by Wayne Angel
Jerry’s definition of SEM at his web site is a very good way to answer Nancy’s question about SEM and other Weinberg training. But, I am not so certain that a definition that is more concise than Jerry’s is possible. The issues that SEM and it’s prequisites address cannot be, in my opinion, concisely stated. My approach to describing SEM is, for example, in my resume, in the section under professional organizations, to put “Member of the Gerald M. Weinberg Software Engineering Management Forum.” I always list this first.
My experience is that there are three types of people
* those who know Jerry
for these people nothing else need be said
* those who do not know Jerry but who assume this is an exclusive and prestigous group
for these people nothing else will matter
* those who do not know Jerry and who honestly ask about SEM
these people are ready to listen to the answer.
I have two answers.
* answer #1: SEM is a network of an incredibly capable and experienced professionals from whom I have frequently sought and received advice for specific issues and problems I have not previously encountered.
* answer #2: Quote or refer to Jerry’s definition.
This discussion does bring to mind another possible approach. That I will try the next time this comes up. The approach is taken from another domain. It is what George Balanchine used to say to new members of New York City Ballet.
Balanchine was founder and artistic director of New York City Ballet. When he was alive, dancing under his direction in New York was generally considered the highest honor and distinction a classical ballet dancer could achieve. In the ballet world it would be something like winning an Olympic Gold metal and being elected President of the United States (for those are interested in such things).
The dedication, hard work, and competition is about the same. Balanchine would say, “You have learned the steps, now I will teach you to dance.” SEM is like that. I knew all the steps, techniques, and procedures of project management long before I met Jerry.