Written by Lakisia A. Jones, PMP

How do you empower Agile Teams? Those seeking answers to that question received the answer during the Agile Forum on August 18, 2015. The presenter for the evening was John Williams, Enterprise Agile/Scrum Coach, Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Certified Scrum Professional (CSP) and Certified Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Program Consultant (SPC). He shared the knowledge he has acquired over the last 10 years as an Agile coach. John began by asking, “How do you keep people motivated?” Attendees in the audience replied receiving compensation, to be told they are doing a good job, feeling like they are appreciated, receiving bonuses for hard work, and recognition. As the question was answered, the audience selected from an assortment of pipe cleaners. John explained that he learned a trick from a Scrum meetup at Lego Play that people tend to be more interactive and less confrontational when their hands are busy. So, for the remainder of the discussion the attendees were encouraged to make something interesting with the pipe cleaners while actively engaging in the discussion. John continued the discussion while the attendees listened, interacted, and made cool objects with the pipe cleaners.

PMI Atlanta is pleased to announce September’s Volunteer of the Month – congratulations, Eka Okonmkpaeto! For the past two years, Eka has served as the Lead for Technology Forums Registration. Among other reasons, she is being recognized for being a dependable lead for the industry forums and her ability to always ensure timely set up for the technology forums. We love Eka’s outlook on the project management profession – read more about it below and her beliefs about the ‘joy’ of volunteering.

Q. How did you become interested in the project management profession?
A. Oh that's simple... I saw and still see the project management profession as a field of career that never "sleeps" - it always changes and challenges people's old mind set of thinking and doing their businesses as usual. The project management profession is exciting and lively in that it breaks the walls and creates a 'culture of transparency'. It's all about connecting the dots through communication by requiring internal and external stakeholders to come together to focus on specific project objectives. As a result, effective teamwork is central to successful projects. This is why my interest in project management was aroused.

Q. What has been your favorite or most rewarding volunteer experience with PMI Atlanta?
A. I believe my favorite volunteer experience with PMI Atlanta is the opportunity to meet, see, and serve people with gladness in my heart and a smile on my face. Particularly, being part of the volunteer team for Tech Forum that sets up in the spirit of education and understanding - in that each scheduled speaker brings enlargement to our professional and/or personal awareness.

The Atlanta PMI Chapter has over 4,500 members and is guided by an Executive Board. The Board performs strategic planning, develops the chapter budget, procures services through contracts, and provides support and development to the Leadership Team, which in turn oversees the day-to-day operations.

The role of a Project Manager is synonymous with leadership.  Now there is an opportunity to become a Leader in your chapter and a Thought Leader for the profession.

In 2015, the PMI Atlanta membership will have the opportunity to elect three new members to the Executive Board. The positions include Vice Chair, Secretary and Director At Large (Director 3).

• Vice Chair Position Description
• Secretary Position Description
• Director-At-Large (Director 3) Position Description

Please download the Candidate Information Packet.  Below are the documents referenced in the form:

1. PMI Rules of the Board
2. PMI Conflict of Interest Policy
3. Campaign Rules and Guidelines
4. PMI Atlanta Chapter Bylaws
5. Executive Board of Directors Policies and Bylaws Compliance Form

Completed Candidate Information Packets are due by September 22nd at 11:59pm.

July shaped up to be one of the most eventful months for PMI Atlanta. Our volunteers put together FIVE events to catapult your career to the next level.

The month started with our annual Recruiter Panel. Mike Ososki, a Communications team member, captured the night in an article here.

The Industry Forums brought two panels to you: Agile and Governance. The Agile Panel, in true form, used Lean Coffee and Agile techniques to conduct the discussion. Lakisia Jones, an Agile Forum team member, summarizes the insight in an article here. The Governance Forum offered a panel discussing Careers in Project Management. This group of seasoned PMs, including 2 PMI Atlanta Past Presidents, gave their career experiences in a more intimate session.

Next, our teams offered Advanced LinkedIn Training with Dana Maggi, VP, Sr. Career Consultant at Lee Hecht Harrison, which included an opportunity to network with recruiters and peers. Dana brought a wealth of knowledge on how to increase your network and effectively market yourself by tweaking just a few settings and habits.

The month's finale was Speed Dating with Recruiters. This highly-requested event returned with many opportunities to make connections with the recruiter booths, find answers at the informal recruiter panel, and have one-on-one discussions during the namesake Speed Dating with Recruiters sessions, each lasting about 30 minutes each.

We have heard 7 people were placed in jobs last year. After the showing from recruiters, members, and guests, we anxiously await hearing the impact from this year’s energized participants.  If you have an experience you would like to share, please be sure to share it in our survey.