President’s Message – Kim Collins

Spring Cleaning Your Project Management Practices

The days are getting longer, we are all starting to get that spring fever and everyone is stocking up on Zyrtec and Claritin. Just like we declutter our homes, our professional toolkits can benefit from a thorough spring cleaning as well. April always presents the perfect opportunity to refresh our project management practices and learn a few new tricks of the trade.

Think about the projects you've managed over the past year. What worked? What didn't? Now’s the time to dig in and evaluate your processes.

1. Declutter Your Documentation:

Are your digital files a tangled mess? Start by organizing your project documentation. Create a logical folder structure, archive outdated materials, and ensure that essential documents are easily accessible for you and your teams.

2. Streamline Your Communication:

Communication breakdowns are a common project pitfall. Review your communication channels. Are you using the most effective tools? Are your meetings productive? Do you have a standardized communication plan to ensure everyone is on the same page?

4. Automate and Innovate:

Look at your repetitive tasks. Are there opportunities for automation? Explore new project management tools and technologies that can streamline your workflows. This could include using AI for task assignment, try out PMI infinity.

5. Reflect, Refine and Upskill:

Don't forget to reflect. Conduct lessons learned sessions and identify areas for improvement. Encourage your team to share their insights. Use these insights to refine your processes and build upon your successes. It’s also a great time to invest in your professional development. Consider taking a course, attending a chapter meeting, lunch and learn or a webinar, or start your journey to pursue a new certification.

This April, the FWPMI board committed to refreshing and streamlining some of our practices. We are updating our tech stack and adding new and improved software to better serve and communicate with our community. We have been reflecting on our past meetings and events and working on ways to improve and better engage with our members. And overall, we are working to cultivate a more organized and effective approach to project management within our chapter.

Spring cleaning your project management practices is more than just a task; it's an investment in your future success. By taking the time to declutter, streamline, and innovate, you can ensure that your projects bloom with efficiency and success.