Surviving the Bends

 

As many project managers do, I swim from the abyss to the surface every three years to renew my PMP Certification.  For most, this is a gradual ascent causing no repercussions, but in my last cycle the dive computer malfunctioned, leaving me no choice but to rapidly ascend.  As I breached the surface and tore off my mask, the dive team pulled me into the boat where I immediately logged into my PMI account to read the current CCR (Continuing Certification Requirements) handbook.

As the Talent Triangle and minimum PDU requirements came into focus, I felt the "bends" coming over me like a wet blanket.  Looking for support, I directed my gaze towards my crew only to see them shaking their heads and taking in the entertainment as if this was a prescheduled team-building event.  Having little recourse, I entered into a hyperbaric podcast chamber to repair my self-inflected wounds, where, after receiving my educational PDU’s, I promised to never “bends” that way again. 

BREAKING THE CYCLE

So here I am, correcting past patterns and giving back to the profession via this new BLOG called "The Battle-Hardened PM" where we will dive into examine traditional subjects in project management from non-traditional perspectives, in hopes of inspiring both the current and next generation of PM’s to move beyond their limits. 

The first BLOG series will be on “Reaching your Project Management Potential”, where we will examine the following questions:

1. Who are you as a project manager?
2. Where do you want to go in your career?
3. How do I get there?

We will look at these questions in pragmatic challenge-based ways, so as to complement the traditional views that are most often written about and discussed. 

It is my desire that this BLOG be a forum for discussions whether you are in agreement or not, so be sure to make your thoughts known.  If you are interested in “non-traditional perspectives” then check out my article on the Knowledge Shelf called  Strategic Lessons Learned from a Battle-Hardened Project Manager.

Stay Tuned!