Pittsburgh PMI Bridge Builders
Welcome To Pittsburgh PMI Bridge Builders Mentoring Program.
The Mentorship Program for the PMI-Pittsburgh Chapter
Vision:
Effective and supportive activities to help PMI-Pittsburgh awareness & development programs build professionalism in the field of Project Management in Pittsburgh.
Mission:
Enhance effectiveness of PMI- Pittsburgh Chapter and career awareness and advancement. Mentoring programs help organizations and professionals of all disciplines achieve transference of skills and experiences. In our mentoring program, we will anchor onto applications of PM-knowledge, practices, skills, tools and techniques in real life challenges and tribulations, including career advancement, work/life balance and ‘life templates’ to DEAL with it all!
The mentoring framework recommended by PMI Global is a set of rules and standards which define the process of mentoring and code of conduct of entire mentoring program to be adhered to by both individuals of the mentoring teams. Briefly the PMI-Pittsburgh Chapter Mentorship Program framework has the following features:
Four (4) In-Person Sessions – Additionally, an introductory session to familiarize the participants with each other and with the program
Two (2) Delivery Channels – 1:1 or Group
Two (2) Roles – Mentor, Protégé’
One (1) Program Director
Purpose:
The Pittsburgh PMI Board of Directors approved the formation of its Mentorship Program in 2019. It is the Chapter’s objective to create and deliver a Mentorship Program to its members. Our objective is for the program to mature into a sustainable program that supports our regional population of PMP professionals and non-credentialed practitioners. The program may also address the continuing professional development of Project Managers in Western Pennsylvania.
The Pittsburgh PMI Bridge Builders is intended to go beyond just answering the occasional questions or providing some ad hoc help. A major deliverable of the program will be to create an environment where both the Mentor and Protégé’ can build an ongoing relationship of increasing their professional learning, maintain continuous dialog, and share their challenges of thriving as a Project Manager.
The primary focus areas of our Bridge Builders are as follows:
Project Management: Emphasis on project management skills, emerging trends and strategies required to become a more effective project manager.
Career Development / Mentorship: Attention to how one can plan for the next step in his/her career.
Leadership: Enhancing leadership skills in areas such as holding effective crucial conversations, developing influence skills, and establishing trust-based relationships.
Selection Criteria:
To be a Mentor:
- Current PMI Pittsburgh Chapter member in good standing
- Experienced Project Manager
- Willing to share experiences and promote project management
- Availability and willingness to commit to the four-month mentoring program
Non-PMP certified applicants for 'Mentor' will be accepted on a case-by-case basis
To be a Protégé’:
- Current PMI Pittsburgh Chapter member in good standing
- Willingness to “collaborate” and learn
- Willingness to be instructed in project management practices
- Availability and willingness to commit to the four-month mentoring program
Mentor/Mentee Responsibilities:
Mentor: Leverage one’s experience in project management within their specific industry or share career development experiences to guide others in similar industries or those considering career transition. Over a period of four to six months, the investment of time and support to assist Protégés in discovering and developing their talents in project management is what separates a mentor from the average network contact.
Protégé’: Take the lead in personal and career development by sharing in the lessons learned from a more experienced project management role model. Have an eagerness to learn. Be an active participant in the process.
Fundamental to the success of the mentorship program is a common understanding of the expectations each participant has. However difficult it may be, Mentors and Protégés should discuss their personal expectations, set the ground rules, and develop a clear and realistic set of expectations. These tasks should be completed at the first meeting.
Benefits:
There are numerous benefits for both Mentors and Protégés- some of which include (not limited to): 1. Fulfillment from helping others achieve their professional goals 2. An expanded network of professional colleagues 3. Discovering new ways to leverage experience and skills 4. Recognition for service to the community 5. Increased self-esteem, self- confidence and affirmation of professional competence 6. Advice on how to balance work and other responsibilities and set priorities 7. Earn PDUs (Up to 7 Professional Development Units (PDUs) are available for Project Managers training hours upon full completion of the program)
The PMI- Pittsburgh Chapter organization will benefit from having an increased level of engagement and strengthened project management bench strength of participants.
Program Structure:
Selection:
A communication is sent to all PMI-Pittsburgh Chapter members to inform everyone that the Bridge Builders is accepting applications for those interested in participating either as a Mentor or Protégé’. Applicants are screened based on the eligibility criteria listed in this program document. Applicants are accepted on a first-come basis. Those who did not apply in time (yet are eligible) are “waitlisted” for the next available session.
Preparatory Steps:
Each participant is required to complete a background check, which is paid for by the PMI-Pittsburgh Chapter. This is essential to ensure a safe learning environment for all participants. Each participant writes an introductory executive summary, listing his or her experience and background. A template for this executive summary is provided in Attachment A of this program document. All executive summaries are compiled into an electronic booklet that is sent to the participants prior to the first in-person meeting. This will be used by the applicants when they are identified their preferred mentoring match-ups.
Program Initiation:
The Mentoring Season officially commences with the first in-person meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to provide an opportunity for the Mentors and Protégés to meet and to identify their preferred mentoring partner. Each participant will be provided a piece of paper with five blanks in which they will write their top five ideal partners’ names. There will be a forcing function that will drive each Mentor to interact with each Protégé’ before the meeting adjourns.
At the end of the meeting, each participant submits his or her preference list to the program administrators. Mentor-Protégé’ pairings will be selected with a strong effort to match preferences with each other. The participants will be informed of the selection results.
Program Execution:
Each month of the Mentorship Season, there will be a group session, focusing on a different topic each time. The Mentor-Protégé’ pairs will connect either in person or via other means between these sessions to hold developmental discussions on their own.
The group session topics are as follows:
Leadership:
This topic will provide insights into various theories and practices in leadership, such as Servant Leadership, leading by example, and managing a team’s performance. The protégé will also be introduced into the concept of Formal and Informal Leadership and advice on how to strengthen both aspects.
Strategic and Business Management Skills:
This topic will provide insights into various management topics, such budgeting, key performance indicators (KPIs), Pareto’s Principle (80/20 Rule), and interview techniques
Career Management:
This topic will provide insights into career goal setting, developing an actionable career plan, networking, managing career transitions, and the impact of one’s personal reputation.
Volunteerism with PMI:
Many people want to get more involved with the PMI organization, but do not know where to start. This topic will provide guidance that the protégé will leverage to feel more acclimated as they step into the world of volunteering with PMI. The benefits of being more involved not only benefit the organization, but also those who volunteer.
Throughout the Mentoring Season, books and articles are recommended to all participants for suggested reading for continued growth.
We hope you will consider being a part of this exciting new offering from the Pittsburgh PMI Chapter
Louis Martina, PMP, PMI-ACP Vice President - Membership vp_membership@pittsburghpmi.org
