that
only a blog provides you with authority. It doesn’t hurt, but it is not the
only avenue. As a matter of fact, your chapter usually sends out a monthly or quarterly
e-zine or e-letter. They are always looking for articles to publish and almost
no PM subject will be rejected unless the topic has been published before.
Before publishing this blog, I wrote multiple articles, and not just for my
chapter. I also authored an article for a website devoted to Professional
Service Organizations (PSOs). So my question to you is, “What are you waiting
for?” Pick a burning topic that you have wanted to discuss and write about it
and submit is as an article for your chapter. I always hear from individuals
that they fear the remarks on the article. I say, I want to hear from others
and hear their viewpoints. How else are we to grow as PMs?
Meet with other PMs on a regular basis to discuss what’s new
I have found that one of the best methodsfor learning is to
meet with other PMs in other organizations (which you can do at a chapter
meeting). There is no better way to get outside of your comfort zone and learn
something new. You may be surprised at how well your experiences and your
lessons learned are appreciated by other PMs. I also find that networking with
other PMs on a regular basis to discuss new techniques and methodologies is
always educational. Learning about
another PM’s lessons learned is a way to branch out as a PM. I can’t tell you
the number of new PM methodologies and techniques that I have used in my work
that I have learned from others. It is something that shows maturity and a
level of knowing how to grow.
In conclusion, there are a number of ways that a PM can stay
competitive in their profession. This does take an additional effort on the
part of the PM, but the PM wants to stay informed and competitive int the PM
field, then additional effort is called for. I can say with experience, the
need to stay competitive has never been more important for a PM. The field is
very competitive and there is much changing due to Cloud Computing, Six Sigma
and other new influences to the PM profession. My advice is to stay competitive
and get involved.
I am open to discussion at any time on these blogs or anything else related to project management you would like to explore. If you would like to comment about this blog, please do so by posting on this blog or by responding in an email at Benny A. Recine. You may inspire a blog article. I look forward to your comments.