How do you develop and maintain your PPM skills and competencies?

1 Assess your current level

The first step to develop and maintain your PPM skills and competencies is to assess your current level and identify your strengths and gaps. You can use various tools and frameworks, such as the PMI Talent Triangle, the IPMA Competence Baseline, or the APM Body of Knowledge, to evaluate your knowledge, skills, and abilities in different domains of PPM, such as technical, leadership, strategic, governance, stakeholder, and change management. You can also seek feedback from your peers, managers, mentors, or coaches to get an external perspective on your performance and potential.

2 Set your learning goals

The next step to develop and maintain your PPM skills and competencies is to set your learning goals and plan your development activities. You should align your goals with the strategic vision and priorities of your organization, as well as your career aspirations and interests. You should also consider the current and future trends and challenges in the PPM field, such as agile, digital, sustainability, and innovation. You should define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals and identify the resources, methods, and measures that will help you achieve them.

3 Engage in continuous learning

The third step to develop and maintain your PPM skills and competencies is to engage in continuous learning and improvement. You can use various sources and formats of learning, such as formal courses, certifications, webinars, podcasts, books, articles, blogs, or case studies, to update your knowledge and skills in PPM. You can also learn from your own experience, by reflecting on your successes and failures, applying lessons learned, and seeking feedback. Moreover, you can learn from others, by participating in communities of practice, networks, forums, events, or mentoring programs, where you can share insights, best practices, and challenges with fellow PPM professionals.

4 Apply your learning

The fourth step to develop and maintain your PPM skills and competencies is to apply your learning to your current and future projects and portfolios. You should look for opportunities to practice and demonstrate your PPM skills and competencies in real-world situations, where you can add value, solve problems, and deliver results. You should also seek feedback from your stakeholders, customers, sponsors, and team members on your performance and impact. Additionally, you should monitor and evaluate your progress and outcomes against your learning goals and adjust your plan accordingly.

5 Showcase your achievements

The fifth step to develop and maintain your PPM skills and competencies is to showcase your achievements and contributions to your organization and the PPM community. You should document and communicate your results, benefits, and lessons learned from your projects and portfolios, using appropriate tools and methods, such as dashboards, reports, presentations, or stories. You should also highlight your PPM skills and competencies in your resume, portfolio, or profile, using relevant keywords, examples, or evidence. Furthermore, you should share your knowledge, insights, and best practices with others, by writing articles, blogs, or books, speaking at events or webinars, or teaching or mentoring others.

6 Keep up with the trends

The sixth step to develop and maintain your PPM skills and competencies is to keep up with the trends and changes in the PPM field and the external environment. You should stay informed and curious about the latest developments, innovations, and opportunities in PPM, such as new tools, methods, frameworks, or standards. You should also be aware of the emerging needs, expectations, and challenges of your stakeholders, customers, markets, and industries. Moreover, you should be adaptable and flexible to adjust your PPM skills and competencies to the evolving demands and realities of your organization and the PPM profession.