This document provides an overview of project management for those new to the topic. It discusses that project management is about leadership and navigating various stakeholder perspectives to meet goals on time and budget. The author emphasizes understanding requirements, managing risks, communicating expectations, and learning from mistakes. Resources like software and books are recommended to help readers develop their project management skills.

1. Project Management
101: Where to begin?!
TREVOR S. MITCHELL, CAE
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP & STRATEGY
AMERICAN MENSA

2. Introduction
10 Years in Association Management
Strong involvement within industry
Self-made Project Manager
Lead numerous projects
AMS Selection/Implementation
Website Redesign
Strategic Planning
Etc.

4. Project Management Means to Me:
Project Management is the new term
for Leader
Ability to look at various items available
Systematically identify and navigate the
process
Being organized and flexible
Diligent and calm

5. View Points Differ

6. Questions You May Be Asking Yourself?
What is Project Management actually?
How can a Project Management process help me?
How can I build buy in with other staff?
How can I get started?
How do I not make it so time intensive?

9. Good vs. Bad Project Managers

10. Project Requirements
Understand the requirements of the project
Purpose
End Outcome Desired
Stakeholders (Internal and External)
Budget
Deadline
Ensure you know what is needed for this project
Various stakeholders have different view points
This means something different to everyone
Focus with the end in mind first then how to get there

11. Risk Management
Understand limitations
Of yourself
Stakeholders
Monitor and identify roadblocks ahead of time
View impact of obstacles

12. Navigating Change
Communicate:
Expectations
End Goal
How they fit in
Rinse and Repeat

13. Leadership
Foster good relationships
Be as honest and upfront
as you can
Inspire others by leading
by example

14. Distractions
Keep Focus
You
Stakeholders
Organizations
Minimize distractions
Regular documentation and
update of plan
Plan for “Out of Scope” items

15. Learning from Mistakes
Best place to learn
About how you manage
Where you can improve your
process
No project manager gets it right
100%
Take ownership when mistakes
occur.

16. Becoming a Project Management Jedi
Master
1. Foster Good Relations
2. Inspire
3. Anticipate Needs
4. Be Driven
5. Anticipate Problems
6. Minimize Meetings
7. Delegate Firmly
8. Goes with a Plan
9. Focus on Solutions
10. Don’t Complain

17. Journey to Project Management Jedi
Master
Start with defining the purpose and end solution
Figure out what you want and need to track
Identify stakeholders
Be flexible
Don’t overcomplicate the process

18. Other Resources
Project Management Session this afternoon
Project Management Institute
Various Tool:
Excel
Software (Basecamp, Microsoft Project, etc.)
Apps (Trello, Asana, etc.)
Do what works best for you!

19. Final Thoughts
“The P in PM is as much about ‘people management’ as it is about
‘project management.’”
- Cornelius Fichtner
“Trying to manage a project without project management is like
trying to play a football game without a game plan.”
- K. Tate

20. Trevor S. Mitchell, CAE
Director of Membership & Strategy
American Mensa
trevormitchellcae@gmail.com
@trevm22
www.trevormitchellcae.com