So now that all of the plan is on the table - there's nothing left to do but keep you all updated on what I'm actually doing to make forward progress.
I expect it'll take me a few posts before I come up with a reasonably functional formula for sharing - so bear with me while I try a few different formats out.
For this week - I'm just going to go objective by objective and give an update on the what I've accomplished so far.
Objective #1: PMP
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, the PMP cohort at work was frozen until sometime in early 2026. The cohort had covered about half of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) before pausing; I read the second half on my own. Since then, I've spent minimal time on this objective. Before the cohort restarts, I'll review the PMBOK again, but until then I'm focusing energy elsewhere.
Objective #2: BA Skills
I can now say with certainty: I have zero intent to pursue a professional business analysis certification. I've done substantial research - and I don't see any tangible value to obtaining such a credential. Instead, I've started strengthening BA capabilities I haven't used much: modeling tools and techniques via a LinkedIn Learning path. It's not particularly interesting work, but it's a common skill set I haven't learned on the job yet.
Additionally - my team at work has recently gone through a substantial transition and as a result I am now the primary business analyst (as well as discount scrum master among other hats). My team is much smaller now and we're exploring how to operate in this new paradigm. The next few months will force my BA skills to grow.
Objective #3: Process Improvement
I've completed 10-12 hours of Lean Six Sigma coursework on LinkedIn Learning, targeting 1-2 hours per week with some fluctuation. It's not entirely clear when I should attempt the Green Belt exam, but I'm confident I can meet my Q1 2026 goal.
I'm actively participating in process improvement work at my organization. I occupy a unique role that lets me engage with both the contractor team facilitating improvements and the NASA program teams whose processes are being improved. It's great experience, and I'm grateful for the freedom to participate outside my official lane.
I mentioned planning to do process consulting for a local organization. I'm still preparing materials and plan to start work in early/mid-January. Will expand on this more in the future.
Objective #4: Strategic Reading
I've read an astounding number of books in the past few weeks. Of the 15 curriculum books I planned for November and December, I've finished 14 and I'm halfway through the 15th. I will share my thoughts on them more specifically in a future reflections post but to quickly list the 14 books I've completed:
- "Critical Chain" by Goldratt
- "The Phoenix Project" by Gene Kim
- "Making Things Happen" by Scott Berkun
- "The DevOps Handbook" by Gene Kim et al.
- "Peopleware" by Tom DeMarco
- "Team Topologies" by Matthew Skelton
- "Accelerate" by Nicole Forsgren
- "Switch" by Chip & Dan Heath
- "The Fifth Discipline" by Peter Senge
- "Drive" by Daniel Pink
- "The Pyramid Principle" by John Vallely
- "Good Strategy Bad Strategy" by Richard Rumelt
- "The Effective Executive" by Peter Drucker
- "An Elegant Puzzle" by Will Larson
I think many of these will merit a second read (or third, or fourth) - but all of them have added valuable knowledge to my tool chest. I'm looking forward to sharing my reflections.
Objective #5: Reigniting LinkedIn/Blog/Etc.
As I mentioned last week, it's been a challenge to maintain this cadence. Between work, time with Evie, and reading a book every night, finding time to write is hard.
That said, I've enjoyed the exercise. It's nice to be writing again - it's the sort of mindfulness activity I'm not usually good at prioritizing, but one I clearly benefit from.
So there you have it - Progress Report #1. The ball is rolling slowly; but it is rolling.
More to come.
CHG
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