PMI UK Chapter - A Past-Presidents Perspective.

More Synergy News!!

What is Synergy?

For the past five years the PMI UK Chapter has been successfully running an International Project Management Day event to recognise the success of the Profession and to celebrate Project Management.  Synergy will continue in this tradition and be held on International Project Management Day in 2011, Thursday 3^rd November.  On that same day other events will be being held all over the world.  We hope these events will share in our celebration and through a variety of media participate with us.

Synergy 2011 will take celebrating the Project Management profession to a whole new level.  We have secured an iconic Central London venue, IndigO2.  The venue can accommodate almost two thousand people and we want to fill it with Project Managers, yes you heard right, an iconic Central London venue filled with Project Managers. 

 

So what makes Synergy different?

 

The event is inclusive.  We want employers, professional bodies, academic institutions, government and of course practicing Project Managers to come together in recognition of the contribution we make as a Profession.  Thus far we have had expressions of interest from the International Project Management Day movement, Project Management Institute, APM Group and IIBA as well as a number of large corporations.

Whilst being organised by the PMI United Kingdom Chapter we hope to benefit the professional at large.  We truly hope all elements of the profession will wish to participate.  We have made it our business to ensure the event is as inclusive as possible.  Given the global dimension to PMI we expect to attract participants from all over the globe, including the PMI executive leadership team, global Board of Directors and in excess of 200 Chapters worldwide.

The event is a celebration.  Synergy will highlight the value of Project Management and the impact it has when put to use effectively.  A number of organizations are currently seeking to raise the level of professionalism specific to their Project Management capability – a theme that we will keep coming back to throughout the day.  Syenergy is not ‘just another conference’, in fact it’s not a conference at all rather it’s a landmark occasion aimed at celebrating the Project Management profession.  This is important as we wish to make the day truly memorable.

The event is accessible.  Traditionally Project Management conferences have been costly affairs running into hundreds, if not thousands of pounds.  We aim to challenge this model and charge much less, but offer much, much more.  We expect ticket prices to be in the region of £50 per person.  For us this is not about profit, it’s about putting something back into the profession of which we are all a part.  Through a combination of professional and personal networks we are confident we will be able to offer an unparalleled bill of speakers and acts from the UK and overseas, acts that inspire, and speakers that truly make us proud to be Project Managers, both of which only a global organisation such as ours can attract.

The event is unique.  The format of the event ensures the audience will enjoy the day rather than ‘endure’ it.  Speakers from the Project Management profession and Industry at large will be combined with entertaining acts that portray key elements of Project Management.  Further we have plans to undertake something never done before - more later.

The event is ‘glocal.’  The fact that the event is part of a wider network of events ensures a global dimension to the event, so global.  The fact that it is being organized by the UK Chapter ensures a local flavor, hence glo-cal.  The vision is that the event will be a hub for the activities being organized to celebrate International Project Management Day 2011.  Picture a video wall beaming in representatives from PMI Chapters world-wide and you won’t be far wrong.

Who should come?

 The event is aimed at anyone who wishes to celebrate Project Management as a profession.  The unique nature of the event combining entertainment with education mean we anticipate attracting a diverse audience all of whom have one thing in common – their love of the Profession.  Clearly the event is particularly relevant to those who are practicing project managers or wish to understand the nature of the profession better.

Sponsor Opportunities?

As you can see we have big plans and in order to ensure we are able to realise these ambitions we will need the support of our partners so if you are at all interested in learning more about how you and your organization can get involved then reach out and one of the team will be only too happy to speak with you in detail. 

The PMI UK Chapter is a not-for-profit organization and thus we are heavily dependent upon the support of our sponsors.  We are currently seeking a variety of sponsors including headline and associate conference sponsors.  A variety of other packages, including a VIP package aimed at entertaining clients are also available.

We are currently seeking our Diamond Sponsor.  As the Diamond Sponsor, your organisation will be the overall conference sponsor. This special opportunity will enable your organisation to show genuine support and commitment to the perpetuation of excellence within Project Management in the UK.

