PMI Global Insights

By: Rose James, PMI-ACP, PMP

I had the privilege of presenting at Global Summit 2024 Los Angeles, an event that brought together project management professionals, thought leaders, and innovators from around the world. The summit was packed with inspiring keynote speakers, interactive exhibits, and countless networking opportunities. My presentation focused on exploring the essential qualities of effective leadership and offering tools and strategies for leaders to elevate their impact within their teams and organizations. 

Defining what truly makes a leader effective is more crucial than ever. Many professionals, especially in project management, struggle to understand the right balance of qualities, skills, and styles required to lead teams successfully. This lack of clarity can create roadblocks to productivity, engagement, and overall project success. 

My presentation addressed these challenges by introducing the TERA model as a framework for understanding and implementing effective leadership. We explored the neuroscience behind engagement and how leaders can leverage four key drivers—Tribe, Expectation, Rank, and Autonomy—to foster an environment where team members feel safe, motivated, and empowered to perform at their best. Attendees left with practical strategies to adopt these TERA drivers in their projects, enhancing collaboration, trust, and productivity. 

Key Takeaways

1. Understanding the Neuroscience of Engagement 

Central to effective leadership is the concept of engagement. Our brains are constantly assessing our environment for cues of safety and reward versus risk. When people feel safe and valued, they are more likely to engage, contribute, and innovate. Leaders who understand these principles can create conditions that encourage team members to give their best effort. 

2. Implementing the TERA Drivers 

The TERA model provides leaders with a practical framework for engaging their teams: 

• Tribe - Fosters trust and unity 

• Expectation - Provides clarity and sets clear goals 

• Rank - Ensures respect and values all contributions 

• Autonomy - Encourages initiative and ownership 

By focusing on these drivers, leaders can build an environment where individuals feel a sense of belonging, confidence, and empowerment. 

3. Adapting Leadership Styles

One size does not fit all when it comes to leadership. A successful leader knows when to shift between different styles—autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire, and transformational—depending on the context. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial for meeting the needs of diverse situations and team dynamics. 

4. Avoiding Leadership Pitfalls and Misconceptions

Many leaders fall into common traps, such as feeling the need to control every situation or thinking that authority alone defines leadership. My talk highlighted these misconceptions, reminding leaders that influence, empathy, and clear communication are often more impactful than authority alone. 

Q&A: Questions from Attendees 

During my presentation, I received some insightful questions from the audience. Although we didn't have time to address all of them during the session, I wanted to share my responses to a few of the most impactful questions. 

1. How does one know when and how to transition from one type of leadership style to the next? 

Transitioning between leadership styles requires awareness of the situation and an understanding of your team's needs. For example, in high-stakes scenarios with tight deadlines, an autocratic approach may be necessary to ensure quick decision-making. However, in more collaborative or innovative scenarios, a democratic or transformational style may be better suited to encourage team input and creativity. The key is to remain adaptable and tuned into the specific requirements of each situation. 

2. How can leaders foster psychological safety within their teams? 

Psychological safety is foundational to team engagement and productivity. Leaders can foster this by creating an environment where team members feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment or negative consequences. This can be achieved by encouraging open dialogue, validating team members' contributions, and actively listening to feedback. Additionally, demonstrating vulnerability and admitting mistakes as a leader can model behavior that makes it safe for others to do the same. 

3. What can leaders do to prevent burnout while maintaining high performance? 

Preventing burnout involves creating a balanced environment where team members feel supported while also being challenged. Leaders should encourage regular breaks, promote healthy work boundaries, and recognize individual efforts and achievements. Additionally, fostering a sense of autonomy can empower team members, allowing them to manage their tasks in a way that aligns with their personal strengths and work styles. High performance is best sustained when team members feel energized and valued, not overextended.

Closing Thoughts 

I had a fantastic time presenting at Global Summit 2024 Los Angeles with attendees from all over the world. The energy and curiosity in the room underscored just how important this topic is across industries. I hope the insights I shared help project managers and leaders cultivate environments that inspire trust, engagement, and productivity. 

If you're interested in learning more, the full presentation will be available on-demand through January 31, 2025. Visit Global Summit 2024 | Los Angeles for more details. 

