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To keep their edge, project managers need to earmark hours for continuing education.
“In this competitive environment, project managers need to continuously grow in the technical arena, learning new, improved processes and tools,” says Mr. Sypsomos, who is also president of the PMI Bangkok Chapter.
They shouldn’t, however, just be developing pure project management skills such as planning techniques, cost estimating and risk analysis. Leadership skills are just as important.
“True maturity for project managers comes from sharpening their communication, negotiation, influence, coaching and other leadership and interpersonal skills,” he says.
Mr. Sypsomos plans to spend roughly US$30,000 of company money on training this year—both for himself and his staff of three project managers.
Ongoing training benefits project managers because it gives them an opportunity to “revisit and learn how to use conventional techniques from a different point of view,” he says.
How can busy project managers integrate professional development into an already packed agenda?
Start by setting aside a portion of your schedule for less time-consuming activities like online classes, webinars and reading.
“Become involved as a leader in a PMI chapter,” he says. It not only helps you develop leadership skills and put you in the path of continuing education, but also, people who volunteer tend to be happier and ultimately better workers.
Project managers are always faced with so much new information to absorb. To take it all in—without going into information overload—Mr. Hodgkinson suggests you devote a minimum of five percent of your time to formal training and five percent of your time to reading.
“I block one half-hour per day on my schedule for reading and then a few hours on the weekend. It’s not hard once you discipline yourself,” he explains. “One important thing to do is try to apply your new learning into the job in some manner.”
In preparation for the PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)® credential, Mr. Hodgkinson attended an online class, read and studied.
Fortunately, his company pays for the credential exam but Mr. Hodgkinson annually spends US$500 to US$1,000 of his own money on study materials.
To cut down on costs, he tries to borrow materials from colleagues. If you take the time to look, he says there is a lot of free information available online.
Project managers should start each year by taking stock of what professional development they want to pursue, and then figure out how they can make it happen. While you’re booking upcoming seminars, for example, decide how you will leverage informal training like e-learning and local practice groups.
You shouldn’t expect to do everything at once, however.
“Plan your learning in manageable chunks—do it little by little,” he says.
Also, ask yourself what you can contribute to your professional community.
As a business consultant, Mr. Finocchio sells knowledge, business methods and experience. In addition to teaching at Fundação Getulio Vargas business school and running a consulting company on strategic planning, project and portfolio management and IT management, he’s written a book on the fundamentals of project management.
All of that relies on his ability to hone his own project and portfolio management techniques. One way he does so is by speaking at seminars, as well as attending them.
“I usually prepare myself by researching, interviewing business managers and talking to other specialists,” he says. “Very frequently, the seminar attendees raise questions that motivate me to investigate further.”
All of which, he says, expands his own body of knowledge.
Education is a commitment. To get the most of it, make sure you’re concentrating 100 percent of your attention on whatever activity you’ve chosen.
“The most important aspect of continuing education is to respect the time allocated for professional development,” says Ms. Bonghez.
Initially, it may take some effort to turn off the inner chatter of your mind and focus, but thoughts about day-to-day activities can threaten your ability to truly digest new information. At the same time, you can’t just sit passively through a course or seminar, either.
“Your attention needs to be directed to the topic … identifying the way the new information can be effectively used,” Ms. Bonghez explains.
Participants may be asked to solve specific problems related to the topic, so bring elements of current projects with you. Not only will you stay more engaged, but you might also return to work with actual solutions.
To maximize the learning experience, make an effort to communicate with your fellow learners.
For example, if you’re at a conference, “share your experiences and encourage others to share their experiences, too,” she says. “Use the breaks to talk with people and reflect on the topics. … Be open, listen to other perspectives and enlarge your horizon.”
