Stephen RobinProject Analyst Trainee| Ministry of Works and TransportArima, Ari, Trinidad and Tobago
As it is apparent to any practitioner in the field, project management can and is applied to any industry and sector. From what is described as an art and science, a process, profession, skillset, and lifeskill.
Coming along to the matter at hand can project management be applied to an individual's daily and personal life?
How many of the variety of tools, techniques, and methodologies can be applied?
If one effectively applies project management to their daily and personal life, will it in turn aid in becoming a more effective and efficient project manager on the job? Saving Changes...
Stephen RobinProject Analyst Trainee| Ministry of Works and TransportArima, Ari, Trinidad and Tobago
Mar 29, 2022 6:44 AM
Replying to Sergio Luis Conte
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Time ago I delivered a course and workshops inside the PMi World Tour called "Project for everybody" where I help people to understand that everybody are performing project management from the time they wake up to the time they return to bed. The difference to do the same in organizations is the level of formality.
That sounds like a great initiative Sergio. I would love to know if the courses and workshops you delivered are accessible on the web in a video format or at least in a text format.
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1 reply by Sergio Luis Conte
Mar 30, 2022 6:31 AM
Sergio Luis Conte
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I do not know if the PMI has publised the PMI World Tour sessions.
Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Stephen,
good question again. My thoughts.
Though it is unique and has a start and an end, for me life is not a project (so there might be a flaw in the definition of a project). Being born, growing up, reproducing, getting older and passing away are phases (of life though). When we learn, are members of communities, overcome challenges we build wisdom and get better at tackling situations that arise.
Wisdom may be the final goal of everybody in their life.
Can we apply project management concepts, methods, tools and techniques to life? Absolutely. But it may not be enough to become wiser, as several colleagues mention in this threat. And we always have to select the best way out of the range of tools available to us in the specific situation. If a similar situation arises after some years, we might be able to chose a better tool, because we acquired it in the meantime.
Thomas Saving Changes...
Stephen RobinProject Analyst Trainee| Ministry of Works and TransportArima, Ari, Trinidad and Tobago
Extremely valuable insights Thomas.
Life is indeed not a project and not everything that can be projectized should be projectized. A lifelong journey that is finite in nature with an overemphasis on tools and methods sounds like something that could decrease your lifespan ;).
Everything should not be viewed as a task or assignment as it stifles the experience and the enjoyment of doing it.
Wholeheartedly agree that wisdom should be an end goal for most if not all of us.
I also get the gist where there is a line drawn between your professional and personal life. It can overlap in some areas but should not be merged.
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1 reply by Thomas Walenta
Mar 30, 2022 10:17 AM
Thomas Walenta
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Thanks Stephen,
now it gets a bit philosophical:
I see that our identities are created and modified by the cultures of all the communities we were part of and are part of. As we adapt to these cultures (or else are expelled). Communities (being related with others) start with your mother, father, inner family, Kindergarten pals, school class mates, teachers, first dates, drinking pals, sports groups, biker friends, church, doctors, your co-workers, bosses, your project team, customers, friends from other countries you traveled etc.
So there is no divide between private and professional life only, there are many divides, if you want to focus on these. But it is better to accept that it is rather a diverse set of experiences that make up your identity and determine your perspectives and decisions. So much about free will. Yes, there is an emotion to strive for autonomy, but we don't know what indeed influenced our particular decisions.
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Mar 29, 2022 2:29 PM
Replying to Stephen Robin
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That sounds like a great initiative Sergio. I would love to know if the courses and workshops you delivered are accessible on the web in a video format or at least in a text format.
I do not know if the PMI has publised the PMI World Tour sessions. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Mar 29, 2022 6:47 PM
Replying to Stephen Robin
...
Extremely valuable insights Thomas.
Life is indeed not a project and not everything that can be projectized should be projectized. A lifelong journey that is finite in nature with an overemphasis on tools and methods sounds like something that could decrease your lifespan ;).
Everything should not be viewed as a task or assignment as it stifles the experience and the enjoyment of doing it.
Wholeheartedly agree that wisdom should be an end goal for most if not all of us.
I also get the gist where there is a line drawn between your professional and personal life. It can overlap in some areas but should not be merged.
Thanks Stephen,
now it gets a bit philosophical:
I see that our identities are created and modified by the cultures of all the communities we were part of and are part of. As we adapt to these cultures (or else are expelled). Communities (being related with others) start with your mother, father, inner family, Kindergarten pals, school class mates, teachers, first dates, drinking pals, sports groups, biker friends, church, doctors, your co-workers, bosses, your project team, customers, friends from other countries you traveled etc.
So there is no divide between private and professional life only, there are many divides, if you want to focus on these. But it is better to accept that it is rather a diverse set of experiences that make up your identity and determine your perspectives and decisions. So much about free will. Yes, there is an emotion to strive for autonomy, but we don't know what indeed influenced our particular decisions.
