July 07 2023 at 11:00AM
July 2023 President's Corner
A message from our 2023 President, Eric McKendall:
Thank you, Keith McKendall, big brother, for shedding light on the power of creating positive change! Let's continue to work together, inspired by your powerful message, to build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world. Together, we can create a ripple effect that will transform lives and make a lasting social impact!
Do you have a topic you'd like to present? Let us know! Email our VP of Programs at vpprograms@pmicac.org.
July 4th is a time for us to celebrate our nation’s independence, have barbecue’s, spend time with family, take vacations, and relax.
Speaking of relax…it may also be a good time to reflect on elements that may be stressing you in your work or at home. Take a look at the article below!
When Small Stresses Lead to Big Problems
It's easy to see how big stresses at work or home -- like layoffs, illnesses, or even a complex and important project -- cause anxiety too spike. But sometimes the stresses that cause the most hard are the tiny, everyday ones that build up over time into a much bigger problem because we don't take the time to recognize and manage our reactions to them. Former HBR editor Karen Dillon and Babson College professor Rob Cross studied the most common types of "microstress" and the ways in which they impact individuals, teams, and organizations. They explain why, if left unchecked, microstress can lead to mistakes, burnout, damaged relationships, and poor mental and physical health. But they also offer advice for better handling it -- and helping others to do the same. Dillon and Cross wrote the book The Microstress Effect and the HBR article "The Hidden Toll of Microstress."
https://hbr.org/podcast/2023/06/when-small-stresses-lead-to-big-problems
With the NBA draft passing us recently, I have long admired Chris Paul and in this HBR IdeaCast, he discusses his valuable experience with family as a player and in leadership.
NBA Star Chris Paul on Mentorship and Taking a Stand
Most of us can point to a few key people who have made a real difference in our lives and careers - a family member, a coach, a boss. And many who get that kind of mentoring build on the lessons they learn to become leaders and role models themselves. Basketball star Chris Paul is a prime example. He had the support of a tight-knit family growing up, was mentored by a great coach in college, and as an NBA rookie looked to league veterans for guidance. Now, at age 38, he's the seasoned vet, a perennial All-Star across multiple teams who led the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 through the 2020 Covid-19 crisis and racial reckoning in the United States and is widely regarded as one of the best point guards of all time. Paul's new book is "Sixty-One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court." Note: This episode was taped before the start of the 2023 NBA playoffs.
https://hbr.org/podcast/2023/06/nba-star-chris-paul-on-mentorship-and-taking-a-stand
At PMI we refer to what has historically been called soft skills, power skills. They are some of the most important attributes of an effective project manager and professional as reflected in this PMI article.
Power Skills are Human Skills
Communication, leadership, collaboration, empathy… these are some of the power skills that help to build strong teams and successful businesses
Power Skills are Human Skills | PMI
We look forward to seeing you at the July 12th Summer President's Reception!
Best Regards,
Eric McKendall, MSM, PMP, CLCP
President, PMICAC 2023
