In this article, Client Success Manager Miriam Taylor speaks with Ingenuitiโs Director of Project Management, Tracy Contrino, who brings over 25 years of expertise in project management within the learning and development field. Together, they discuss the role of Project Managers as Learning Leaders and explore how project management principles contribute to continuous growth and team development.
MT: As we begin, the role of a Project Manager often overlaps with that of a Learning Leaderโsomeone who drives growth and learning within an organization. With their strategic focus, proactive engagement, and commitment to team development, Project Managers are well-positioned to nurture continuous learning. In this interview, weโll explore how project management principles naturally align with learning leadership and discuss the ways Project Managers can foster a culture of growth and adaptability.
MT: In light of this, Tracy, is a Project Manager a Learning Leader? If so, how?
TC: Absolutely, a Project Manager can be a natural Learning Leader. A Learning Leader encourages a culture of continuous learning, aligning these efforts with business objectives, a skill many Project Managers naturally develop. Effective project management requires looking at the big picture and seeing how each project supports organizational goals, which is the very essence of strategic thinking in learning leadership.
MT: Where do project management principles and Learning Leadership align most naturally?
TC: Several areas come to mind. Building trust is vital in both roles, and Project Managers accomplish this by being consistent, empathetic, and reliable. Active listening and responsiveness also align well, as both involve engaging with team members, understanding their perspectives, and addressing their needs. This fosters open communication, allowing individuals to share ideas and learn collaboratively.
MT: Could you give some examples of how strategic thinking plays a role?
TC: Certainly. Project Managers must understand how their projects contribute to broader client objectives. This includes anticipating future needs, managing budgets, allocating resources, and demonstrating the project’s value to stakeholders. Learning Leaders also align initiatives with the companyโs strategic goals, reinforcing the importance of long-term thinking and goal alignment.
MT: How do Project Managers bring Proactive Engagement into Learning Leadership?
TC: Project Managers excel in proactive client engagement, which translates well into Learning Leadership. They donโt just relay information; ideally, they actively seek feedback, address needs, and anticipate potential issues. Applying this within a team context means regularly checking in, requesting feedback on project progress, and fostering open discussions. This approach is essential to creating an environment where continuous learning thrives.
MT: Project Managers are skilled in building client relationships. How can they apply these principles to Learning Leadership?
TC: Trust and responsiveness are critical. By actively listening to team members, Project Managers create open communication channels, where individuals feel comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas. This trust-building establishes a supportive learning environment, encouraging team members to engage without fear.
MT: In what ways can Project Managers drive continuous learning?
TC: Staying updated on industry trends, technologies, and best practices is essential. Project Managers and Learning Leaders alike prioritize continuous learning to stay relevant in a changing environment. When Project Managers proactively share these insights with their teams, they encourage skill development and adaptability.
MT: Reliability seems to be a core value in Learning Leadership. How does this play into Project Management?
TC: Consistency is key. A reliable Project Manager sets clear expectations and delivers on commitments, creating a stable environment where team members feel secure to learn. Reliability thus becomes the foundation for growth, reinforcing a culture where learning is both valued and supported.
MT: Finally, how can Project Managers create a feedback culture that supports learning?
TC: Feedback is an invaluable learning tool. Project Managers can establish an open feedback culture by holding regular reviews, encouraging honest input, and framing feedback as an opportunity for growth. This approach normalizes feedback, fostering a setting where team members view it as constructive rather than critical, which promotes ongoing improvement and skill development.
In many ways, Project Managers embody Learning Leadership by combining strategic vision with client relationship-building and a commitment to team development. Through proactive engagement, strategic alignment, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, Project Managers support both client success and growth, proving that effective project management is an essential facet of learning leadership.
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