Planning in an unknown unknown
As someone who loves words, I have always found the project management terms “known unknown” and “unknown unknown” engaging. They are good reminders about planning for contingencies for something known that could happen or including the possibility that something totally unthought of and unplanned could happen.
As you might guess, one of the activities the board does annually is to hold a strategic planning session for the coming year. Normally we would do this in July, which gives us a chance to assess plans for the remainder of the current calendar year and plan for the next calendar year. Our top three priorities for 2020 were to: 1) provide value to members, 2) expand our connection to new members and our outreach to potential members, and 3) enhance our communications.
But then the “unknown unknown” occurred, and this year wasn’t normal. The board has been regrouping and exploring new directions and opportunities for our chapter. Instead of our planning session being held in July, it will now be in early December. We’re excited about this because it gives you an opportunity to be part of the process!
Our November 9 chapter meeting – a lunchtime virtual meeting – will be one opportunity to be part of the conversation. After we announce our new board members for the 2021-2022 term, we will continue discussion as a chapter about ideas for things we can do, in our current environment and going forward, to bring value to our members and our community. We hope you will join us if you can!
If a lunchtime meeting doesn’t work with your schedule, you can always email the board or call a board member to give us your thoughts. And normally around this time of year, PMI Global would email a chapter feedback survey, so that may be another option for your feedback.
Did you know that we currently have 360 chapter members? Each of you chose to be part of this chapter. Thank you! Each of you also have ideas that are valuable to our chapter. We look forward to hearing from you.
Debbie Rivenburg, PMP
VP of Administration
PMI Tallahassee - pmitlh.org