Trial and error is all very well and good when you’re working in project management, but we’re intelligent enough that we don’t need to repeat all the mistakes of the past. Learning from experienced professionals ensures that you can avoid making many, if not all, of the mistakes they made.
Your tutor
The first project manager you should feel inspired by should be your tutor. Whether you only meet them for a couple of days while preparing for your Project Management Qualifications, or whether you choose distance learning and only know them remotely your tutor should inspire you to be the best project manager you can.
Your mentor
If you are learning on the job as a Project Manager Apprentice, then your mentor should provide you with leadership and inspiration. You will work closely with your mentor as you progress through your apprenticeship and they should provide you with the vision to succeed.
Imhotep, Pyramid of Djoser
Why is someone you’ve probably never heard of on this list? Because you’ve almost certainly heard of his work. Imhotep was the Egyptian architect responsible for building the first stepped stone pyramid. Somehow he not only invented a new way of building using stone columns for support, but project managed the entire venture from conception to completion. Will your projects still be around in 3000 years?
Henry Gantt
You should have heard of a Gantt chart and will probably have used one, or a modern variation of one, in your project planning. When Gantt introduced the idea, however, it was revolutionary, allowing managers, foremen, and supervisors to see at a glance if their part of an endeavour was running to schedule or not.
Sue Kershaw, Head of Programme Management, Olympic Delivery Authority Transport Team
The London Olympics was, by any measure, a huge undertaking. In order to cope with the expected increase in traveller numbers, she oversaw multiple transport infrastructure projects, any one of which was a major undertaking in its own right.
With upgrades to the Victoria Line, improvements to Stratford International, a new ticket hall at Kings Cross station and the Greenwich pier extension she needed every single one of her 25 years experience to keep everything running smoothly in time for the solid deadline presented by the date of the Games themselves.
John McGlynn, chair of the board of the APM
With 30 years experience in delivering projects throughout the world, John McGlynn was elected to his position in 2016. He has a lifelong passion for good project management and, having seen first-hand the results of poor management he prioritises working alongside teams to help them deliver good results.
His career started on the railways as a telecommunications and signalling apprentice. He has managed projects in Europe and the Middle East and for the last decade has specialised in complex acquisition programmes. Under his leadership the APM has been awarded a Royal Charter and he is spearheading the new strategy – “Inspiring Positive Change”.
With all these people to take inspiration from, you’re sure to go far. Maybe one day people will be taking their project management inspiration from you!