Synergy 2011 Venue (unofficially) Announced

Just a very brief post to wish everyone a fantastic New Year! and share a word to the wise that we have secured IndigO2 as the venue for Synergy 2011 - #excited! ....much more to follow!

Calling all Budding Project Management Authors!

I'm in the process of writing a book - you heard it here first!  I particularly like the idea of gathering the collective wisdom of 3000 odd Chapter members and distilling it down into a series of anecdotal examples of Project Management gone bad (or indeed good).  Here are some examples to get your juices flowing:

1. Always work with Children and Animals.

2. Ninja Architecture.

3. The Project Conscience.

4. Process is for Wimps.

5. The Salmon-Leap Method.

Get the idea? You are invited to contribute to this list and those shortlisted by way of public vote will be considered for inclusion in the book.  Please include your comments here, or on the sister Linked-In Page.

Exciting Chapter Opportunities! Read On!

Check out these really exciting opportunities to get involved with the PMI UK Chapter. We have some ambitious plans for the next 12months and are recruiting a number of new roles (some of them paid!) to support these. If you have been looking for a chance to get involved with the development of the Project Management profession in the United Kingdom there is no better time!

The PMI UK Chapter are delighted to announce two vacancies both of which present exciting opportunities to work with the Chapter over the next 12 months during what is likely to prove to be one of the most exciting periods for the Chapter in some time. Specifically the two roles for which we are keen to invite both applications and informal enquiries are:

1 - Project Manager - PMI UK Corporate Council (voluntary role)

This newly created post requires the individual to work closely with the Chapter President, Director of Outreach and PMI EMEA organisations. The Project Manager will be responsible for the successful implementation and effective running of the newly formed PMI UK Corporate Council. The Corporate Council has been established with a number of goals in mind, specifically:

• To advise PMI UK Chapter as to areas of mutual benefit, development and particular interest.
• To share knowledge for the benefit of Member organisations and the wider PMI membership.
• To recommend the UK Chapter PMI 'Project of the Year' nominee.
• To represent the UK Project Management Profession within the global PMI organisation.
• To work with PMIEF (PMI Educational Foundation) to identify opportunities to develop tomorrow's Project Managers.

Initial interest in the Council has been extremely high and we are delighted to have a number of influential organisations amongst the initial membership. These organisations have already committed their involvement and identified a member of the senior management team to attend the inaugural meeting currently being planned for early 2011. The person appointed to this role will be expected to work very closely with the Council members, initially to agree the terms of reference for the Council and thereafter to manage it's development. The Corporate Council is a key part of the Chapter's strategy to develop closer a closer working relationship with major stakeholders across the Project Management profession e.g. employers, universities and government agencies.

Ideally candidates for this role should have considerable experience of working at a Senior Management level. Further the candidate should be able to demonstrate a proven track record in the field of Project/Programme Management. Whilst extensive knowledge of PMI is desirable this is by no means necessary. Most importantly the individual should be passionate about the development of the Project Management profession in the United Kingdom and be willing to approx invest 2/3days per month. As the Project Manager will be expected to actively contribute during the course of Council Meetings previous facilitation experience/excellent communication skills are preferred.

Whilst this is a voluntary role it is a significant opportunity to influence the development of Project Management in the UK. All reasonable expenses associated with the role will be paid.  Anyone interested in this role should in the first instance contact the UK Chapter Office via service@pmi.org.uk.

2 - PMI UK Chapter -Business Development Manager (fixed term contract)

This is a particularly exciting role and one of the few occasions the Chapter have agreed to employ an individual as opposed to relying entirely upon our hard working community of volunteers - a clear indication as to the ambitions we have for the Chapter in the coming months. The role is aimed at working closely with our key partners, sponsors and exhibitors in order to ensure the Chapter is able to attract sufficient revenue to fund the bold plans we have to develop the Chapter over the coming 12 months. We anticipate this revenue to come from a variety of sources including ongoing sponsorship of the Chapters work, support for specific events and advertising opportunities we are able to offer through a variety of channels. As a not-for-profit all income generated through this work will be used to fund the work of the Chapter.

