Here's how you can gauge your progress and success in learning new skills as a program manager.
As a program manager, learning new skills is essential to stay competitive and effective. The challenge often lies in gauging your progress and determining whether you're truly mastering the skills you set out to learn. This involves a mix of self-assessment, feedback, and practical application, which, when done correctly, can provide a clear picture of your learning trajectory and successes. With the right approach, you can turn this journey of skill acquisition into a measurable and rewarding process.
To effectively gauge your progress in learning new skills, start by setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. By defining what success looks like, you create a roadmap for your learning journey. As you move forward, regularly review your goals to assess how closely your newfound abilities align with them. This continual process of goal-setting and evaluation will help you stay focused and recognize the milestones you've achieved in your program management skill set.
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Here's how to measure your program management skill development: 1. Set SMART Goals: Define Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals for your learning (e.g., "Master agile methodology by Q3"). 2. Track Progress: Monitor your learning journey. Did you complete courses? Achieve certifications? Track accomplishments. 3. Self-Assessment: Regularly reflect on your performance. Can you now handle complex situations you previously struggled with? 4. Seek Feedback: Ask colleagues and stakeholders for feedback. Did they notice improvements in your program management skills? 5. Apply New Skills: Actively integrate newly learned skills into your program management practice. Did these skills improve program outcomes?
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Set clear, measurable goals. Use a project management tool to track milestones. Seek feedback from peers and mentors. Evaluate the impact of new skills on project outcomes. Reflect on challenges and how you overcame them. Adjust learning strategies as needed. Regularly review and celebrate progress to stay motivated.
Constructive feedback is invaluable when measuring your progress in new skills. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or industry peers to get their insights on your performance. Their perspectives can highlight areas of improvement and reaffirm the competencies you've mastered. Remember, external feedback complements your self-assessment and provides a broader view of your development as a program manager.
Keeping a learning journal or log is a practical way to track your progress. Documenting your experiences, challenges, and achievements gives you a historical record to reflect upon. You can see how far you've come, which areas need more attention, and how your learning affects your program management capabilities. This tangible evidence of your journey is both motivating and informative.
The true test of any new skill is its application in real-world scenarios. As you learn, look for opportunities to apply your skills within your projects. This hands-on approach allows you to see the direct impact of your learning on your work. You'll quickly discover which skills are becoming second nature and which need further practice, providing a clear indicator of your progress.
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Watching a video or reading a book or blog are great ways of generating ideas, but you must apply those skills. When I was a Technical Program Manager leading Quality at @Flexera, I researched the Theory of Constraints (TOC), Kaizan, and CMQ/OE. I immediately applied the tools, processes and thinking models to the problems I was solving within the company. This gave: 1) Deepened my knowledge of those skills 2) Quick feedback on what I knew or didn't know and needed to improve 3) Real-world applicability to decide what was useful and what was not
Reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth. Set aside time to think about what you've learned, how it integrates with your existing skills, and the effect it has on your program management role. Consider the challenges you've overcome and the adaptability you've developed. Through reflection, you gain insights that go beyond surface-level knowledge, ensuring that your new skills are deeply embedded in your professional practice.
As you learn and grow, it's important to remain flexible and willing to adjust your approach. If certain skills aren't progressing as expected, consider seeking additional resources or altering your learning methods. Adapting to the needs of your personal learning style ensures that you're not just going through the motions but are genuinely advancing in your role as a program manager.
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