PMcrunch

The proposal: Increase my corporate market value. The project: Enroll in a [tag]leadership seminar-course[/tag].

The [tag]leadership course[/tag] was a three-day affair; the sessions held at a small conference room of a four-star hotel. Needless to say, I did not shell out money for tuition; my office shouldered the fees on my word that this project will also be for the company’s benefit. 

Industry experts were invited as speakers, while a multinational people resources firm facilitated the event. I had 16 other classmates – quite a big class for this kind of course, the facilitators admitted. During discussions, all of them had strong beliefs on leadership and project management. I would talk as passionately as my classmates, but I will still be brimming with questions on leadership that I know will only be addressed fully once you encounter a particular, practical situation to answer it.       

An interesting exercise, which was the first we did for the leadership course, involved choosing a partner from our classmates, and writing down what you think are his or her profile and life story based on the first 10 minutes since you met the person. My partner immediately assumed that I love D.I.Y. home improvement projects, and that I’m restless career-wise. I wonder what gave me away? She was so accurate. 

Today, I’m glad that [tag]project leadership courses[/tag] are available as online project management training. At least now, I have a chance to learn more about myself and how I fare as a project manager, leader and a follower, within the comforts of my own home - although there are still many benefits to an off-site, in-person format, in spite of the cost in time and money.