It will be the responsibility of the Business Development Manager with the support of the Chapter Board to develop our existing relationships and identify new organisations keen to support our work. We also expect the Business Development Manager to work closely with our current Marketing Director to develop the Chapter's overall value proposition and to promote this to our current partners and prospective sponsors. Whilst some cold calling is required the majority of these opportunities are likely to be generated from our existing network.

Candidates for this role are required to be self employed and will be appointed on a fixed term contract basis. We expect the initial commitment to be in the region of 2 days/week for a 3-6 month term following which we plan to review the success of this new role. Previous sales experience will be required. Salary to be negotiated based on skills and experience. The role is home based with all travel related expenses paid. This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking for a challenging part time role offering very flexible hours.

Anyone interested in this role should in the first instance contact the UK Chapter Office via service@pmi.org.uk.

Our Collective Wisdom.

Not sure this will become a regular thing but as they pop into my head, I thought why not throw them up here.  All contributions welcome.  Perhaps if we come up with enough we can write a book of collective wisdom!  And todays is.... "best practice should be shared and not bought"

or for those of you that prefer Dilbert..."I  love deadlines. I especially like the whooshing sound they make as they go flying by."

 

Newsletter Update: A sneak preview!

Apologies for the slight delay in the publication of this newsletter, as per usual down to the late arrival of my contribution holding up proceedings.  I have been holding off in the hope that I may have some very exciting news to share concerning Synergy 2011 - more of which later.  First of all I would like to extend a very hearty congratulations and well earned thanks to all those involved in the 2010 International Project Management Day which was hosted by Microsoft earlier this month.  For those that were able to make the event I am sure you will agree it was a magnificent success and builds on the tremendous achievements of previous years.  I would like to extend my thanks and those of the Board to the entire organising committee, particularly this years Project Manager Penny Farrar.  I would also like to thank the hosts Microsoft, our other sponsors and the speakers who all contributed to making the day so successful.  Once again I would like to highlight the fact the IPM Day 2010 was free to attend as compared to the not inconsiderable costs involved in attending similar events of this kind.  The fact we are uniquely placed to be able to offer events in this way is very important to the Chapter.

 

As has become customary I would like to use this opportunity to provide a brief update on some of the exciting initiatives that we have planned for the coming months and in particular look ahead to 2011.  As is usual we will have a number of Board members leaving us at the end of December when their terms comes to an end and whilst we will all be sorry to see them go we will also have a number of new faces joining us and to that end I would like to extend a warm welcome to Neil Coutts who will be joining us as Director of Membership.  I hope to convince a couple of the existing Board due to step down to remain with us given we have such exciting plans for 2011 and will hopefully be able to say more on this in a later edition.  On that note I was flattered to be asked by the Board to remain in post for a further 12months in order to oversee some of our exciting plans so I fear you will have to put up with me for at least a further 12months.  We have however set in train some organisational changes including the creation of a vice-president role to ensure we improve succession planning.

 

In previous articles I have mentioned the fact we have been keen to establish a PMI UK Corporate Council.  Well I am delighted to be able to announce that we have recruited far more organisations that we had hoped possible for the initial meeting that will take place early in the New Year.  The focus of this initial meeting will be on ensuring a clear terms of reference for the Council and ensuring that it is well placed to influence the development of the Project Management Profession in the UK.  I hope to invite a couple of guest speakers to the initial meeting to share some of the key emerging themes within the UK Project/Programme Management space.  The creation of the council forms a landmark in the progress of the Chapter towards developing closer relations with the UK and global organisations that have such a significant impact on how we manage projects here in the United Kingdom.

 

Last but not least I would like to share the latest news concerning Synergy 2011.  Synergy 2011 is the event we are planning for International Project Management 2011 which falls on Thursday 3rd November 2011 - mark your diary!  Synergy 2011 will take celebrating the Project Management profession to a whole new level.  We have secured an iconic Central London venue that can accommodate literally thousands of people and we want to fill it with Project Managers, yes you heard right, an iconic Central London venue filled with Project Managers.  We want employers, professional bodies, academic institutions and of course practicing Project Managers to come together in recognition of the contribution we make as a Profession.  I am delighted at the level of interest already shown in the event and would like to take this opportunity to share some of our plans with you in the hope that you too will begin to feel the same sense of excitement.

