methodologies
What you won’t get out of your certification
Certification programs are more about demonstrating your competency than about learning how to manage. Consider this: PMP and IPMA certification takes you through a process guide and a comprehensive examination that you can easily enough learn in a few weeks. I always recommend learning the bodies of knowledge, so long as you are fully aware of what you’re getting… But be aware of what you are actually getting. Here are a few things that your certification program is definitely not going to teach you.
The good (and bad) about Project Management School
I’m frequently asked what I think of certifications such as the Project Management Institute’s PMP, or its other programs. The PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) represents a strong reference guide, and one that I turn to when appropriate as a process guide — but its very strength as a reference text also makes it a poor companion for someone looking for a comprehensive project management methodology. There’s a host of information you won’t get in school (not even from a top tier management school, let alone a certification program you can cram for in less than two weeks).
Managing with blinders on
Most managers today have blinders on when it comes to solving the problems of complex projects: They are lost among the trees, and can’t see the forest for what it really is. Too many project managers are focused on the day-to-day problems of the project and have lost sight of their overall strategy. So, with KPMG telling us that nearly 70% of projects are failing to meet their goals, what’s the real solution? What’s the one thing that’s going to make the most difference?
Managing risk in global projects
One of the most significant risks we identify is a globally disparate (geographically separated) team. Teams working in separate regions face tremendous challenges that a co-located team doesn’t have to think about, a situation made worse when outsourcing, where conflicts in language, time, culture, and business environment all affect the organization.
Common oversights in choosing methodology
Changing the way a business operates is a daunting task. It involves assessing and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current organization, identifying solutions to the weaknesses without compromising the strengths and, ultimately, changing the way people work. Above all, people tend to be resistant to change — and this is the most common issue that arises when adopting a new methodology.
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