In the often demanding world of project management, it’s easy for project managers (PMs) to feel isolated, carrying the weight of complex projects solo or struggling to find peers who truly understand their challenges. Yet, fostering a sense of community can be a transformative practice both for personal growth and organizational success. Brett, host of the “Coffee with Brett” series from TeamGantt, highlights how PMs can nurture this collaboration culture by building communities of practice—even if it starts simply over a cup of coffee.
Why Community Matters for Project Managers
Project managers frequently work as the sole representatives of their role within teams or departments. Unlike fields where collaboration is baked into everyday processes, PMs often find themselves as the lone advocates for project management practices amidst varied specialist roles. This can lead to feelings of professional loneliness and missed opportunities for development.
Brett shares from his experience running the Digital PM Summit, a global conference that has blossomed into a thriving community for digital project managers. This annual gathering offers a powerful example of how connecting with others facing similar struggles and sharing knowledge helps PMs deepen their skills, gain fresh perspectives, and build confidence.
But community doesn’t have to mean formal conferences or big meetups. For many, such events may not be feasible frequently. Instead, Brett encourages PMs to cultivate communities of practice right within their own organizations.
Building Your Internal Community of Practice
A community of practice is simply a group of professionals united by a shared discipline who regularly exchange advice, discuss challenges, and learn from one another. For PMs, starting this can be as low-key as scheduling casual coffee chats with fellow project managers or related professionals inside your company.
The benefits are profound:
- Immediate problem-solving: Having a trusted group to bounce questions off can help navigate complex project hurdles quickly.
- Broadened horizons: Hearing how PMs in other teams approach issues introduces new tactics and strategies you may not have considered.
- Emotional support: Recognizing you’re not alone in your struggles fosters a sense of belonging and reduces burnout.
- Confidence boost: Understanding common challenges validates your experiences and encourages you to trust your approach.
These advantages enrich a PM’s expertise and lead to stronger, more strategic work practices. Over time, this collective knowledge elevates the reputation of the entire PM community within the organization, helping teams gravitate towards projects managed with clarity and competence.
Overcoming the “Too Busy” Barrier
One common objection Brett addresses is the notion that project managers can’t afford to spend time away from pressing work to engage in less tangible activities like socializing or peer learning. He challenges this mindset by reminding PMs that they control their calendars and that investing time in their own development is not a luxury but a necessity.
In fact, managers are likely to support efforts that enhance PM skills because they ultimately drive improved team performance, communication, and strategic decision-making. Cultivating a community of practice pays dividends by saving time, reducing friction, and potentially sparking innovations within project processes.
Making it Real: Community Over Coffee
So how can you get started? Brett’s example of enjoying coffee—from a thoughtful connection with a Yorkshire-based roaster to informal chat sessions—illustrates that great communities often begin with simple, human moments. Try organizing regular coffee breaks or virtual meetups focused on sharing lessons learned or discussing project management trends.
These moments build trust and camaraderie, laying the foundation for a culture in which PMs feel supported, empowered, and inspired to continuously improve.
The Takeaway
Project management is inherently challenging, but PMs don’t have to navigate it alone. By investing in and cultivating communities of practice—be it over coffee in the breakroom or online—you create more than just a support network. You build a vibrant, collaborative culture that benefits your professional growth and propels your entire organization forward.
As Brett’s journey with the Digital PM Summit shows, strong communities turn isolated efforts into collective success. So next time you brew your coffee, consider inviting a fellow PM for a chat—you might be surprised how much a simple conversation can energize your practice and ignite collaboration.
Inspired by Brett’s insights from the "Coffee with Brett" series, this article underscores the power of community in evolving the project management profession, one coffee cup at a time.
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