 

Synergy is not ‘just another conference’, in fact it’s not a conference at all rather it’s a landmark occasion aimed at celebrating the Project Management profession.  This is important.  Whilst being organised by the PMI United Kingdom Chapter we hope to benefit the professional at large.  We truly hope all elements of the profession will wish to participate be it Professional Bodies, Corporations, Government, Education or Individuals.  We have made it our business to ensure the event is as inclusive as possible.  Given the global dimension to PMI we expect to attract participants from all over the globe, including the PMI executive leadership team, global Board of Directors and in excess of 200 Chapters worldwide.  For us to achieve this we plan to host the event at an instantly recognisable, iconic London venue.  We plan to announce the venue in a press release shortly and there will be accompanied by a marketing campaign aimed at raising the Project Management professions profile so watch this space!

 

Traditionally Project Management conferences have been costly affairs running into hundreds, if not thousands of pounds.  We aim to challenge this model and charge much less, but offer much, much more.  For us this is not about profit, it’s about putting something back into the profession of which we are all a part.  An iconic venue, world class speakers and an unparalleled opportunity to celebrate the profession are all important ingredients.  Through a combination of professional and personal networks I am confident we will be able to offer an unparalleled bill of speakers and performances from the UK and overseas, acts that inspire, speakers that truly make us proud to be Project Managers, both of which only a global organisation can attract.

 

For the past five years the UK Chapter has been successfully running an International Project Management Day event to recognise the success of the Profession and to celebrate Project Management.  Synergy will continue in this tradition and be held on International Project Management Day in 2011, Thursday 3^rd November.  On that same day other events will be being held all over the world.  We hope these events will share in our celebration and through a variety of media even participate.

 

As you can see we have big plans and in order to ensure we are able to realise these ambitions we will need the support of our members so if you are at all interested in learning more about how you and your organisation can get involved then reach out and one of the team will be only too happy to speak with you in detail.  I hope I have been able to give you at least some sense of the excitement we are feeling about our 2011 plans.  If so why not consider getting involved?  Best....

Synergy 2011 - Passion at Work!

My open letter to wet the appetite....

I am delighted that you have expressed a keen interest in Synergy 2011 as its success is very important to both the PMI UK Chapter Board and me personally.  I would like to take this opportunity to share some of our plans with you in the hope that you too will begin to feel the same sense of excitement.

 Synergy is not ‘just another conference’, in fact it’s not a conference at all rather it’s a landmark occasion aimed at celebrating the Project Management profession.  This is important.  Whilst being organised by the PMI United Kingdom Chapter we hope to benefit the professional at large.  We truly hope all elements of the profession will wish to participate be it Professional Bodies, Corporations, Government, Education or Individuals.  We have made it our business to ensure the event is as inclusive as possible.

The PMI UK Chapter is a not-for-profit volunteer-led organisation with almost 3,000 members; we are run by Project Managers for Project Managers.  We are Chartered by the worlds largest Professional Body for Project Managers, the Project Management Institute with some 400,000 members world-wide.  In total there are over 5,000 PMI members in the United Kingdom. 

Given the global dimension to our organisation we expect to attract participants from all over the globe, including the PMI executive leadership team, global Board of Directors and in excess of 200 Chapters worldwide.  For us to achieve this we plan to host the event at an instantly recognisable, iconic London venue.

Traditionally Project Management conferences have been costly affairs running into hundreds, if not thousands of pounds.  We aim to challenge this model and charge much less, but offer much, much more.  For us this is not about profit, it’s about putting something back into the profession of which we are all a part.

An iconic venue, world class speakers and an unparalleled opportunity to celebrate the profession are all important ingredients.  Through a combination of professional and personal networks I am confident we will be able to offer an unparalleled bill of speakers and performers from the UK and overseas, acts that inspire, speakers that truly make us proud to be Project Managers, both of which only a global organisation can attract.

