3 steps to finding a project management mentor
Walking out of the manager’s office, you’re excited to get your first project to manage. Now, you’re getting that sinking feeling in your mid-section. Your manager will help if asked despite their workload. What if you get stuck? The company methodology is a great process, but it doesn’t answer all your questions. A mentor or coach would be a big help. How to find someone?
Look within your company
First, look within your own company. Many companies have mentorship programs, even if they are not specific to project management. Ask your manager or the Human Resources department and finding a mentor may get easier. Talk with the representative that coordinates the program, describing your needs and questions. Hopefully, there is someone in the program that can meet those needs. If not, approach a few folks you think would make good mentors and ask that they join the program. If you can’t find someone to help in your company, or you would prefer not to have a mentoring or coaching relationship with someone in your company, consider approaching your local Project Management Institute (PMI) chapter.
Check out the Project Management Institute (PMI) meetings
PMI is an international association supporting the practice of Project Management. Most major cities in the United States have a local chapter and that local chapter often meets once per month. In some cities, there is a city-wide meeting periodically, and many smaller, more specialized meetings held in various areas of the city during the month. Most of these meetings are open to anyone paying the meeting fee, often just a few dollars. These meetings can be a treasure trove of talent as project managers attend to polish their skills, get information on the latest trends and earn PDUs toward their re-certification. Check with a member of the Board of Directors of the local chapter and ask about mentorship programs offered by the Chapter.
For new and aspiring project managers, attending PMI chapter functions is invaluable, especially if you are the only PM in your company. The meetings provide programs on various aspects of the practice and offer many volunteer opportunities for individuals to practice their skills. Getting to know other members of the organization could also lead to an informal mentoring or coaching relationship.
Investigate private mentoring
Not everyone has PMI or other association functions available to them or can make the time to attend. For these folks, hiring a coach or a mentor might be the best solution. Coaches can be found through referrals, or on the web. Many coaches offer a free few minutes to review your needs and to ensure there is good rapport. Although a PMI certification is certainly one aspect of a coach’s credentials, experience in the field may be more important. A conversation with a potential coach or mentor can tell if he or she is familiar with your situation and if they can be of service.
An independent coach has many advantages. If you’re the only PM at your company, a good coach can offer several ideas and solutions that may work, allowing you to choose the best approach. Coaches can give perspectives from different companies and situations they’ve handled. As the mentee, you can arrange times and meetings that fit your schedule, arranging as many meetings as you need.
On the downside, private mentoring or coaching does have a cost. Some companies cover these costs, knowing that a well-trained employee is worth more than the initial training outlay. Many companies do not invest in their employees, which usually means the employee must invest in themselves. In addition, the mentee must be able to judge their managers to determine what advice to implement. A coach can only suggest solutions, not implement those solutions.
For a new project manager, classes and on-the-job training only goes so far. Often, there are questions that can’t be answered by classes or teammates. A mentor or coach is often the difference between struggling to understand and succeeding wildly.
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