As we enter 2025, it is more important than ever for WashU IT to stay at the forefront of emerging trends and best practices. One effective way to accomplish this is through a Community of Practice (CoP)—a group of professionals who share a common interest, collaborate to enhance their expertise, and drive innovation within their field.
The Role of a Community of Practice in Program Management
For Program Management (PgM), a CoP provides an opportunity to leverage the experiences and insights of professionals in similar roles. PgM is a relatively new discipline, many professionals performing similar functions can offer valuable perspectives to help mature and refine the practice. The ultimate goal is to better align program management efforts with overall business strategy, ensuring efficient project execution and value delivery.
Supporting Our ImpacT Strategy
The Program Management CoP directly supports our ImpacT strategy by facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration. The community focuses on improving project delivery through best practices, increasing transparency, awareness, prioritization, and financial stewardship. By fostering open discussions and learning, the CoP enhances the overall effectiveness of program and project management within the organization.
Key Topics Covered in the CoP
The Program Management CoP covers a wide range of valuable topics, including:
- Building a community – Strengthening connections among professionals.
- Growth & Development – Enhancing skills and career progression.
- FY Cycle Checkpoints – Aligning with financial and operational milestones.
- Budget Planning Cycle – Best practices for financial planning.
- Utilizing AI in PgM – Leveraging technology to improve efficiency.
- Emotional Intelligence – Managing Burnout – Supporting well-being in high-pressure roles.
- Transition to Operations – Ensuring seamless handoffs between projects and operations.
- Success Stories – Learning from real-world experiences and best practices.
Who Should Participate?
This CoP is designed for Program Managers, senior-level Project Managers, and professionals in similar roles who seek to enhance their skills, share insights, and contribute to the growth of the discipline.
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in joining the Program Management CoP, contact Kristi Lenz (kristilenz@wustl.edu) to be added to the invite list.
For general inquiries, reach out to Jason Oglesby (jasono@wustl.edu) or Kristi Lenz (kristilenz@wustl.edu).
Why Join a Community of Practice?
Participating in a CoP offers numerous benefits, including:
- Staying up to date with the latest trends and best practices in PgM.
- Fostering collaboration and innovation through knowledge sharing.
- Enhancing professional growth and career development.
- Strengthening alignment with organizational strategy and goals.
By engaging with the Program Management Community of Practice, you can contribute to the field’s ongoing development while also advancing your own expertise. Join us as we work together to shape the future of program management at WashU IT.
The next PgM CoP meeting is on Monday, March 31st at 3:00 P.M.