October 30, 2008 Vol. 1, Issue 10

The Project Management Institute (PMI) North American Congress, held in Denver in mid-October, reflected the growth of project management as a profession, writes Academy Director Dr. Ed Hoffman.

Having witnessed the evolution of project management as a profession over the last twenty-five years, it’s clear that interest in project management is exploding around the globe. Years ago there was just one annual PMI conference, whereas today they take place around the world. The North American congress hosted close to 4000 attendees, making it PMI’s largest gathering ever, another indicator of the hunger for knowledge about project management.

In his remarks to the congress, PMI Chief Executive Greg Balestrero offered some insights about the current landscape of project management. He noted that while cost is clearly paramount today, it is important not to lose sight of the need for quality and leadership; a one-dimensional focus on tracking cost will not result in better outcomes for our projects or for society.

General Colin L. Powell (Ret.), former U.S. Secretary of State, National Security Advisor, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered an incredibly inspiring keynote address to the conference. Looking back on his life in the military and at the Department of State, he noted that everything he had done could be looked at as a series of projects. Getting things done required focusing on people, being smart about resources. and dealing with uncertainty and complexity. He also spoke about the formative experiences of his early life, which instilled in him the importance of treating people with respect. He later came to view this as the key to successful leadership. It is a timeless lesson.

– Ed Hoffman