When I think about what’s happening in the world right now, it reminds me of those snow globes that I had as a kid.  The world is calm and serene in the little village until someone shakes the snow globe, and then in an instant the world changes.

There are two ways to handle change.  One way is to keep doing what you were doing and ignore the change that is happening.  The other way is to forget about the old way of doing things, embrace the snow and set up some new rules for your wintry world.

On the following pages, let’s take a look at some of the old rules that have defined many of us over the last decade, and new rules that can bring us forward.  Then, we’ll look at our role as Project Managers in creating value in any environment -- serene or shaken.

Old Rules
The old rules focused on getting ahead with “OPM” -- other people’s money, and winning was defined by “stuff.”  Whoever has most toys wins.  Like a Ponzi scheme, this is a short-term game that doesn’t build long-term value or happiness.

New Rules
I’d like to propose some new rules that will let us all move forward, begin thinking in new ways and create value for ourselves and those around us.

Super Hero or Just a Good Project Manager?
When the snow globe has been shaken, who are the most valuable people to have on your team?  It’s people who know how to get things done, talk the frantic folks down out of the tree and get the team moving again on a new terrain.  Sound familiar?  That person is probably you. While you may not wear a leotard into work with a big PM on your chest, people will see you as a Super Hero if you can bring some of the new rules into being.

Ask yourself these questions:

How can I create more value for other people, FAST?

How can I reduce or eliminate risks (including cost overruns) on my projects?

How can I better leverage my skills to create more value for others?

How can I find the opportunities that are best for me?

Are the goals and commitments I had in the past right for me now?

How can I help people on my team and in my family become more successful?

How can I be healthier, so I’m operating at my best?

How can I be the project manager and team member who succeeds while helping others to succeed?

Answer these questions and ease on the down the road with your new set of rules.  Then, when the world gets shaken, you’re ready to go.

Keep Your Skills Up to Date and Get 20% Off
In this environment, it’s important to make sure your Project Management skills are at their best.  Let Cheetah Learning help you with 20% off our 45 hour/PDU online course Capitalize on the Recession.  Use the promotion code Snowglobe and get 20% off until May 15, 2009.

Chief Cheetah Podcast Is Yours for the Downloading
Want to hear what Michelle LaBrosse, PMP, and Chief Cheetah has to say about the old rules versus the new rules?  Download our podcast at http://podcast.cheetahlearning.com/podcastgen/ and hear the words straight from the Cheetah’s mouth.

About Cheetah Learning and the Know How Network
The Know How Network is a monthly column written by Michelle LaBrosse, the founder and Chief Cheetah of Cheetah Learning.  Distributed to hundreds of newsletters and media outlets around the world, the Know How Network brings the promise, purpose and passion of Project Management to people everywhere. Visit www.cheetahlearning.com to learn more about Cheetah PM, the fastest way to learn about Project Management and get your PMP. You can also get your career in gear with CheetahWare, free Project Management tools from Cheetah Learning.

About the Author
Michelle LaBrosse, PMP, is an entrepreneurial powerhouse with a penchant for making success easy, fun and fast.  She is the founder of Cheetah Learning, the author of the Cheetah Success Series, and a prolific blogger whose mission is to bring Project Management to the masses.

Cheetah Learning is a virtual company with 100 employees, contractors, and licensees worldwide. To date, more than 30,000 people have become “Cheetahs” using Cheetah Learning’s innovative Project Management and accelerated learning techniques.

Recently honored by the Project Management Institute (PMI®), Cheetah Learning was named Professional Development Provider of the Year at the 2008 PMI® Global Congress.  A dynamic keynote speaker and industry thought leader, Michelle was previously recognized by PMI as one of the 25 Most Influential Women in Project Management in the world.

Michelle’s articles have appeared in over 100 publications and web sites around the world. Her monthly column, the Know How Network is carried by over 400 publications, and her monthly newsletter goes out to more than 50,000 people.  Her radio program, Your World Your Way, is a weekly broadcast that is an inspiring and practical look at how Project Management fuels success.

She is a graduate of the Harvard Business School’s Owner President Manager’s (OPM) program and also holds engineering degrees from Syracuse University   and the University of Dayton.

She lives in Nevada with her family and likes to rejuvenate in Alaska where you’ll often find her kayaking, hiking, and riding her motorcycle.

PMP is a registered trademark of the Project Management Institute.