Geospatial > The Layer File > Advanced GIS Leadership
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the URISA Advanced GIS Leadership Academy in Chicago, and it was a game-changer for how I approach both leadership and GIS. This intensive program brought together GIS professionals from across the country, each of us had unique challenges and insights, but all sharing some common experiences and struggles. It was a bit of therapy really. Among the many sessions, the ones on Value Stream Mapping and Personal Kanban really stood out to me.
Value Stream Mapping
A method that helps visualize and optimize the flow of processes in our projects. It’s a powerful way to identify bottlenecks and streamline our workflows, ensuring that we’re delivering the best results with maximum efficiency. I’m already thinking about how to apply these concepts to enhance our project management at Maurer-Stutz.
Personal Kanban
Another session that really resonated with me was on Personal Kanban. I’ve played with Kanban before (pronounced however you pronounce “pecan”) This approach to managing tasks and workflows is both simple and effective, offering a visual way to prioritize and track work. It's about finding balance and focus, two things that can be challenging in our fast-paced field. I’m eager to get back to Kanban, not just for myself, but also to encourage my team to use it as a way to stay organized and reduce stress.
Additional highlights focused on:
Building and sustaining Effective teams even with remote members. Road-mapping a hypothetical GIS project as a group, providing clear near-term and long-term GIS initiatives. The Data Governance session highlighted the importance of establishing policies and standards regardless the size of the organization. Ans of course we discussed the Ethics of GIS projects emphasizing the impact of decisions on privacy and equity. These sessions reinforced my approach to building the MSGS department at Maurer-Stutz, where we are striving to integrate geospatial solutions seamlessly with our civil and transportation engineering projects as well as our own stream of projects.
It was just a great chance to connect with other GIS professionals and hear about their experiences. The discussions were real, down-to-earth, and incredibly valuable for someone in my role. Overall, the academy left me with fresh ideas and practical strategies that I’m excited to bring back to our team. If you ever get the chance to attend, I highly recommend it—especially if you’re looking to refine your leadership skills and get a better handle on managing your team and projects. I’m looking forward to applying these lessons as we continue to grow and evolve the MSGS department.