It can be difficult to keep improving when you are a full-time project manager. Your days are busy and there are more deadlines than you can count. Companies are not always supportive of their staff taking extended time off to learn. But you know deep down that if you are to move up, you need to learn new things. You feel that if you know more, you will be more valuable and able to earn more. While common strategies like taking courses and seeking feedback are essential, there are several niche ways to enhance your skills and stay ahead in your career. Here are some unique strategies to consider:

Don’t just expect results. Sometimes you have to go get them. Sometimes you have to go make them. ~ Peter McKinnon

1. Microlearning

Project managers often juggle multiple tasks, making time a precious commodity. Microlearning breaks down your learning into small batches spread throughout your week:

• Micro-courses: Enroll in short, specialized courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy to gain targeted knowledge quickly. You may spend as little as 10min per day on these. Some courses offer official certificates upon completion while others are less formal.

• Podcasts and Webinars: Regularly listen to industry-specific podcasts and attend webinars to stay updated with the latest trends and insights. The benefit of audio content is that you can listen while driving or working on other tasks which may not require your undivided attention. Think completing timesheets or cleaning up old emails.

• Books and Articles: Dive into niche books and articles that provide deep dives into specific topics of interest. Many of these are free or low cost. Industry associations often provide a wealth of articles online for free. They are often cutting-edge topics.

2. Skill Diversification

Success in the wicked world requires range, making connections across far-flung domains and ideas. ~ David Epstein

Diversifying your skill set can make you more adaptable and valuable:

• Cross-disciplinary Skills: Learn skills from related fields such as basic coding, data analysis, or financial management to broaden your expertise. Have a look at the top 5 skills you need for the next decade of work.

• Software Proficiency: Become proficient in niche project management tools like Asana, Trello, or MS Project to enhance your efficiency. The benefit is that you can quickly get more efficient in your work as you master the software.

• Soft Skills: Focus on developing soft skills such as negotiation, storytelling, and cross-cultural communication to improve team interactions and stakeholder management. These are just as important as the technical skills of project management.

3. Professional Networks

The most successful experts also belong to a community of practice, where they can exchange and refine knowledge. ~ David Epstein

Building a robust professional network can open doors to new opportunities and insights:

• Specialized Groups: Join professional groups or associations specific to project management, like the Project Management Institute (PMI).

• Mentorship: Find a mentor within your niche for personalized guidance and career advice.

• Networking Events: Attend niche conferences, trade shows, and workshops to connect with other professionals and stay updated with industry trends.

4. Practical Experience

Hands-on experience is invaluable for honing your skills:

• Freelance Projects: Take on freelance or side projects to gain practical experience and diversify your project portfolio. This may be tricky to do when time is limited, but at the very least, try to get access to documentation or meeting minutes from diverse projects. You can read these in your free time.

• Volunteer Work: Volunteer for projects or organizations within your niche (or outside of it) to gain experience and give back to the community. The great thing about volunteering in areas where you are not the expert is that you have the opportunity to learn from basic principles.

• Shadowing: Shadow a colleague or expert in your field to learn their techniques and processes firsthand. You can become an observer in several processes. You will have limited liability and pressure, but still learn vast amounts.

5. Advanced Certifications

Pursuing advanced certifications can significantly enhance your credibility and expertise. They may however be more expensive than smaller-scale options:

• Specialized Certifications: Obtain certifications relevant to your niche, such as PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) or Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).

• Accreditation Programs: Enroll in accreditation programs offered by professional bodies to validate your skills and knowledge.

6. Feedback and Reflection

Continuous feedback is key to personal growth. Feedback may be self-reflection or it may come from others. You will find that if you ask people to give you feedback, they will usually be happy to help. As your relationship gets stronger, they will give you more balanced feedback without fear of offending you. Here are some ways to get useful feedback:

• Regular Feedback: Actively seek feedback from supervisors, peers, and clients to identify areas for improvement.

• Self-assessment: Regularly assess your skills and progress to stay aware of your strengths and weaknesses. Try journaling as an effective way to learn more about yourself and your thoughts. Use specific journaling prompts to get you to reflect on specific topics.

• Performance Reviews: Use performance reviews to set specific, measurable goals and track your progress. Performance reviews are often seen more as an inconvenience, but they can be helpful if you put in the effort.

7. Innovation and Creativity

Embracing innovation can lead to more effective and efficient project management:

• Hackathons and Competitions: Participate in hackathons or industry competitions to challenge yourself and think outside the box. Consider setting up mini competitions and innovation days in your own workplace.

• Creative Thinking: Engage in activities that stimulate creative thinking, such as brainstorming sessions or creative writing.

• Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to experiment with new methods, tools, and techniques in your projects.

  
  

The development of deep expertise requires a lot of experimentation. ~ David Epstein

8. Global Perspectives

Understanding global trends and cultural nuances can enhance your effectiveness in managing diverse teams:

• International Courses: Take courses offered by international institutions to gain a global perspective.

• Cultural Competence: Learn about different cultures and their impact on project management to improve team cohesion and stakeholder relations.

• Global Trends: Stay updated with global trends and practices in project management to implement best practices in your projects.

9. Well-being and Balance

Maintaining well-being and balance is essential for sustained performance:

• Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques into your routine to stay focused and calm. Meditation, journaling, time in nature and physical activity are great options.

• Work-life Balance: Strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and maintain long-term productivity.

• Ergonomics: Optimize your workspace to enhance your physical health and work efficiency.

10. Tech-Savviness

Being tech-savvy can significantly enhance your project management capabilities:

• AI and Automation: Learn about AI and automation tools relevant to project management to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

• Cybersecurity: Gain knowledge of cybersecurity best practices to protect sensitive project data.

• Tech Trends: Stay informed about the latest tech trends and how they can be applied to your projects.

Conclusion

By incorporating these niche strategies into your professional development plan, you can continue to grow and excel as a project manager. Embracing continuous learning, diversifying your skills, and staying updated with global trends will ensure you remain at the forefront of your field.