Event Update

Neal Whitten's No-Nonsense Advice for Successful Projects

by Dana Black, PMP

On the crisp and clear morning of March 29th, nearly 70 Central Mass PMI members and friends invested their Saturday in a session of professional development at the CMASS PMI sponsored Neil Whitten seminar. The day began with registration, breakfast and conversation at The Campus at Marlborough. Each attendee of the 7-PDU event also received a copy of "Neal Whitten's No-Nonsense Advice for Successful Projects" and a seminar workbook.

Beginning on schedule in the packed room with CMASS president Ed Yee’s introduction, Neil began by commending all the leaders willing to attend a session on a weekend. He then proceeded to challenge the audience to step up in their projects and be true leaders. His quote is “It’s not about the ability of those around you to lead; it’s about your ability to lead despite what is happening around you”.

The morning session followed the general outline of the workbook with topics such as management styles, managing priorities, communications, boldness, long-term project commitments, and dealing with criticism. Neil captivated and involved the audience by providing examples and cases drawn from his years at IBM, his own project management practice and his consulting and mentoring work. After a break for the pizza and salad lunch, the afternoon session continued with more of Neil’s interactive lecture with topics such as professional behavior, professional maturity, dealing with difficult people and the duties of an effective project manager.

As the schedule was “crashed” by accelerating lunch, the session came in ahead of the scheduled target of 4:30; but what else could one expect from such a group of PMs? The entire event was coordinated by our director of meetings and events Steve Tolf, PMP. Steve’s team of volunteers consisted of Sue Baust, Dana Black, Steve Forde, Jeanne Talatinian, Alice Thayer and Ed Yee. Steve and the crew deserve kudos and a “huzzah” for their work delivering such a well-planned and executed event for all the members!!