Project managers who adopt a lifelong learning mindset become invaluable assets to their projects and organizations as a whole. They are more likely to lead with effectiveness, cultivate robust teams, drive innovation, and excel as critical thinkers, thus making informed decisions aligned with business needs.
These project managers understand that their role extends beyond merely staying within budget and meeting deadlines. Their elevated level of contribution to projects and organizations leads to outcomes that align seamlessly with the business objectives and goals.
Research demonstrates a direct correlation between project professionals who invest in their continuous professional and personal development and their overall effectiveness. The absence of ongoing development negatively influences project managers' competence and capabilities in effectively managing projects and driving results.
Making Professional Development Approachable
Numerous avenues exist for project managers to invest in their professional and personal growth. Formal options encompass executive coaching, pursuing certifications, enrolling in college courses, and participating in conferences, seminars, workshops, and webinars. Informal options involve reading industry articles, following thought leaders on social media, and partaking in knowledge-sharing endeavors with colleagues.
Outlined below are some of the specific activities I engage in to enhance my professional growth:
Protect my time: I dedicate two hours a week to learning. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), each week I listen to an On-Demand webinar or attend a Live webinar which is usually an hour. It allows me to earn my Professional Development Units (PDUs) and maintain my certification requirements.
Knowledge Sharing: I enjoy engaging in knowledge sharing activities with my colleagues.Sharing knowledge and insights with others builds a positive work environment, enhances collective understanding, problem-solving, and decision-making.
The Rewards of Being a Lifelong-Learner for Project Managers:
Increased confidence in managing projects: Continuous learning helps me to stay up-to-date on the latest project management trends and best practices. This gives me the confidence to manage projects effectively and efficiently.
Earned respect as the authority for the projects I lead: By demonstrating my commitment to continuous learning, I have earned the respect of my colleagues and clients. They know that I am always looking for ways to improve my skills and knowledge, and they are confident that I can deliver results.
Improved decision-making skills: Continuous learning helps me to develop my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This allows me to make better decisions when managing projects.
Enhanced facilitation skills: Continuous learning helps me to develop my communication and interpersonal skills. This allows me to facilitate effective team meetings and discussions.
Stronger interpersonal skills, especially around stakeholder engagement: Continuous learning helps me to develop my empathy and understanding of different perspectives. This allows me to build stronger relationships with stakeholders and get their buy-in for projects.
Project managers who are serious about their careers should invest in their professional and personal development. New project managers especially should develop the mindset of being a life-long learner. The benefits of continuous learning will enhance your professional and personal skill sets as a project professional and you'll be the project manager everybody wants to work with!
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