AEC Project Management Development That Actually WORKS!

Key Concepts:

• Training vs. Development
• AEC Project Management (AEC PM)
• Spaced Repetition
• Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve
• Project Management Ecosystem
• Billable Work
• Project Management Office (PMO)

1. The Problem with Traditional Project Management Training

• Many AEC firms rely on "boot camps" and short courses, which are often ineffective.
• Professionals view training as a "box to check" due to pressure to maximize billable hours.
• Companies sometimes expect employees to complete training on their own time, which is unrealistic and leads to disengagement.
• High-intensity, short-duration programs result in low information retention.
• Example: Project managers attend a boot camp, receive a binder full of material, and never revisit it.

2. Shifting from Training to Development

• The core argument is that "training" (instruction or drill) is short-lived, while "development" aims to bring individuals to a more advanced and effective state.
• Training is a one-time event; development is about long-term growth, application, and practice.
• The Engineering Management Institute (EMI) shifted its focus from training to development.
• "Don't train your PMs, develop them." - Anthony Fano

3. Elements of Effective Project Management Development Programs

• Multi-Tiered Programs: Implementing programs with multiple levels, such as a foundations program followed by an advanced program.
• Spaced Repetition: A learning technique where information is revisited over time to enhance retention and recall.
  • Based on the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve, learners forget up to 70% of new information within 24 hours without reinforcement.
  • Spaced repetition counteracts this effect, leading to stronger memory consolidation.
  • Studies from Harvard Medical School and the National Institutes of Health support the effectiveness of spaced repetition.
• Hands-On Activities: Incorporating practical exercises, such as building a risk register or practicing active listening in client meetings.
• Holistic Approach: Considering every aspect of a project manager's development, including onboarding, mentoring, career paths, and providing the right software and tools.
• AECPM Certification: Obtaining certifications to boost credibility.
• Project Management Office (PMO): Establishing a PMO to support project managers across the organization.

4. Building a Project Management Ecosystem

• A comprehensive ecosystem includes:
  • Clear career progression and paths for PMs.
  • Effective onboarding and mentoring programs.
  • Development programs with spaced repetition and hands-on activities.
  • Assessment methods to evaluate PM skills and progress.
  • Appropriate software and tools for project tracking and reporting.
  • Potentially a PMO to provide support and standardization.

5. The Importance of Long-Term Engagement

• Development is a journey that can span weeks, months, or even years.
• It requires purpose, practice, and continuous progress.
• Example: EMI's programs include follow-up videos for two years after the program to reinforce concepts.

6. The Role of Training Sessions within Development Programs

• Training sessions can be a component of a larger development program.
• Example: EMI programs include training sessions on scope, schedule, and budget, followed by activities and reinforcement.

7. Benefits of a Development-First Approach

• Investing in people strengthens the firm's future.
• Cultivates leaders and builds resilience.
• Creates a culture of continuous improvement.
• Drives consistent project outcomes.
• Organizations that prioritize development will become industry leaders.

8. Conclusion

• The AEC industry needs to move beyond quick-fix training solutions.
• Firms should rename their programs from "PM training" to "PM development" and rethink their approach.
• Embrace spaced repetition, real-world application, and long-term engagement.
• Development is a catalyst for growth, while training is just a checkbox.
• "In this evolving industry, training is a checkbox, but development is a catalyst." - Anthony Fano