By: Vinay Babu Tarala, PMP, PMI-ACP, DASSM

Recently, I had the privilege of presenting at Global Summit 2024 Los Angeles. The event brought together inspiring speakers, innovative exhibits, and invaluable networking opportunities. My presentation, Beyond Boundaries: The Artistry of Agile Ways of Working in the BANI Era, delved into adapting Agile practices to thrive in a world defined by its brittleness, anxiety, non-linearity, and incomprehensibility (BANI).

In the session, I discussed the key challenges project managers face in today's BANI landscape and offered practical strategies to adapt Agile methodologies to enhance flexibility, responsiveness, and resilience.

Project management professionals are increasingly navigating environments characterized by uncertainty, complexity, and volatility—hallmarks of the BANI world. My presentation addressed the urgent need to evolve Agile practices to meet these challenges, emphasizing the importance of adaptive, people-centric approaches.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace Adaptability: How Agile frameworks can be customized to meet the evolving needs of projects in a BANI world
• Mindset Shifts: The importance of a flexible, growth-oriented mindset in Agile practices to manage non-linear challenges
• Leveraging Technology: Integrating AI and predictive analytics to enhance decision-making and project insights

Audience Questions

During the session, I received insightful questions from the audience. Below, I share my responses to a few selected questions that highlight the core aspects of my presentation.

Question 1: How can project managers maintain stability in BANI environments?

Answer: Project managers can foster stability by prioritizing psychological safety within teams, encouraging experimentation, and developing a culture of continuous learning. By supporting flexible frameworks that can scale and shift as needed, managers can ensure that the team remains adaptable and resilient.

Question 2: What role does AI play in Agile project management in a BANI world?

Answer: AI has become essential in providing data-driven insights and predictive analytics, enabling project managers to make proactive decisions. In a BANI environment, AI tools can assist in risk management, workload balancing, and uncovering patterns that might not be immediately visible, allowing teams to stay one step ahead.

Question 3: How can Agile practices help reduce anxiety and incomprehensibility in complex projects?

Answer: Agile emphasizes incremental progress and transparency, which can reduce the overwhelming feeling of tackling large, complex projects. By breaking down work into smaller, manageable chunks and maintaining open communication, teams can more easily understand project goals and progress, which reduces anxiety.

Question 4: What advice would you give for incorporating Agile in highly regulated industries?

Answer: In regulated industries, Agile can still be effective by focusing on compliance as an integral part of each sprint. Collaborating with regulatory experts from the start, establishing clear compliance checklists, and including regulatory review within the Agile framework can ensure adherence to standards without sacrificing agility.

Question 5: How can project managers stay resilient amidst continuous change?

Answer: Resilience can be built by cultivating a culture of adaptability, where team members are encouraged to embrace change and view it as an opportunity for growth. Developing skills in stress management, promoting work-life balance, and practicing Agile retrospectives to reflect and improve also contribute to a resilient team.

Thank you for the engaging questions and for joining me at Global Summit 2024 Los Angeles. I look forward to continuing the conversation here and learning from fellow professionals on how we can push the boundaries of Agile in today's BANI world. For those who missed the session, the full presentation is available on demand through 31 January 2025. Visit Global Summit 2024 | Los Angeles for more details.

By: Tao Chun Liu, PMP, DASSM, MBA

Recently, I had the pleasure of presenting at Global Summit 2024 Los Angeles on September 21st, 2024, an exciting event filled with forward-thinking speakers, cutting-edge exhibits, and valuable networking opportunities. My session, AI-Driven Agility: Redefining Risk Management in Agile Teams, focused on how Generative AI (GenAI) is transforming risk management practices within agile teams.

I explored how GenAI helps generate essential documents for more informed decision-making, empowers product owners with prioritization insights for strategic decisions, and enhances key agile ceremonies like retrospectives to foster improved team dynamics and productivity.

A key part of the presentation was addressing how traditional risk management methods can be enhanced by integrating AI solutions, creating a sustainable and adaptive approach to risk management. I introduced four AI-driven tools that cover the entire spectrum of risk management—risk identification, risk analysis, planning risk responses, and implementing those responses. These tools enable teams to be more proactive, making informed decisions and quickly adapting to risks as they arise.

