Elizabeth HarrinDirector| RebelsGuideToPM.comLondon, England, United Kingdom
Since becoming a parent earlier this year I've been writing a bit on my blog about how my project management skills overlap with the things I need to learn/do as a new parent. I'm actually surprised at how much project management has prepared me for getting organised for going out for the day - making lists, checking off tasks etc!
I'm into Month 3 now and I'm still finding similarities. What would you say are the biggest transferable skills that you have taken from project management and applied in your family life? Saving Changes...
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Mark GripResource Associate - Project Management Office| Connecticut Department of LaborWethersfield, Ct, United States
I belive that project management fits into every aspect of our lives. If you think about it, it fits into just about everything from preping for dinner to planning a vaction, or a party. Saving Changes...
Mark GripResource Associate - Project Management Office| Connecticut Department of LaborWethersfield, Ct, United States
P.S. Congratulations on your new additon to your family. Saving Changes...
Wayne StriderVice President| Strider & Cline Inc.Kansas City, Mo, United States
Congrats Elizabeth! And I agree with Mark. The one thing that stands out for me that is transferable to life in general is this. A project plan is not the project. In other words there's what you plan and then there is what happens. The two don't always coincide. This idea comes from a favorite quote: "A map is not the territory." by Alfred Korzybski. Saving Changes...
Elizabeth HarrinDirector| RebelsGuideToPM.comLondon, England, United Kingdom
Ha! I certainly agree that what you plan and what you actually do are two different things when it comes to life with a small baby! Saving Changes...
Imran ManirSenior Project ManagerBurton On Trent, United Kingdom
Hi Elizabeth, congratulations on receiving the gift of parenthood! I'd like to mention the following transferable skills:
1] Leadership - Parents constitute the largest "grouping" of leaders.
2] Planning/Scheduling - if you thought third party contractors were challenging, you're own flesh and blood will put you through your paces! (Don't forget, your initial plan will not survive contact with your kids!)
3] Risk management - nothing is as risky as uncertain little 'uns
4] Issue management - trust me, there will be plenty of these!
5] Change management - kids will change their minds more often than you'll change their nappies!
6] Reviewing lessons learned!!
Parenting and PM may be very similar but I think you will discover you will learn new skills.
Each day will be an exciting adventure so; pause for reflection to savor the moments; listen for ques; be flexible; be patient; make time for yourself; organization is key; trust your intuition and be in the moment.
Enjoy your new family!
N. Saving Changes...
Elizabeth HarrinDirector| RebelsGuideToPM.comLondon, England, United Kingdom
