Transformation is upon us . . . like never before in the past 50 years.
PMI’s new strategic direction is driven by shifting workplace priorities, evolving demographics and behaviors, as well as emerging new technologies and trends in business.
There is change all around us with strong market competition, in all industries, and we must adjust much faster today than in the past. Today, organizations launch projects and expect them to deliver results. In order to not only deliver successful results but also become an effective project leader two skills are needed: empathetic leadership and strategy. Mastering these two skills will propel project mangers to thrive in this ever-changing industry.
The Board’s ongoing objectives continues to be, what more can we offer our members—YOU? What do you need from leadership and what do you want us to focus on?
- Education
- Mini Certifications
- Career progression
- Volunteering
- Industry and Topic Specific
These are all important, depending on where you are in your project management journey. Please share your insights and suggestions to anyone of the Board Members (find their emails listed on Chapter website). We are reviewing our survey results that were recently completed, please don’t wait until the next survey to share your input; after all, this is how we, the Chapter, improve. The Chapter only exists because of and for you.
The Board is striving to create new values including becoming more member-centric. Accordingly, we are launching our Mentorship Program later this year. More details to come! Furthermore, just because the Chapter offers events, such as formal sit-down dinners with speaker presentations, it does not mean it is the most conducive for our members. We need to evolve with what is happening around us. Our members want to engage and network; however, time is limited. My experience has been, while I enjoy sitting down for a nice dinner, networking is limited to only the six I am eating dinner with. Let me know what you think are the most valuable pursuits the Chapter can provide.
The type of work needed is changing and the workers are changing too. The modern worker seeks career choices with a sense of purpose. Career mobility is top of mind and continuing education is imperative when developing relevance in the workplace.
How our customers prefer to acquire these skills is also changing. Demand is increasing for faster, more flexible and easier-to-learn project management skills and approaches. There is a shift toward on-demand, customized, and problem-specific learning. With technology, it is possible for the new worker to learn anything, anytime, and anywhere.
Except this month, in a few days, learning is targeted for a few specific days and times: September 23 - 26, 8am - 5pm at PMI-MN’s annual Professional Development Days (PDD)! This year the Chapter has hired some of the most engaging & knowledgeable speakers in the Twin Cities. In fact, 83% of them are from the Minneapolis & St. Paul area! PDD is a time to come together with your peers, network, make new connections, and learn. Our Chapter is known around the world as a PMI leader; we are a Chapter of professionals that puts together one of the most dynamic and well-attended events in the world.
The PDD Speaker Team reviewed videos from each and every one of the speakers to ensure they will provide an engaging presentation that won’t end in a snooze fest. How many times have you attended an event with a speaker who looks good on paper, yet when you attend, they read from their notes and sound like a blasé, monotoned college professor? Well, that will not happen when you attend any PDD educational sessions.
I have personally heard both Jeff Meacham and Erik Therwanger present, and all I can say is WOW! Both are captivating presenters and oh-so engaging. Next, there is the fun and enthralling Craig Kilford, Chair of the Chapter’s Program Committee. Additionally, I giggle when I recall Jerry Holl’s storied experience and how he has no problem putting himself out there while sharing his fascinating trip from Alaska to Mexico. Finally, I have learned a great deal from Catherine Byers Breet. I appreciate her authentic inspiration and willingness to listen and support project managers in their pursuit of their ideal job.
Ruth Birkholz, PDD Chair, and Kimberly Berger, Vice Chair of the PDD Committee, have assembled an incredible committee to create our 26th year of PDD. Their team is bringing back food favorites from previous years, organizing a Happy Hour to celebrate PMI’s 50th anniversary, and delivering the best speakers from right here in Minnesota. I will be there every day and look forward to seeing you there.
