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PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of Working

The Power of Community: Elevating PMOs and Project Leaders Through Collective Knowledge

Introduction

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, project managers and PMO leaders are navigating an overwhelming sea of information. With AI-generated content, generic best practices, and the sheer volume of online resources, it has become increasingly difficult to access truly valuable insights rooted in real-world experience. 

 
Laura Barnard, host of the PMO Strategies Podcast, and guest expert Galen Low, co-founder of the Digital Project Manager, discuss how embracing a strong, connected community can revolutionize the way PMO leaders, transformation leaders, and project managers grow in their careers. This article explores how strategic communities and shared experiences can create a meaningful IMPACT and accelerate success. 
 

The Missing Piece: Why Community Matters More Than Ever 

The Limitations of Traditional Learning 

Many professionals in project management and PMO leadership rely on certifications, books, and industry whitepapers to advance their knowledge. However, these sources often fall short in providing the nuanced, experience-driven insights that leaders need to succeed in complex, fast-paced environments. 
 
Galen Low highlights a crucial gap: 
“We’ve all learned through trial and error—burn marks, battle scars, and mistakes. But what if we didn’t have to make those mistakes? What if we could accelerate learning by tapping into the lived experiences of others?” 

From Knowledge Consumption to Experience Application 

Communities offer more than just knowledge—they provide an ecosystem of shared experiences, mentorship, and real-time problem-solving. Rather than relying solely on AI-curated content or static resources, project professionals need a space where they can exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and gain practical, real-world advice. 
 

The Role of Communities in Professional Growth 

1. Bridging the Knowledge Gap with Real-World Insights 

Project managers often Google solutions to common problems, but the search results are often generic, lacking the context necessary to be actionable. Communities provide access to case studies, real-time discussions, and expertise that help project professionals make informed decisions. 

2. Fostering Safe Practice and Career Development 

Galen shares how his community, The Digital Project Manager, was built to eliminate the “sink or swim” mentality that often accompanies the profession: 
“Rather than letting the next generation of project professionals learn the hard way, we provide a space where they can learn safely—where mistakes are discussed, challenges are shared, and best practices are refined in real time.” 

3. Expanding Beyond Internal Communities of Practice 

Many organizations attempt to foster learning through internal Communities of Practice (CoPs), where employees share insights within the company. While these are valuable, they often create a closed feedback loop that limits exposure to broader industry perspectives. Expanding community engagement beyond the organization introduces fresh ideas, new methodologies, and diverse problem-solving approaches. 
 

Implementing a Community-Driven Approach in PMOs 

1. Prioritizing Human-Centered Learning 

As project management technology automates administrative tasks, the value of human skills—collaboration, strategic thinking, and influence—becomes even more critical. PMOs and project leaders should foster learning environments that prioritize knowledge-sharing, storytelling, and real-world case studies. 

2. Building a Culture of Shared Knowledge 

For project managers and PMO leaders, success isn’t just about completing projects—it’s about elevating leadership competency, strengthening communication, and solving real business challenges. A strong community encourages knowledge exchange, allowing professionals to: 
  • Share successful (and unsuccessful) project approaches. 
  • Offer peer mentorship and guidance. 
  • Develop frameworks based on collective insights. 

3. Using Community to Drive Business Value 

Some executives hesitate to invest in professional communities, fearing they lack measurable ROI. However, effective knowledge-sharing leads to tangible business benefits, including: 
  • Faster project delivery through best-practice sharing. 
  • Improved risk management by learning from others’ experiences. 
  • Stronger team alignment and collaboration across functions. 
 
Galen underscores the need to position community learning as a strategic asset: 
“Community isn’t just about socializing—it’s about accelerating strategic IMPACT. By curating structured experiences, organizations can drive real business outcomes.” 
 

Actionable Steps: How to Integrate Community Learning into Your PMO 

  1. Start the Conversation – Ask your team if they’re already engaged in professional communities and what they’ve found valuable. 
  2. Identify the Right Communities – Seek out well-curated, active communities that foster both knowledge-sharing and mentorship. 
  3. Pilot a Community of Practice – Start an internal knowledge-sharing group and integrate external expertise for a broader perspective. 
  4. Tie Community Engagement to Business Goals – Demonstrate how insights from community participation improve project success and leadership growth. 
  5. Encourage Contribution, Not Just Consumption – The true power of community lies in shared experiences, so foster an environment where team members feel empowered to contribute. 

 

Conclusion 

In today’s digital age, knowledge is abundant—but meaningful, experience-driven insights are rare. By embracing professional communities, project managers and PMO leaders can accelerate their growth, avoid costly mistakes, and become true strategic partners in their organizations. 
 
Laura Barnard and Galen Low emphasize that the future of project management isn’t just about frameworks and templates—it’s about people. The secret to success? Surrounding yourself with the right community that challenges, supports, and elevates you. 
 
Are you ready to level up? Start exploring the power of community today and transform the way you learn, lead, and deliver IMPACT. 
 
📢 Join the conversation! Learn more about community-driven leadership in project management with The IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind and The Digital Project Manager
 

Connect with Galen

Follow Galen on LinkedIn
Connect on Instagram
Subscribe to The Digital Project Manager on YouTube
 
P.S. Don’t let your chance to fast-track your leadership success slip away! With expert coaching, strategic workshops, and hands-on support, the IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind will help you go from chasing priorities to delivering high-value outcomes. Invest in yourself and your future with flexible payment plans available through February 14! 🚀
 
 

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Warmly,

Laura Barnard