About the Event

Critical Thinking and Judgement: The Key to Effective Leadership

Critical thinking is purposeful, directed thought. It requires reflective skepticism mixed with an open mind—this is a difficult combination of tasks—almost requiring individuals to simultaneously use both their right and left sides of their brain to tackle an issue. Critical thinking development requires several things.  First, because it is difficult, the individual has to recognize the need for critical thinking or he may not persevere in learning the skills.  Second, the basic tenets, concepts, and relationships associated with critical thinking must be learned.  Third, individuals must focus on self-awareness.  360 degree feedbacks are a great way to do this.  Finally, and sometimes most importantly, individuals must work in an environment that values critical thinking—this is a climate and culture issue

Presenter

Bill Billeter

About the Event

 A Phenomenological Study of Factors that Influence Project Manager Efficacy: Nine Specific Attribtes for Skills that Contribute to Project Success

Close your eyes and think of a colleague that is perceived by everyone as the best in their field.  What makes them so good at what they do?  What if you have a list of factors that contribute their success?  You could use this information for investing in your team's professional development, inform interviewing and hiring decisions, or targeting key skills to enhance your own performance.  This presentation starts by addressing a common source of confusion in defining success through three different perspectives:  outcomes, methodology, and the practitioner's influence.  This tri-focal lens was used in a focus group study to identify and compare what Senior IT Leaders and Certified Project Managers consider as the most important attributes for project manager efficacy as it relates to project success.  Findings conclude with nine specific project manager attributes or skills that inform hiring, professional development, and ciurriculum development.

 About the Presenter

Dr. Chuck Millhollan is a Senior Vice President of Process Improvement and Execution for Farm Credit Mid-America and the Managing Director of Innovation Management Solutions, LLC.  He was previously the Director of Program Management for Churchill Downs Incororated and Manager of Applications Engineering Project Management Office for Humana Inc.  He has over 25 years of expereince in personnel management, quality management, and project, program and portfolio management.

 In addition to his work as a practioner, Chuck designs and develops curricula and teaches for several accredited universities. He has developed Project Management emphasis courses for an MBA program and is the author and program manager for the University of Louisville Delphi Center's project and program management training and certificate program.  Additionally, Chuck has contributed books by Dr. Harold Kerzner.

About the Event

Staying Up with Project Management Market Trends.  Morgan Carrier, TEK Systems.

NOTE -- CHANGE OF DAY.  We will be holding the Third WEDNESDAY of the month for November.

Presenter