The holiday season is upon us. I like to call it project season as I find most things to do with the holidays involve me planning and executing strategy in my personal life, not to mention managing multiple stakeholder groups like my family, friends and colleagues.

My PMP training comes in handy this time of year but the real skill set I have to initiate are my power skills.

PMI defines this term in their new talent triangle as pictured below:

The terms that used to occupy the space just didn’t capture the full picture of what's involved in managing successful project work. Leadership, Technical Project Management & Strategic and Business Management are terms for the past. They sharply define the tools of the professional trade of the last 50 years but they cannot grasp the complexity of the ever evolving professional landscape of a globally connected world. The new terms reflect this change and are more open and earnest ways to acknowledge the type of skill and acumen needed to thrive in the future. 

For me, the holidays of 2022 are a great opportunity for me to lean on my professional talents in these 3 areas:

Ways of Working - With the dynamics of my family changing and the friends of my pre-Covid world now holding a different space in my life than before, I am planning smarter with get togethers and decor. My home reflects a more subdued holiday flair (at least subdued for me!) and my baking and meals are going to be shared opportunities for people to contribute instead of the 'grandstanding' I am used to doing as the solo baker, chef and all around holiday event maker.

Business Acumen - Further to this shift in the ways I am planning for holiday events and special moments, I am keenly aware of the rise of inflation, the true cost of my privileged life on others and the merits of spending less but giving more.

Power Skills - As I develop my internal risk register for the interactions I will inevitably have with family, friends and colleagues throughout this tricky season, my name is at the top. I and my desire to see things go my own way is the riskiest aspect of the season. Harnessing my EQ, selecting key moments to care for myself and sharing genuine grace and empathy for those who are stressed by me or their own holiday issues will be my risk mitigation strategies. These ‘power skills’ are the real magic to being a project manager. That and knowing when you are being your own most difficult stakeholder! ; )

So, what about you, my friend? What are you choosing for this holiday season for yourself? Remember who’s in charge of your life and don’t give your power away unless it’s your own chosen strategy. Life is too short and projects are too plentiful. 

Amber (a.k.a. The Feisty PM)