This week, over 700 volunteer leaders from PMI's chapters, specific interest groups (SIGs) and colleges will gather in Denver, Colorado, USA for the last PMI Leadership Institute Meeting of the year.
PMI's Leadership Institute program offers volunteer leadership development that incorporates focused, disciplined training opportunities in both virtual and face-to-face settings. Association governance, individual "soft skills" and PMI organizational knowledge are the keystones of the program.
This Leadership Institute Meeting is by far the largest we have ever hosted and exceeds the attendance of some of PMI's global congresses. Thank you to the volunteers who have all taken a role to build and execute all four of this year's meetings. We met with success in Sydney, Australia; Malta; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and now Denver. What a team!
In planning for the "LIM" (we love to make acronyms!), our team of staff and volunteers contemplated the effect the economy and recent financial downturns would have on our attendance. In tough economic times, individuals and families attempt to shave costs and reduce spending. They will, however, hold onto what they value, whether it is a meal at a favorite restaurant, an annual getaway or career development opportunities.
At a time when there is much uncertainty about what will happen next, PMI is right there with its members and practitioners, constantly defining and redefining the value that draws people to our organization. For as much as you consider what is happening around you, so does PMI. And that is one reason why the higher-than-ever attendance at this week's LIM both surprised and didn't surprise me.
I was surprised that many leaders had opted to travel when travel is usually one of the first things that individuals and companies will cut. In addition, I have heard some individuals say they are staying at work for fear of not having a job should they leave for a couple of days.
Yet, a strong contingent of PMI volunteer leaders is drawn to Denver from as far away as Russia, Pakistan, Australia, Jamaica, Israel, Brazil and Nigeria. I am always impressed with the lengths that people will travel--physically and psychologically--to attend PMI events.
What didn't surprise me is the commitment that these leaders make, to their professional, to their PMI chapters, SIGs and colleges, and to themselves.
When I orient new staff to the volunteer community, I try to describe the personality culture. You know how there are A-type personalities and B-type personalities? Well, PMI's volunteer leadership is "Triple A!" They are so passionate about what they do within PMI, volunteering in their spare yet shrinking time, for no money, while balancing life, family, career and more.
They see the value that leadership training and volunteer experience will deliver to them. It comes in the form of new jobs, speaking and presentation opportunities for other PMI communities, and testing one's own ability to lead while building the skills and tools to succeed.
The volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization, no doubt about that.
PMI's Leadership Institute program offers volunteer leadership development that incorporates focused, disciplined training opportunities in both virtual and face-to-face settings. Association governance, individual "soft skills" and PMI organizational knowledge are the keystones of the program.
This Leadership Institute Meeting is by far the largest we have ever hosted and exceeds the attendance of some of PMI's global congresses. Thank you to the volunteers who have all taken a role to build and execute all four of this year's meetings. We met with success in Sydney, Australia; Malta; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and now Denver. What a team!
In planning for the "LIM" (we love to make acronyms!), our team of staff and volunteers contemplated the effect the economy and recent financial downturns would have on our attendance. In tough economic times, individuals and families attempt to shave costs and reduce spending. They will, however, hold onto what they value, whether it is a meal at a favorite restaurant, an annual getaway or career development opportunities.
At a time when there is much uncertainty about what will happen next, PMI is right there with its members and practitioners, constantly defining and redefining the value that draws people to our organization. For as much as you consider what is happening around you, so does PMI. And that is one reason why the higher-than-ever attendance at this week's LIM both surprised and didn't surprise me.
I was surprised that many leaders had opted to travel when travel is usually one of the first things that individuals and companies will cut. In addition, I have heard some individuals say they are staying at work for fear of not having a job should they leave for a couple of days.
Yet, a strong contingent of PMI volunteer leaders is drawn to Denver from as far away as Russia, Pakistan, Australia, Jamaica, Israel, Brazil and Nigeria. I am always impressed with the lengths that people will travel--physically and psychologically--to attend PMI events.
What didn't surprise me is the commitment that these leaders make, to their professional, to their PMI chapters, SIGs and colleges, and to themselves.
When I orient new staff to the volunteer community, I try to describe the personality culture. You know how there are A-type personalities and B-type personalities? Well, PMI's volunteer leadership is "Triple A!" They are so passionate about what they do within PMI, volunteering in their spare yet shrinking time, for no money, while balancing life, family, career and more.
They see the value that leadership training and volunteer experience will deliver to them. It comes in the form of new jobs, speaking and presentation opportunities for other PMI communities, and testing one's own ability to lead while building the skills and tools to succeed.
The volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization, no doubt about that.
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