Program Management and the Art of Storytelling

An innovative online course by UMD and USMx

Course Description

"Program Management and the Art of Storytelling" is an innovative online course offered by UMD and USMx, designed to elevate your program and project management skills through the power of storytelling. This course is part of the Professional Certificate in Program Management and the Art of Communication, providing a unique perspective on how to effectively communicate, persuade, and engage stakeholders in the world of project management.

What Students Will Learn

  • Master the art of storytelling as a crucial tool in program and project management
  • Create compelling project visions and status reports using narrative techniques
  • Develop effective risk management strategies through storytelling
  • Enhance stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills using narrative approaches
  • Utilize data storytelling to present information more effectively
  • Apply storytelling techniques to capture and communicate lessons learned

Prerequisites

This introductory-level course has no specific prerequisites. However, a basic understanding of project management concepts would be beneficial.

Course Content

  • The structure and components of stories
  • Creating vision and status stories for projects and programs
  • Using stories for risk management in programs and projects
  • Applying storytelling techniques in negotiations and stakeholder management
  • Analyzing and engaging stakeholders through resonant stories
  • Storytelling with data and effective presentation of data charts
  • Capturing lessons learned through storytelling

Who This Course Is For

  • Aspiring and current program and project managers
  • Certified project managers looking to enhance their communication skills
  • Professionals seeking to improve their storytelling abilities in a business context
  • Anyone interested in learning how to use narrative techniques for more effective communication and leadership

Real-World Applications

  • Creating more engaging and memorable project presentations
  • Improving team communication and alignment on project goals
  • Enhancing risk management strategies and stakeholder buy-in
  • Developing more persuasive business proposals and pitches
  • Crafting compelling project status reports and updates
  • Facilitating more effective lessons learned sessions
  • Presenting data and analytics in a more impactful and understandable manner

Syllabus

  • Week One - The Structure and Components of Stories
  • Week Two - Telling the Program or Project's Story
  • Week Three - Risk Management Through Storytelling
  • Week Four - Managing Stakeholders with Stories
  • Week Five - Storytelling with Data (Bonus Module)

Each week is divided into four modules, covering topics such as story structure, vision creation, status reporting, risk management, stakeholder analysis, and data storytelling.

By completing this course, you'll earn 10 professional development units (PDUs) and gain a valuable skill set that sets you apart in the field of project management. While storytelling may not be explicitly covered in traditional project management certifications, it is a critical skill that experienced managers develop over time. This course accelerates that learning process, providing you with the tools to become a more effective communicator, leader, and project manager.