Throughout my 25+ years in project management, I have had the opportunity to witness and navigate the evolution of this dynamic field. As a project manager in L&D, you’ve got a critical role that demands a unique mix of management skills and a deep understanding of how people learn. Lucky for you, I want to share some valuable do’s and don’ts that I’ve learned along the way that will enable you to be the confident, superstar PM that I know you can be! So, let’s dive in and discover what makes a successful project manager in the L&D space, shall we?
Project Management Essential Do’s
1. Be All About the Learners
At the heart of L&D is our main star: the learner. Understanding their needs, motivations, and learning styles is essential.
- Engage in active listening by setting up regular one-on-one chats or forums where they can express their learning experiences.
- Run feedback sessions to ensure their needs are being met and adapt your strategies to accommodate a variety of learning preferences.
- Communicate transparently and always confirm that your communication is effective and timely.
Remember, when your learners succeed, you succeed!
2. Get Tech-Savvy
It’s crucial for L&D project managers to embrace the digital future. Despite concerns about AI, humans will always play a vital role in projects. You don’t need to become a tech expert overnight. Start by learning about Learning Management Systems to optimize courses. Explore e-learning platforms to create interactive content. Consider tools like virtual reality and AI-driven analytics to enhance learning and improve project planning. By integrating these technologies, L&D project managers will remain indispensable in the digital transformation of education.
3. Champion Collaboration
A successful L&D project is the product of many minds. Foster an environment that encourages your team, stakeholders, and learners to share ideas freely and provide constructive feedback.
- Use tools that facilitate collaboration and keep everyone on the same page, such as Slack, that allow you to engage in real-time.
- Consider implementing daily stand-ups: a quick 15-minute meeting to touch base on the team’s priorities and obstacles.
- Build retrospectives into the project timeline, not just at the end of the project. This is a great forum for the team to discuss what’s working and what’s not, allowing changes to be made during the project.
Remember, it’s not about who has the best idea but how these ideas can create a successful learning experience.
4. Check the Progress Bar
One of the joys of project management is seeing your projects come to life. Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and check in with them regularly to ensure your projects are on track. Incorporate a mix of quantitative metrics, like completion rates, with qualitative data, such as learner feedback. This will give you a holistic view of your project’s health and guide your decisions for improvement.
If your project appears to be lagging, the first order of business should be to pinpoint the underlying issue causing the disruption. Once done, you should explore various alternatives to bring the project back on schedule. An essential aspect of this process is recording lessons learned to minimize the likelihood of similar complications affecting future projects. Remember to be ready to articulate the root cause of the issue, the intended solution, and the potential impact this may have.
Download our free Training ROI Calculator below!
FREE Download!
Download our FREE “Training ROI Calculator” and calculate your learning and development ROI with ease!
5. Stay Sharp
In an ever-evolving field like L&D, the learning never stops — even for a project manager! Dedicate time to professional development: attend industry webinars, workshops, and conferences to learn about new trends and best practices. Join industry social groups to network. The knowledge you gain will help you stay ahead of the curve and enhance the quality of your projects.
Project Management Essential Don’ts
1. Don’t Lose Your North Star
Getting lost in the flurry of tasks and activities in L&D projects is easy. However, always keep sight of your project’s core objectives. Regularly check that all efforts and activities align with these goals. A clear vision will keep you and your team motivated and on track.
2. Don’t Skip the Soft Skills
You can have all the technical knowledge in the world, but without soft skills, your project can hit roadblocks.
- Effective communication is critical in conveying ideas clearly and resolving misunderstandings.
- Emotional intelligence helps you understand your team’s needs and motivations, fostering a positive work environment.
- Conflict resolution skills enable you to navigate disagreements and maintain harmony within your team.
3. Don’t Forget Your Team
As a project manager, your success is tied to your team’s performance. Appreciate each member’s unique strengths and provide opportunities for them to grow. Foster a positive, inclusive culture that values input from all members. A happy, engaged team is a productive team!
Got a hunch that your team isn’t exactly rowing in the same rhythm? Here’s your Teambuilding 101, aimed at toppling a few walls and encouraging some heart-to-heart connections.
- Toss in some icebreakers to jumpstart your meetings.
- Plan a team potluck or a virtual cheers-to-the-team hour.
- Embed retrospectives right into the project — this gives the team a chance to tweak their collective rhythm.
- Let the team set their own ground rules — it’s a great way for everyone to understand what their teammates hold dear.
4. Don’t Overlook Risks
In project management, risks are part of the game. Instead of avoiding them, proactively identify potential risks and include risk management in your project strategy. Having a solid contingency plan reassures your team and stakeholders that you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
While we were knee-deep in a recent Learning Management System (LMS) rollout, we heard whispers of a substantial shift brewing in the organization. This change could really shake up our user profiles. With that in mind, we wove this potential evolution into our project roadmap. We performed a little extra legwork to ensure we fully grasped the implications and had a strategy lined up to navigate the situation if it did come to pass. When the change did occur, our team was ready and stepped up to the plate with confidence.
5. Don’t Overcomplicate
Complexity can often lead to confusion, and confusion hinders learning. Keep your project processes and learning materials simple and straightforward. Strive for clarity in all aspects of your project, from communication to course content. Remember, our goal is to facilitate learning, not to showcase complexity.
Steering your L&D projects (and budget!) in the right direction is an ongoing learning journey. The most satisfying part is seeing learners grow and knowing you played a part in that. Every project is a unique opportunity to facilitate growth – both for the learners and yourself. The adventure in L&D project management never ends, and these do’s and don’ts can be your handy map to navigate this exciting journey. Happy project managing, my fellow explorers!
Interested in joining our network as a PM? Find more information and apply below!
#UnlockInnovation With Us
• Collaborative and supportive network
• Work with L&D industry influencers
• Access to professional development
• Flexible hours and virtual environment
