It’s important at APM that we ‘eat our own toast’

APM Chief Executive Adam Boddison on why it’s essential to practise what you preach

We live in challenging times, and society looks to project professionals for the delivery of effective change, which is why our profession is so vital. It needs clear, consistent leadership to build the profile it warrants, challenge the status quo where it matters and set the highest standards. This, of course, is where APM comes in.

I have now been Chief Executive of APM for almost a year. I have met so many incredible people and learned lots about the project profession, but I have also had the opportunity to ensure that as an organisation we practise what we preach. Or, as a member of APM staff put it to me recently, it is important as the chartered body for the project profession that we ‘eat our own toast’. We can’t just talk about effective practice; it is essential that we demonstrate it ourselves.

More strategic projects

To that end, APM’s portfolio team has been particularly busy. This impressive team of project managers, including a Chartered Project Professional, has successfully delivered several business-critical and sector-essential projects. Internally, the portfolio team has already implemented a new HR/payroll system and a new telephony system, with progress towards a new customer relationship management system well under way.

Externally, the portfolio team worked in partnership with APM’s Education & Lifelong Learning team to implement an up-to-date competence framework and a new mentoring programme, with APM’s rebrand project due to launch later in 2022.

A key factor in these successful projects was the interplay between the portfolio and leadership teams. Since joining APM, I have been advocating structures that enable project professionals to have influence on strategic decision-making. This is something I have sought to realise as part of my own leadership, which has ensured that project excellence is at the heart of APM.

‘The big four’

A significant focus for APM in recent months has been what I call ‘the big four’. This refers to four substantial projects, each of which are of significant strategic importance. They are: the implementation of a new CRM; the delivery of APM’s new brand; celebrating APM’s 50th anniversary this year; and the launch of APM’s new strategy. APM’s new strategy formally launches in June, and is based on a vision of a world in which all projects succeed.

This vision encapsulates all that we want to achieve as the only chartered membership organisation for the project profession. By inspiring people to understand how to plan and deliver projects successfully, we believe we can truly change the world. The APM strategy, and indeed our charitable objects, is centred on four strategic themes. These provide the APM community with a clear direction and strategic focus.

Our strategic themes

1. The first strategic theme is: APM provides leadership of the profession. This relates to leveraging the impact of chartered status for the profession and to raising standards.
2. The second strategic theme is: APM is a professional body for all project professionals. This theme demonstrates the breadth and complexity of the project community. At one extreme, it includes ‘invisible’ project managers. At the other, it includes leaders who have direct oversight of project delivery teams.

For leaders of organisations, my premise is that organisational change and development is typically a more significant aspect of their leadership compared to business as usual. It is therefore important that all leaders have at least a basic understanding of project management.

3. The third strategic theme is: APM identifies and enables the right skills for the project profession. This is about optimising learning pathways and ensuring that sustainability is at the heart of all we do. Similarly, it is important that APM prioritises diversity and inclusion, as well as the innovative use of technology.
4. The final strategic theme is: APM is an outstanding professional body. APM is known for quality, but it is not yet known widely enough, particularly in certain sectors. Ultimately, APM is focused on both making the toast and eating the toast to ensure we get it right for all project professionals.

THIS ARTICLE IS BROUGHT TO YOU FROM THE Summer 2022 ISSUE OF PROJECT JOURNAL, WHICH IS FREE FOR APM MEMBERS.