Week of the PM - Jef Van de Weghe

On 14 June it is Project Manager Day. But why not make it Project Manager's Week? Our Tobians have so many experiences to bring to the table and stories to tell that we would love to share them with you. Therefore, every day this week, we will release a new and inspiring PM journey. Your reading material for today: Jef Van de Weghe.

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Can you briefly introduce yourself, Jef? 

My name is Jef Van de Weghe and I have more than ten years of experience in Project Management in various sectors such as utilities, logistics, finance and healthcare. I joined Tobania.Business in 2018 and haven't regretted my choice since. In my spare time I write and play music, collect physical copies of good albums and enjoy spending time in nature, whether that's working in my garden or taking a walk with friends.

Jef-2

 

Jef Van de Weghe

Project Manager

 

 

"As a PM, you get the chance to be at the forefront of change and witness the impact of your efforts.”
 

What makes working as a Project Manager (PM) so unique? 

The opportunity to work with many different people with a huge variety of backgrounds, education levels and expertise. You get the chance to be at the forefront of change and witness the impact of your efforts. 

 

How would your colleagues describe you? 

I hope they would describe me as dedicated, organised and reliable. 

 

What is your go-to productivity trick? 

I would like to refer to the 4 D's of Time Management, or the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. 

 

How can you stand out as a PM? 

I would say by clear and frequent communication with all your stakeholders. It is striking to see how often the communication aspect in projects is underestimated. Anyone can make a project plan, but to actually get it done, specific communication is needed, addressed to each (group of) stakeholders.  

In my opinion, communication or facilitating it is probably the most important skill of a PM. It allows you to ensure that everyone knows what to do and when to do it, in order to meet stakeholder expectations. I heard someone say not long ago that a good PM has to spend about 90% of his/her time communicating in some way. Although that number may be somewhat exaggerated, there is certainly a grain of truth in this statement.  

It is also important to be friendly and understanding at all times. After all, we work with people, not robots. If someone does not deliver on promised actions, try to understand the reason behind them and help them to achieve the goals you have set together for the project. 

 

If you could go back in time, what would you say to yourself at the beginning of your career? 

Be more ambitious and confident. 

 

What gives you a professional high? 

Delivering a quality result with a team of motivated people is what gives me the greatest satisfaction. 

The advantage of being a consultant is that you meet many different people from whom you can learn, so I guess in a way you could call them all mentors. 
 

Do you have any mentors in your professional life? 

At Tobania, we have a mentoring programme that ensures you have the necessary sparring partner to help you challenge or question yourself. The advantage of being a consultant is that you meet many different people from whom you can learn, so I guess in a way you could call them all mentors.   

 

Do you strive to be a mentor to others? 

Absolutely. I have reached a point where I feel confident to pass on my acquired knowledge to less experienced colleagues who have ambitions in Project Management, and I am actively doing so thanks to the Tobania mentorship programme. 

 

Why should fellow Project Managers join you at Tobania? 

Because Tobania is a 100% Belgian organisation that understands that people should be at the heart of their organisation. Because you will be supported from all sides by experts of all kinds. Because Tobania offers ample opportunities to develop your skills and provides considerable freedom to determine your own growth path according to your skills and ambitions. 

 

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Jef Van de Weghe

Jef Van de Weghe

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