I anticipate the New Year while I marvel at the difference a fresh coat of paint makes – it sounds obvious to make a small change to see great results, but no change happens without having an idea, determining the requirements, establishing a team, estimating the cost versus benefits and then actually executing the plan. Sound familiar? We use our project management skills in everything we do.
PMI is a unique organization in that it serves to elevate our profession and provide resources to improve our individual skills. It is also a great source of camaraderie, personal development, professional fellowship, and a way to give back to our communities.
It is my honor and privilege that you have elected me to serve as your 2015 Chair leading our local PMI Atlanta chapter. I have volunteered with PMI Atlanta for 9 years. I became a volunteer because I had been laid off from work and I needed to build my network and improve my PM skills. I volunteer a lot, and have volunteered with some organizations for over 10 years. It’s easier for me to get involved than to ask for help – if I know what is going on and how something works, then I know who to talk to – I used to think it was a way to help myself and show how resourceful I am. That’s certainly a benefit, but something else happened during my experience volunteering for PMI Atlanta…1) I started getting unique opportunities that I wasn’t getting at work; 2) I started having professional contacts that I never would have met anywhere else; 3) I made friends – real friends, not just professional acquaintances; and finally, I began to make a difference in areas that I did not know I held such influence!
You don’t have to take the volunteer path to get similar benefits to those I have gotten from volunteering – our Chapter offers you 8-10 unique events a month where you are exposed to trends, thought leaders, tools and professional peers. There are multiple opportunities each month to increase your professional network, improve your skills, build your resource knowledge and stay current with trending tools.
Like changing the color of the wall, a small effort can gain lasting positive results. PMI leadership volunteers and I have some ideas to make changes in 2015 – there will be additional networking events, expanded career management opportunities and introduction of a Project Manager of the Year award. What else do you want to see in 2015? What do you value as a member?
Please share with me your ideas to improve the events we offer you!
• What can we do to further elevate our profession and place in our community?
• How can your local chapter better serve your needs to become a more skilled project management professional?
I want your input!
Contact me at chair@pmiatlanta.org with your ideas – what do you want your local chapter to keep doing, start doing and stop doing?
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Chair in 2015 – We are going to have a great year!