The title of this post might seem funny to many given that we seem to be living in a tumultuous present. How could things become more tumultuous? Well that’s just many predict is coming our way for the world of work. How might this "Tumultuous Future" impact project management work?
Here is how I see this predicted tumultuous future impacting those in the project management profession:
- As mentioned above, projects will abound. However all professionals must not only have project management skills but also must have a solid breadth of skills in technology, communications, and organizational savvy in order to be able to change over time and move seamlessly from project to project.
- As an extension to point #1, many people will develop specialty skills in particular project areas or types. These could include Research & Development projects, water resource projects, architecture development projects, application development projects, construction projects, and on and on. The decision is individual as usual, but the key is to be in an edge in which you expect continuing flow of projects.
- It will become ever more important to question our assumptions in moving from project to project and position to position.
We will need to take a look at each assumption from project to project. Sometimes our experience has a way of making us even forget we are assuming certain things. We need to try to assume that we are starting fresh and working on a project of this type for the very first time. Don’t worry, our experience will creep in and will help, but if you take this work in this new approach, it will enable you to go in "eyes wide open" and embrace the future.
____________________
John Reiling, PMP
Project Management Training Online
Lean Six Sigma Training Online
