Why do so many projects suck? Is it lack of communication, poor requirements, incompetent team members, or sloppy project managers? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. But you probably know all that.
Let’s start with the PMPs.
So you’re a PMP, congrats. Really – I mean it. The PMP is no easy accomplishment, but lately I’ve been scratching my head over the value of project management certifications, or more accurately, certified project managers. Do we really need certified project managers?
Just because you’re certified doesn’t mean that you’re a good project manager. Having a certification, particularly the PMP, does mean that you’ve project management experience, are competent, educated, and that you’ve passed on rigorous test on the project management body of knowledge.
But your projects could still suck.
Over and over I’ve read on message boards, in articles, on blogs, and lately in emails how some of the worst project managers in the world are PMPs. There’s no qualifier in the PMP certification that you have to be a good project manager, just be a project manager. Add to this a certain type of project manager that loves the analytic nature of the PMBOK, the nerdiness of passing a test that others can’t, and the migraine-inducing bureaucracy some organizations embrace and it’s a wonder that some projects ever get started.
If I could take the whole PMBOK and cook it into something meaningful I’d scoop this out of my pot: Project management is about getting things done.
Yeah, yeah, I know that’s really simple, and simple doesn’t mean easy, but that’s really what project management is about. Not scope statements, your 42 processes, and stuffy theories. Just suck it up and get the damn thing done. Project management isn’t about feelings, certificates, and lapel pins: it’s about getting the work done.
Too many project managers, in my grumpy opinion, lose sight of that. People need to quit whining and start working. It’s called work for a reason. Take your forms, your processes, and exam scores and stuff ‘em. Until you actually apply what you’ve been taught, what you’ve studied, and what you’ve been tested on it’s all worthless.
Earning a project management certification can do several things for you the project manager. A certification can:
Prove that you have project management experience.
Show that you understand the principles and processes of project management.
Prove that you could pass an exam.
Distinguish you from competing project managers when it comes to seeking employment.
Show that you have a commitment to the project management career.
So should you certify? It depends on what your goals are. If your goal is to find a better project management job then I’d say having a project management certification is practically a requirement. Hop over to Monster or Dice and search for “PMP” jobs. You’ll see a bunch, I’m sure. But if your goal is to just be a better project manager, then I don’t believe that having a certification will do the trick.
Having a project management certification doesn’t make you a better project manager. It can’t. Project management certifications show that you know how to be a project manager, not necessarily be a good project manager. Like most things in life, you really learn by doing.
When it comes to certification I make a good chunk of my living by writing and teaching project management exam prep materials. I’m okay with that, but be realistic. There are tons of people out there selling PMP, CAPM, and Project+ certification materials. Good for them and good for us. Having competition brings prices down, but there’s also a “gold rush” mentality to the PMP and similar certifications.
Do you remember the days of Windows NT 3.51 and the launch of the MCSE certification programs? I do. I fear that soon the PMP will be as common place as just the job title of project manager and it won’t matter much at all. Maybe I’m wrong – it’s happened before. Sometimes the rush for certification becomes more about membership to a group than promoting good projects.
I’m thrilled to announce the release of my latest book, The PMP Lab Manual. This book is full of hands-on activities for the PMP candidate. In this book I quickly explain the essentials of each PMP exam objective and then propose a case study, critical thinking activity, or assignment for you to complete. This book is written as a companion to my PMP Study Guide, though readers can use it as a standalone studying tool.
Here’s my new video detailing my upcoming PMP Boot Camp at Devry University in Tampa, Florida.
Unlike some seminars, we don’t pack people into a hotel room. We keep class sizes small so we can discuss the material, answer questions, and keep the focus on learning, not just finishing the course. If you’re interested in taking this seminar you should register now!
Who: PMP candidates and Joseph Phillips
What:PMP Boot Camp Tampa
When: September 13 – 16, 2010
Where:DeVry University Campus
Why: Pass your PMP with confidence!
Cost: $1899 per participant
(Register two participants and receive a ten percent discount; register three or more and receive a 15 percent discount.)
Interested in a private seminar for just your group? Contact us here.
Warning! This is an intense, four-day class; if you enroll be prepared to work. This isn’t a class where you’ll be able to surf the web, text with colleagues, or step out for meetings. If you’re serious about passing the PMP exam enroll in this course. If you’re enrolled in this course you’ll be expected to turn off your phone, shut down email, and generally be unavailable to the outside world. Your priority for the course will be learning how to pass the PMP! Other attendees will be there to learn and focus and you should be too.
