Training New Generations of Project Managers: Part I
Posted by [email protected] on Aug. 19, 2022 / Announcement / Subscribe 0
What is the future of project management? Project management is of course an integral part of any organization as projects are the impetus for organizational growth and change. Unfortunately, many projects are still showing issues such as failing to meet deadlines and budgets.
Traditional project management focuses on the “triple constraint,” meaning the project scope, cost, and delivery time. It is time for the field of project management to grow and advance.
Not only is project management a science, it is also an art, which must be embraced by future generations. The science piece involves Gantt and CPM for example, whereas the art piece embraces flexibility, communication, and more.
The future of project management must involve the concept of Strategic Project Leadership (SPL), as described below.
Strategic Project Leadership
What is SPL? Essentially, rather than viewing and treating project managers as mere vessels to complete a project, SPL views project managers as leaders. SPL is all about combining the traditional aspects of project management with leadership.
Project success must be viewed based on the following:
● “Efficiency
● Impact on the customer
● Impact on the team
● Business results
● Preparing for the future”
Project managers, in addition to managing successful projects, must become leaders. There are several ways for this to happen.
A great leader must develop a “project spirit” that builds a sense of excitement and enthusiasm surrounding a project. This is a form of “visionary leadership” that is part of the SPL framework.
Building a successful project spirit includes:
● “Vision – Building inspiration, excitement, and motivation
● Values – Directing and guiding the right behavior
● Symbols – Distinguishing the project's uniqueness
● Social activity – Taking care of the fun and creating the team's bond”
The next generation must also be able to expect and welcome change. Most projects will experience changes along the way so it is important for the next generation of project managers to be able to adapt.
According to SPL, there are four main aspects that a project manager must include in their work.
● “Operational Excellence – Meeting the project's efficiency goals of time and budget
● Dynamic Adaptation – Adjusting the project to changes and context
● Strategic Focus – Focusing the project on business results and competitive advantage/value
● Inspired Leadership – Inspiration and motivating the project's team”
In order for this future of project management to be realized, higher-ups must accept and adopt SPL. Even today, until SPL is adopted, current project managers can strive to follow the principles of SPL. Then, we will be well-prepared for our next generation of project managers.
To learn more about training the next generation of project managers, be sure to read this article from PMI.
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