As a long-time, self-described zealot for the importance of project managers developing as leaders, imagine how excited I was to learn about a conference devoted to just this topic! I’ve written at length in this blog (Learning to Lead in the Project Focused World and others) and even offered up my e-book, Leadership and the Project Manager, in support of this concept.
I’m even more excited to be a part of the conference as a guest keynote as the Project Leadership Forum kicks-off on Thursday in Harrisburg, PA.
From the release: The 2010 forum focuses on how to increase projects’ ROI by using leadership practices to influence results and reduce failure rates.
I suppose in true zealot fashion, if I were writing the release, I might trumpet something to the effect that great project managers….that have developed and practice as effective leaders are THE X factor in project success!
I might go on to talk about the remarkable opportunities that firms have to create value, improve performance, improve the effectiveness of strategy execution, grow talent, foster learning and innovation and cure several other common managerial and organizational ailments if they develop effective project leadership cultures.
And finally, I would likely challenge executives to wake-up and recognize and support the opportunities to improve in this area, and I would cheer on project managers to seize the day and grow their careers and increase their value to their firms by developing as leaders.
Of course, to hear all of that and much more, you would have to join us in Harrisburg, PA at the University on Thursday, May 11. The line-up of guests, case studies and break-out sessions is certain to inspire and motivate anyone that is interested in strengthening project performance!
Congratulations to the great professionals at Harrisburg University for recognizing the value in this important topic and to Jennifer Reiner, the Director of Strategic Program Management and the team for devoting their energy to producing this exciting event!