Continuous Improvement
The importance of ongoing learning and development for project managers, including professional certifications and training.
Aspiring project managers often ask the question, “What does it take to become a successful project manager?” While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, one common characteristic among successful project managers is their commitment to continuous improvements. In this article we will explore the importance of ongoing learning and development for project managers, including the benefits of professional certifications and training.
Series
This blog is from a series of the 12 things you MUST master, to be the BEST, Project Manager, I just wish someone wrote them out for me at the start of my career.
What is Continuous Improvement?
Continuous improvement is the process of continually improving products, services, and processes or self disciplines, by identifying and eliminating blind spots, defects, waste, and inefficiencies. The same principle applies to project management. Project managers must continually strive to improve their skills, knowledge, and expertise to deliver successful projects.
Ongoing Learning and Development:
One way to achieve continuous improvement as a project manager is through ongoing learning and development. This involves investing in your personal and professional development by seeking out training and educational opportunities that will help you improve your skills and knowledge.
Professional Certifications and Training:
One of the best ways to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning and development as a project manager is by obtaining professional certifications. Professional certifications are a way to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and expertise to potential employers and clients. There are several professional certifications available for project managers, including Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), and Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP).
In addition to professional certifications, project managers should also seek out training opportunities that will help them improve their skills and knowledge. This can include attending conferences, workshops, and seminars, as well as enrolling in online courses and degree programs.
Benefits of Continuous Improvements:
Continuous improvement offers several benefits for project managers, including:
- Improved Project Performance: By continually improving your skills and knowledge, you will be better equipped to manage projects and deliver successful outcomes.
- Career Advancement: Professional certifications and ongoing training can help project managers advance their careers and secure higher-paying positions.
- Increased Credibility: Professional certifications and ongoing training can increase your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to delivering quality projects.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, continuous improvement is critical for project managers who want to achieve success in their careers. By investing in ongoing learning and development, project managers can improve their skills and knowledge, demonstrate their expertise to potential employers and clients, and achieve greater career success. So, if you are an aspiring project manager, make sure to prioritize ongoing learning and development as you start your journey towards becoming a successful project manager.
Thought leaders: Continuous Improvements
here are some of the best thinkers and their relevant work in the space of continuous improvement for project managers:
W. Edwards Deming:
Deming is widely regarded as the father of continuous improvement. He emphasized the importance of ongoing learning and development for organizations and individuals. His book “Out of the Crisis” is a classic on the subject.
Peter Senge:
Senge is a thought leader in the field of systems thinking, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of an organization. His book “The Fifth Discipline” provides a framework for creating a learning organization.
Stephen Covey:
Covey is known for his book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” which emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and improvement in personal and professional development.
Tom Peters:
Peters is a management guru and author of “In Search of Excellence,” which emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and innovation in organizations.
Kaoru Ishikawa:
Ishikawa developed the “Fishbone Diagram,” a tool used in continuous improvement to identify and analyze the root causes of problems.
Separating Great from average or just Good
What separates great from good in continuous improvement is the ability to be proactive and take ownership of one’s learning and development. Great project managers are always seeking new knowledge and skills to improve their performance, whether through professional certifications, training programs, or informal learning opportunities. They also have a mindset of continuous improvement, always looking for ways to make processes more efficient and effective. Good project managers may focus on maintaining the status quo and may not be as proactive in seeking out new learning opportunities.
Life Long Learning: Great Book Ideas: Continuous Improvements
Whilst you should consider ‘Continuous improvement” from the point of view of Self, there is also a Process of ‘Continuous improvement”. Here are some additional ideas on the “Process Continuous Improvement”
- “The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World’s Greatest Manufacturer” by Jeffrey K. Liker.
- “Continuous Improvement, Probability, and Statistics: Using Creative Hands-On Techniques” by William Hooper.
- “Kaizen: The Key to Japan’s Competitive Success” by Masaaki Imai. (
- “The Improvement Guide: A Practical Approach to Enhancing Organizational Performance” by Gerald J. Langley, Ronald D. Moen, Kevin M. Nolan, Thomas W. Nolan, and Clifford L. Norman.
- “The Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Handbook, Fourth Edition” by Russell T. Westcott