During my presentation, I received a lot of great questions that we didn’t get a chance to cover, particularly around the topic of Proactive Problem Solving. This concept highlights how AI can identify and address team challenges before they escalate. In my work, we’ve already implemented an AI robot, built on our internal database, to serve both clients and internal teams, which has proven effective in resolving team issues efficiently. We're also developing an AI agent designed to meet the evolving needs of our teams. By incorporating AI into team collaboration, we create sustainable project management solutions that continuously support decision-making, foster communication, and drive innovation.

It was a fantastic experience presenting and I’m excited to continue exploring how AI can revolutionize project management. For those who missed the session, the full presentation is available on demand through 31 January, 2025. Visit Global Summit 2024 | Los Angeles for more details.

By: Lisa DiTullio

Is it a fad?

The World Economic Forum indicates that over one billion people around the world will need to be reskilled by 2030. The Project Management Institute tells us that 25 million new project professionals are needed within the same time.

Business coaching isn't a fad – it's a necessity.

For project managers, coaching others has become an essential leadership skill, but do we know what a “project coach” looks like? Years ago, my success as a project manager was secured by knowing what needed to be done and doing my best to deliver. As I transitioned into leadership roles, I relied on my knowledge and acquired experience to guide my teammates on how they should get their work done or solve big problems. In other words, I would lead others by reproducing my previous successes. Not only was this approach self-serving, but it also didn’t allow my team members to fully shine on their own.

In today’s world of unrelenting change, the one thing we know is what succeeded in the past may no longer work. Today’s business environment is a tornado of rapid, constant, and disruptive change, making business coaching more important than ever. To succeed in our new reality, we must adopt new ways to challenge team members, so they flourish and grow. With so much to do and so little time, how do project managers successfully stretch and develop others while getting the work done? It happens through the art of asking versus telling, and by acquiring keen listening skills.

While the practice is a dramatic and fundamental shift in traditional leadership behavior, it can be easily learned. In this three-day immersive learning experience, you will switch your mindset and your behavior from telling to asking. Instead of telling team members what to do, you will develop skills on how to ask the “right” questions to team members who are stuck or looking for answers. By adopting coaching techniques, you will encourage new thinking and creativity by challenging individuals to come up with the answers or ideas for themselves, including team members who appear to be difficult to coach. Why is this so valuable? Because it builds their self-confidence, develops new skills, and frees up your time.

Interested in learning more about training specifically developed by project management experts for project managers in a small group setting? Explore upcoming sessions on the PMI Training website and learn more about my upcoming virtual session, The Complete Project Coach, taking place from 19 – 21 November.

By: Dr. Éamonn Kelly, PMP

The Global Summit was an incredible experience, a whirlwind of learning, networking, and inspiration. Beyond the keynotes and presentations, it was the human connections that truly made the event unforgettable.

As a volunteer on the Professional Awards Insight Team, one of the most rewarding aspects was meeting the winners of the Project of the Year and Rising Leader awards. Having followed their journeys from application to presentation, it was incredibly fulfilling to finally celebrate their achievements face-to-face. The genuine joy and pride in their eyes were infectious and a powerful reminder of the impact project management has on individuals and the world.

Global Summit provided countless opportunities to engage with fellow practitioners from all walks of life. Sharing experiences and insights with those just starting their project management journey was particularly gratifying. It underscored the importance of mentorship and community support in nurturing the next generation of project leaders.

And then there was the unexpected reunion with Linda, a dear friend I hadn't seen in two decades! The emotions were overwhelming, a testament to the enduring bonds forged through our shared passion for project management. This chance encounter highlighted the power of the PMI community to connect individuals across time and distance.

These personal interactions, the shared laughter, the exchanged knowledge, and the rekindled friendships, were the true highlights of the Global Summit. They painted a vibrant picture of a passionate and supportive community dedicated to advancing the art and science of project management.

If you're looking to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from seasoned professionals, and be inspired to make a difference, I highly encourage you to engage with PMI on a deeper level. Attend a local chapter meeting, participate in online forums, or volunteer your time and expertise. You won't be disappointed. The PMI community is a treasure trove of knowledge, support, and camaraderie, waiting to welcome you with open arms.