Those Were the Days

8/9/2017

This sketch of a general with a sword in hand, riding a horse represents the leader of a conference.

Thanks to the generosity (and quick eyes!) of one of our partners, we recently received a 1960s-era booklet detailing how to lead a successful conference. The 16-page guide reveals all sorts of gems. We laughed. We cringed. And, in some cases, we even nodded. After all, we may no longer live in the days of three-martini lunches and casual sexism, but starting a conference on time? Still good advice.

We wanted to share a few of our favorite pages. Some of the details make us shake our heads, but it's also humbling to recognize how some things in the project management industry haven't changed at all. And, we also know that in another 50 years, somebody is going to laugh at our to-do lists.

So, enjoy this flashback to project management ala "Mad Men."

The conference leader looks into a mirror and the text says: Now, let's concentrate on developing your leadership qualities: 1. have genuine friendliness; 2. be tolerant toward all viewpoints; 3. learn to forget personalities; 4. weigh each contribution on its own merits

Good advice here. And, we'd like to think this sketch is a precursor to selfies.

Spread says that pre-conference planning is very important. And you must do it 'way ahead of time.' Here's how: 1. become familiar with the subject matter; read relevant data, ask questions; and think out the subject; 2. notify your conferees of meeting time and place -- and do it well ahead of time. Sent them material on subject; 3. check the needed facilities; the room, seating, lighting, ventilation, heating, and so forth; 4. check the audio-visual aids to be used; motion pictures or slide films, charts and blackboard, illustrations or case histories, and miscellaneous materials like chalk, crayons, erasers, pencils and paper, ash trays, water decanters and tumblers, and name cards for each conferee. Sketch of man with arms full of needed items accompanies text.

Yes, pre-conference planning IS very important. Yes, we've looked like this guy before — (how many boxes can you safely carry from a vehicle to the registration table?!) And we are thankful that we don't have to bring ash trays and chalk to events anymore.

It's also important that you get your conference started on the right foot. Here's how: 1. start on time; 2. put conferees at ease by introducing yourself and each member of the group; 3. state the nature and purpose of the conference; 4. remind conferees that you are not an authority, nor is it your job to answer questions or offer solutions.

Again, this is all great advice. In fact, we use these tips whenever we need to facilitate a discussion or planning session for a project.

Be a real field general; get the best out of everyone when you lead your conference: 1. indirectly draw out the

Ah, yes. Back in the good, ol' days when everyone of importance was named Bob. Or Jack. And war metaphors were applicable in almost any work environment. Still, it's going to be hard to get these sketches out of our minds next time we lead a meeting.

Just a few words of advice for those who aren't leading the conference, but are attending: read relevant material, think out the subject beforehand, jot down observations and questions to share; participate; listen. Accompanying sketch shows a man in a suit smoking a cigar and sitting at the boardroom table by himself.

The cigar. Enough said.

How has your profession or industry changed in the last 50 years? How has it remained the same?

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Those Were the Days

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