I get to use my project management skills primarily in information technology projects. As a relative newcomer, my stint with IT started from humble beginnings in 1992, learning DOS and GW Basic. In the last 13 years, I have understood the thrilling fact that what I learn quickly has an expiry date and specialized knowledge (in any field) constantly devalues until it becomes a necessary commodity.

This is similar to the effect of economic inflation on money, however with one marked difference. I observe that in the knowledge-based economy, this constant devaluation of knowledge is increasing exponentially. In other words, more and more specialized knowledge becomes a necessary requirement at a faster and faster rate. All of us are expected to demonstrate higher and higher expertise as a qualification for basic competency, within our application domains.

In June 2003, Nicholas G. Carr published a provocative article in Harvard Business Review, titled “Why IT doesn't matter anymore”. He says, “When a resource becomes essential to competition but inconsequential to strategy, the risks [the lack of] it creates become more important than the advantages it provides...”.  Taking that business thought and applying it into our lives, unless an IT/Project management professional keeps himself/herself at the cutting edge of their domain knowledge, the value he/she provides continuously depreciates.

This provides an exciting environment that shows no mercy against people who don't keep pace by their learning. Organizations or even markets will easily jettison people who cannot pull enough weight. The ride is only going to get faster and faster, where one must embrace the tide and enjoy the speed. It is simply not enough if you obtain certifications or master new knowledge through books or classrooms. It requires developing a perennial thirst to seek knowledge as a way of life. This involves making a passionate effort to break new ground everyday in getting outside the box we have around ourselves.

Those who are already in the classrooms, seek knowledge outside of your classes as well. Those who are not in, get inside to know more. To keep us motivated, we must never forget the saying,

“When you are green, you keep growing and when you are ripe, you begin rotting“.

Have a have a nice tour!