Reflections from #APMConf

The annual APM Conference took place earlier in the month. You can catch up on my video diary from the event. I wanted to share a little more about the event.
David Waboso: 4PM Imperatives
David Waboso (President of APM) took to the podium to share with us the 4 imperatives he uses to anchor his presidential year. They are:
1. Delivery
David explained that project sponsors want to know when a project will be completed. Investors, shareholders, the sector, and employees all want to know that businesses will do what they say.
All of this is dependent on delivery. Who is responsible for delivery? Project managers do.
2. Collaboration
David stated that collaboration must be at the heart of our values. He explained that project complexity is increasing. Virtual working is becoming more popular because of the increased number of people involved and the diversity of teams.
Collaboration is key to overcoming those challenges and keeping the team moving in the right direction.
3. Capability
David stated that there aren’t enough people entering the profession. He said that it is important to attract, retain, and – most importantly – evaluate as competent a pool of project managers.
I have never heard of the “assessing as competent” thing before. It strikes me as something you would expect a professional body to offer to assess project managers as competent through its qualifications portfolio.
It’s a good point. We won’t be able to inspire confidence in project sponsors or company leadership if this capability isn’t present.
4. Digital
David stated that we are currently in a fourth industrial revolution, the age of digital. He said, “It’s not exaggerating it.”
He cited robotics and automation as examples of digital innovation in our daily lives. He explained that we need to harness, use, and respond to these new trends.
The Future of the Profession
APM is still working towards Chartered status and a Supreme Court judgment is awaited. This is currently being contested in part by PMI.
While the professional bodies are waiting, APM is still advocating for project management to be a profession.
Michael Flynn (Programm Director for TfL), was another speaker who suggested that APM be renamed to the Council for Project Management to better align it with other Councils for professional groups like the General Medical Council or the Bar Council.
Michael Flynn speaking at the APM Conference 2016. He spoke about TfL’s work and the commitment to professionalism.
I’m not feeling professional right now, so it’s probably a story that’s best for my newsletter subscribers and not one that I publish here.
As a guest of APM, I attended the APM Conference.
APM Project Management Conference 2016