The Project Management Institute (PMI) has many different Special Interest Groups (SIGs) in order to meet the needs of its 250,000 members. PMI has asked the question:
What should be the curriculum if we had a Consulting Project Manager 101 Class?
Here are my thoughts:
- The book “Flawless Consulting” by Peter Block should be a primary text. It’s not only a practical book on how to become a consultant, but also an inspiring treatise on the importance of integrity and honesty. Block’s main point is that we have to bring our entire, authentic self to our consulting. I found this to be invaluable advice when I was starting out.
- I’d like to see a module on “How Teaching PM makes you a better PM Consultant.” I’ve become an adjunct faculty member at a local graduate school and have been amazed at how well teaching and consulting go together. I’m able to bring real world examples to the classroom, and I have all the language and techniques of PM at the top of my brain because I’ve just been teaching those concepts to students.
- How about a section on “You and Your PMI Chapter”? My local Chapter is a great resource for two reasons. First, the Chapter is helping to educate our local business community about the value of project management. Second, I get to network and brainstorm with local colleagues, which helps me to stay energized and excited.
- Legal Issues: we all need to be kept up to date on how to develop a good contract, what kind of insurance to maintain, and how to avoid incurring liability.
What else do should be part of the curriculum?