As 2012 unfolds, project management is seeing more tangible evidence of the value brought to organizations that establish a PMO. The PMI post stated that “67% of organizations with PMOs saw an increase in the number of projects that meet their goals.”    How many times have you been asked to quantify the value of project management?

Our Winter PMP Prep started at the end of January and quickly sold out.  Our next PMP Prep will begin in April – if you are interested make sure you register early as there are physical space limitations.  We are also planning to provide some Saturday PDU sessions this year.  For more details, reach out to Annette Johnson, our VP of Training VPTraining@pmi-metrolina.com.

The mentoring program kicked-off this year.  As you may remember, we piloted the program late last year and the responses were very positive.  Dawn Reid and Pamela Woodside will continue to lead this program for the chapter in 2012.  If you have questions, reach out to mentoringprogram@pmi-metrolina.com.

This year we are also kicking off our PMIEF program.  Vanessa Harrison is our lead for this and has already started reaching out to non-profits.  This is an opportunity for chapter members to earn PDUs in the Giving Back category by providing PM training/skills/assistance to non-profits.  PMIEF has the materials for us to use, and Vanessa is identifying the opportunities for us.  If you have questions or want to participate, reach out to PMIEF-Charlotte@pmi-metrolina.com.

This year we are offering 2 Skillfests – one in March and one tentatively in August.  Skillfest is a job fair targeted for project people, so not just PMs, but BA, developer, tester, and the like.  The event will be at the Sheraton prior to that month’s chapter meeting.

Our annual PDD planning is underway!  Targeted dates are the last 2 Saturdays of September.  More details as they unfold.

Membership is up to 1,441 as of January 2012.  Not sure if this is a record but it certainly in more than in the last couple of years.  I think this positive trend indicates the value members find in the chapter, whether it is in cost-effective PDUs, networking or job search opportunities.  Twice a year we survey the members to ask what is important to them and what programs or opportunities they would like to see.  This data is used in planning future events. 

We are looking for a volunteer to help us set-up our social outreach program.  A cousin to the PMIEF program, this program is focused on providing non-PM volunteering opportunities to give to the community such as Habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots, and the list is almost endless.  Let our chair for volunteers know if you are interested: volunteer@pmi-metrolina.com.

This year is shaping up to be a good one for PMI-Metrolina.  Our new community and social outreach programs, coupled with our new mentoring program, opens up significant volunteer opportunities to our members.  Our on-going support of UNCC SIFE, Appalachian State’s PM Club, and adding Project Management to the North Carolina education curriculum for High Schools provide opportunities as well.  Hopefully you will find one that meets your need to give back to your profession or your community.

Thanks for your participation and support.
 

Craig Marek

President, PMI-Metrolina

New! Chapter Mentoring Program Launch -

As announced at the January meeting, our Metrolina PMI Chapter is kicking off a newly developed Mentoring Program. This is a PDU eligible opportunity to enter a beneficial experience where knowledge, guidance, and insight are shared as you get to know your fellow Chapter members and expand your network.

Being involved in a mentoring program is an important and viable bridge to success in the Project Management profession. Mentoring can be a shortcut to career success because it provides a safe, protected environment in which one can learn. One benefits from the Mentor's experience without having to go through the trial and error of learning those same lessons over the years; time is compressed, mistakes don't have to be repeated. Valuable lessons, knowledge, attitudes and recognition of opportunities are passed on.

If interested in participating, sign up by 3/16 to attend Spring Session Kick Off following March Member Meeting. Interested Mentors or Protégés should send contact info to mentoringprogram@pmi-metrolina.com or see Dawn Reid and Pamela Woodside

2012 Project Management Institute Region 5 Leadership Conference – “Roots of Leadership”

By Melanie Tindley, PMP

February 2, 2012

All roads led to Charlotte, North Carolina as the PMI Metrolina Chapter hosted the Region 5 Leadership Conference from January 19 to 21 resulting in an enriching experience for 138 accomplished professionals from across the district.  These ambassadors were but a sampling of the wealth of talent within Region 5, which is comprised of 14 chapters with a combined membership of over 23,900; and based in 5 states (Kentucky, Maryland / Washington D.C., North Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia). The conference theme “Roots of Leadership” and agenda were designed to strengthen local chapters; and anchor practitioners in effective leadership traits, best practices and useful tools that increase chances of success in the face of ever changing factors that threaten projects. This forum also created a unique occasion for bench-marking, networking and mentorship as conveyed by the conference survey results.  Summarized below are highlights from the experience and acknowledgements of those who made it a big success.

All of the topics presented by guest speakers were relevant, informative and dynamic, but there were two topics that emerged as conference high points. The first topic was “Roots of Leadership” presented by Keith Carver.  Keith provided a model that introduced and defined nine roles of effective leadership along with a simple tool that can be used to measure either personal or group leadership proficiency.  All nine roles are vital for operational excellence and the tool readily reveals roles that leverage strengths as well as roles that would benefit from added training or mentorship in one’s leadership development journey. 

Another high point of the conference was “PMI 101: Chapter Development Resources” presented by Anne Jenemann.  This session was inspiring because it afforded time to reflect on the overall PMI goal (to influence worldwide organizations to embrace, value and utilize the project management discipline and attribute their success to it); and to be reminded of just how prestigious it is to be associated with the Project Management Institute.  PMI is one of the largest professional associations in the world with over 600,000 members and credential holders in almost 200 countries.  It also is the developer of 12 global standards for project management and 5 credentials that are recognized and valued internationally. Secondly, this session was practical because it provided an abundance of knowledge related to tools and resources for chapter development.  A very essential resource includes the PMI “Region Mentors” and staff that provide advice and guidance to PMI Chapter Leaders to develop their leadership capabilities and ensure value is being delivered to the members in order to build strong local chapters.  Please refer to (www.pmi.org). 

In closing, survey results confirmed that participants considered the conference as an overall success and great investment of their time primarily due to a mix between concise, actionable information; mentorship and networking.  There are countless individuals who selflessly gave of their time and talents to design, host and participate in this conference. At a very high level, special recognition is extended to the planning team who served a full year to make the conference a reality; each of the speakers; Bluegrass Artists Darin & Brooke Aldridge; sponsors; the Hyatt Hotel Administrators and staff; PMI National and Regional Officers / Directors; volunteers and registrants.  The conference mission was accomplished…“Roots of Leadership” were strengthened among the local chapters within Region 5 and seeds were planted to yield the next group of emerging leaders within the district. 

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Get "local" with PMI 

Get involved with your local chapter to enhance your global membership.

Project management isn’t just about projects—it’s about people, too, which is why it’s important to get involved with PMI. Join a chapter or community of practice, or volunteer your time at a PMI event, and increase your opportunities for leadership, collaboration and networking.

Break away from your project and reap the personal and professional rewards that come when you get involved.