20Q: To Hire or to Train?

Q: Do you have any thoughts around what should be taught to someone interested in PM versus someone hired into that PM role?       

A:What a great question, and thanks for understanding that differentiator.  Typically, someone “hired into" the role of a project manager comes with an understanding that they know the basic project management principles.  Since it is assumed they have the baseline of project management knowledge, their training is focused on understanding the processes, tools and templates and the project environment that are unique to the hiring organization. Many times this type of education is done on-the-job, but I would also suggest that a strong on-boarding program focused on these areas for project managers new to the organization be considered.  As this more mature project manager gets a grasp on the project environment within the organization, then it becomes time to take a step back and look across the organization to start to determine where you think you have specific weaknesses in project execution and how can you shore those up with additional training.  Then you can start to take a look at competency assessments, and so on, to help determine the specific skill gaps.

In regards to those that have an “interest” in project management, I would strongly recommend immediately exposing them to the fundamentals of project management.  Getting the terminology down and understanding the process flow of good project management and all the components that have to be considered is critical for this group.  Giving this “new to project manager” group a baseline to build upon so they communicate effectively in the project environment is vital.  Once they get the fundamental education down, then giving them the opportunity to practice these new skills is very important.  When we develop career paths for many of the organizations we work with, we recommend that this level of employee practice their skills at a minimum of one year.

Also giving them specific projects where they have mentors built in to help them hone their skills will really help them a) ramp up their skills and b) help them decide if they are truly cut out of this type of role.

• Joni Brown-Irons, M.Ed., Managing Director
• Training - General