For the past five years the UK Chapter has been successfully running an International Project Management Day event to recognise the success of the Profession and to celebrate Project Management.  Synergy will continue in this tradition and be held on International Project Management Day in 2011, Thursday 3^rd November.  On that same day other events will be being held all over the world.  We hope these events will share in our celebration and through a variety of media even participate.

We are planning something unique, something that very few organisations have attempted in the past and something we are confident will be a resounding success.  I hope I have been able to give you a flavour of what we have in mind and inspired you to be a part of what I expect to be a memorable occasion for all involved.

 Should you wish to know more the team will be only too happy to address any of your questions.  I’m equally happy to discuss your involvement in much more detail. In the meantime I wish you and your organisation every success both now and in the future.

You can register your interest here: http://bit.ly/8Yqrp0

Synergy 2011

It's been all together too long since I last posted anything here, but a number of exciting events affecting the Chapter have prompted me to jot down a few lines at least.  Last week the UK Chapter Board agreed to invest a considerable amount of money in what we hope will become the largest Project Management event in Europe, if not world-wide - Synergy 2011.  We hope to run the event next November at an iconic London location to coincide with International Project Management Day (see http://www.internationalpmday.org/) The event is intended to be a celebration of Project Management and we will be ensuring that costs are kept to a minimum so as many of the Project Management profession as possible can participate in this landmark event.  This is not something we are planning in order to make huge profits, but to provide a platform to raise the profile of the Profession here in the UK.  I will endeavour to post much more on this event over the coming weeks, but in the meantime we are embarking on a major marketing campaign to generate as much interest in the event as possible so please feel free to reach out to me or any other member of the Board.

In additional to Synergy 2011 we have also recently launched the PMI UK Chapter Corporate Council which we hope will become a real opportunity for major employers of Project Managers in the UK to work with the Chapter and PMI at large.  I am delighted with the level of interest that this has received and hope we will be able to host the innaugural meeting of the Council this year.  The Council is particularly exciting as it offers organisations in the UK a real opportunity to contribute to the development of PMI in the UK specifically.

Incidentally, I have noticed that there is an increasing trend for those involved with the Project Management profession to write a blog, perhaps I should start to give them something of a run for their money!  As a starter for ten, and as a recurring theme for future posts I will perhaps start to share my thoughts on my latest project, a Project Management manual entitled, 'Process is for Wimps'.  I invite anyone who happens to stumble on this article and is intrigued by the title to reach out and learn more.

Packed Midlands and North PMI Events Programme

The Midlands and North events calendar is now complete, with 6 events planned during 2010.  The next event is planned for March 18th and will be at Astra Zeneca's premises, just outside Manchester.  Howard Lees is back by popular demand following his appearance at IPM Day and is joined by Rob Cole, author of Brilliant Project Management - one of the best selling Project Management text books in the UK.  Howard has a fascinating perpsective on behavioural science and this presentation comes highly recommended for all those who are in the 'people business' and that includes most of us.  This is an evening event, staring at 18:00hrs. 

The remaining events during 2010 are planned for Nottingham, Cambridge, Gaydon (West Midlands) and Chelmsford.  ALL events during 2010 are hosted by organisations that support PMI in the UK for which we are extremely grateful.  Special mention should go to the event planned for September which is being hosted by Jaguar Landrover.  Not only is this a half-day event with some exciting speakers but includes free entry to the motor museum!  Further information can be found on all the 2010 events at www.pmi.org.uk.

The Power of Passion in Project Management

Starting to think I should be posting to a very different blog with titles like this and the last one!  Anyway, those of your who are members of the LinkedIn PMI UK Chapter Group may have spotted my discussion on Passion.  So it's also found itself on to here now!  It's a pet subject of mine and I'm keen to encourage debate as to it's place in the pecking order of project management success. 

Consider this - there are 2 teams, team A is passionate, driven, bags of energy, a will to suceed, but young and inexperienced.  Team B ? well on paper it's a no brainer, experienced, focused and hold every accreditation known to man - they are however, battle scarred and burnt out.  So which is it? Youth and excuberance (=passion?) or experience.  If it were a choice... is it A or B?  What would you do? A fascinating experiment awaits us....