This summer, I decided to pursue my PMP. Because raising twin toddlers just wasn't exciting enough.
I've been working in operations, continuous improvement, and project management for years. Leading teams through chaos is what I live for. Now I'm close to finishing the coursework, and I'm already applying what I'm learning to my current continuous improvement projects. Here's what has stuck with me so far.
- I was doing good work before. Now I'm getting better. More organized, more intentional, and clearer about how I lead projects.
- A consistent foundation is incredibly valuable across industries. The businesses change, but you don't have to reinvent your approach every time.
- Clear expectations make boundaries possible. Understanding industry best practices helps me set boundaries and hold them.
- Not every method applies to every project. Knowing what to use, adapt, or leave out matters as much as knowing the method.
- Communication. This has been one of the most valuable parts of the course. Teams can talk all day and still miss what truly matters: decisions, risks, responsibilities, and next steps.
- Planning for chaos doesn't eliminate surprises. It does make them feel less like emergencies.
- Transparency is paramount. People need an honest picture of where the project stands, including when something isn't going well and who is responsible for what.
- Dashboards are only as reliable as the people updating them. The tool is only as good as the information going into it.
- AI is your friend. Learn to use it, with appropriate guardrails.
Planning for chaos doesn't eliminate surprises. It makes them feel less like emergencies.
None of this replaces experience. It sharpens it. The structure gives a name and a method to things I was already doing by instinct, and it fills in the gaps I didn't know I had.
Until I finish, I'm going to keep doing what has always worked for me: learning by doing.
Originally shared on LinkedIn.
Taylor Ehlmann is an operations leader and ISO 9001:2026 Lead Auditor who writes about building processes and teams that keep getting better. More about Taylor