Wow, I must say your take is very in-depth and provided needed clarity. Can't tell if I am talking to a project manager or a philosopher :). I took note that our life has many divides.
Reality is complex so it can't be grouped into two categories.
Our lived experiences are too broad and it is likely more than one that shapes your perspectives and decisions.
The article you published is also a great read. Suitable for anybody to digest.
Saving Changes...
Stephen RobinProject Analyst Trainee| Ministry of Works and TransportArima, Ari, Trinidad and Tobago
Mar 30, 2022 10:17 AM
Replying to Thomas Walenta
...
Thanks Stephen,
now it gets a bit philosophical:
I see that our identities are created and modified by the cultures of all the communities we were part of and are part of. As we adapt to these cultures (or else are expelled). Communities (being related with others) start with your mother, father, inner family, Kindergarten pals, school class mates, teachers, first dates, drinking pals, sports groups, biker friends, church, doctors, your co-workers, bosses, your project team, customers, friends from other countries you traveled etc.
So there is no divide between private and professional life only, there are many divides, if you want to focus on these. But it is better to accept that it is rather a diverse set of experiences that make up your identity and determine your perspectives and decisions. So much about free will. Yes, there is an emotion to strive for autonomy, but we don't know what indeed influenced our particular decisions.
Wow, I must say your take is very in-depth and provided needed clarity. Can't tell if I am talking to a project manager or a philosopher :). I took note that our life has many divides.
Reality is complex so it can't be grouped into two categories.
Our lived experiences are too broad and it is likely more than one that shapes your perspectives and decisions.
The article you published is also a great read. Suitable for anybody to digest. Saving Changes...
Sheila DavidsonProject Manager| Syracuse City School DistrictSyracuse, Ny, United States
Mar 29, 2022 6:44 AM
Replying to Sergio Luis Conte
...
Time ago I delivered a course and workshops inside the PMi World Tour called "Project for everybody" where I help people to understand that everybody are performing project management from the time they wake up to the time they return to bed. The difference to do the same in organizations is the level of formality.
I have given a presentation about "Better Living Through Project Management" which introduced the topic of project management by accessing it through planning a personal project. Saving Changes...
Peter RapinSubject Matter Expect; Project Delivery| Independent ConsultantOntario, Canada
I once knew a Quality Control guy. He worked for a relatively large firm in the Quality Management department His life was quality control - setting standards, measuring, documenting, variance analysis, reporting, identifying improvements, etc. He did quite well in his professional life however, applying his quality management techniques to his domestic life was another matter. He was fired after one year of marriage and I believe he remains detached.
All I'm saying is that maybe applying your professional skills to your personal, domestic or social life is not the best choice for some.
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3 replies by Kiron Bondale, Sheila Davidson, and Stephen Robin
Mar 31, 2022 8:37 AM
Kiron Bondale
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Nice - fired as a new euphemism for divorced!
I'd agree wholeheartedly with this caveat. My wife has frequently told me to "not project manage her"...
I once knew a Quality Control guy. He worked for a relatively large firm in the Quality Management department His life was quality control - setting standards, measuring, documenting, variance analysis, reporting, identifying improvements, etc. He did quite well in his professional life however, applying his quality management techniques to his domestic life was another matter. He was fired after one year of marriage and I believe he remains detached.
All I'm saying is that maybe applying your professional skills to your personal, domestic or social life is not the best choice for some.
Nice - fired as a new euphemism for divorced!
I'd agree wholeheartedly with this caveat. My wife has frequently told me to "not project manage her"...
Kiron
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1 reply by Sheila Davidson
Mar 31, 2022 9:11 AM
Sheila Davidson
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Perhaps that is the appropriate criteria here. We use our project management skills to manage projects not people and relationships. As for me, I could better use my skills on actual "projects" in my life that can help me get to my goals. As a general rule, though, if it isn't my project and I am not a key stakeholder, and I have not been asked for my professional insights then I don't jump in.
Saving Changes...
Sheila DavidsonProject Manager| Syracuse City School DistrictSyracuse, Ny, United States
Mar 31, 2022 8:37 AM
Replying to Kiron Bondale
...
Nice - fired as a new euphemism for divorced!
I'd agree wholeheartedly with this caveat. My wife has frequently told me to "not project manage her"...
Kiron
Perhaps that is the appropriate criteria here. We use our project management skills to manage projects not people and relationships. As for me, I could better use my skills on actual "projects" in my life that can help me get to my goals. As a general rule, though, if it isn't my project and I am not a key stakeholder, and I have not been asked for my professional insights then I don't jump in.
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1 reply by Stephen Robin
Mar 31, 2022 12:23 PM
Stephen Robin
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This is a good criterion Shelia. Use the skills for personal projects and your goals, career or otherwise. Managing relationships and people will come across as impersonal and abrasive.
The general rule also is effective, there isn't a necessity to get involved just because it is a project and you have the experience. Lunging at everything that is a project or seems like one could lead to severe burnout.
"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared."
