May "Fast Company" Article Kari Fruechte

Peters, Tom, The WOW Project, Fast Company, 24, May, 1999, p. 116.

When I read the title and description of this article, I knew I had to read this one. My interest in a thesis project centers around project-based learning for youth. To see that top executives are connecting project-based learning to careers is very exciting. Peters claims that white-collar workers are facing the reality that they need to change the way they work. He says distinguished project work is the future of work, and could be the one way to ensure the continuance of your job. Volunteering for any project and helping to turn it into something of value would be a way to gain identity for yourself in your career. The people who can look at old problems in new ways and surround themselves with a great team to work with are the ones who will succeed. Peters identified four steps that go into every WOW project: finding and creating a great project, selling the project, executing the project, and handing off the project so you can move on to the next one. In choosing a project, you must consider your passion and a compelling need. I strongly agree that without emotional ties to a project, it's difficult to do your best job. I also agree that selling a project is important, and that many times we need to do the groundwork in order for our communities or clients to buy into the project. Executing seems to be the part Extension does well with, I think. Maybe it's the teacher in me, but that would be the part of the project that comes easiest to me. The final step is a point I could also identify with. I really enjoy getting a project off the ground and running, but then I do better if I can pass it on to someone else to manage the details. Hearing that this is O.K., and even necessary was great, even though sometimes it is hard to walk away. Finally, Peters suggests doing a self-evaluation and reflection at the end of a project. This is an important step we try to teach youth, and allow time for at the end of their projects. It is also beneficial to us when we complete projects. Taking time to celebrate or at least gather our thoughts will get us ready for that next project. As I shared my interest in this article with a colleague, he asked if doing project work meant always working in teams. By my definition, I would say it has to, because one person never works in isolation on any project. When you consider the steps Peters listed, researching the need for the project and selling the project could not be done without consulting other people. I would also see some of the main benefits to project-based learning as building skills in teamwork and communication. I plan to share this article with others I work with in education who are interested in project-based learning for youth. It seems to be a good basis to letting us know how important the concept is becoming in the business world.

-- Anonymous, May 07, 1999