On April 30th we hosted our in-person Leadership Lab at Mighty Squirrel in Fenway. Over drinks and dinner, project managers across industries came together for a hands-on evening of exercises designed to spark conversation around coaching and problem solving.
In today’s fast-paced environment, technology makes it easier than ever to talk through problems and find solutions quickly. But in that process, it can be easy to lose sight of what you bring to the table and what you can unlock in the people around you. The goal of our Leadership Lab was to practice the art of asking better questions and exploring challenges more deeply before jumping to solutions, thus reminding ourselves of what’s possible in conversation.
“This program was built around a simple but powerful idea: that better conversations create better leaders. Humans tend to jump quickly into advice-giving and problem-solving. Leadership Lab challenged participants to slow down, stay curious longer, and create conversations that expanded perspective before rushing toward solutions.”
– Chet Lang, President
Putting listening into practice
The evening’s exercise was structured as a coaching simulation, unfolding across three rounds with a different partner each time. Each round built on the last, gradually shifting from casual conversation to deeper, more intentional dialogue.
Round 1: Partners focused on establishing a basic connection, getting to know one another without any coaching or problem-solving involved.
Round 2: One partner shared a real challenge they were facing at work while the other practiced asking open-ended questions to draw out more detail, refraining from jumping in with opinions or advice. Groups then reflected together on what worked and what changed throughout the conversation.
Round 3: Partners took a deep dive into the real challenge. With a fuller picture of the challenge on the table, the coaching partner guided their partner toward a solution. By doing so, the coach helped the other person arrive at their own answers rather than providing them.
Talking Through Challenges via Thought Partners
One of the main takeaways from the night reflects on encouraging thought partnerships over rapid solutions. When we slow down and ask better questions, we give the people around us the space to think more clearly and arrive at stronger outcomes on their own terms.
“What made the experience especially powerful was the combination of learning and connection. People weren’t simply discussing leadership concepts intellectually — they were actively experiencing how a different approach to conversation can transform trust, reflection, and problem-solving in real time.”
– Chet Lang, President
This kind of coaching approach is something project managers can apply everyday. Whether supporting a team member through a roadblock, or simply running a more productive one-on-one, the practice of asking more and advising less can meaningfully shift how challenges get worked through.
By the end of the evening, participants walked away with a new approach to breaking down challenges, some new thought partners, and for a lucky few, a free t-shirt!
Help Shape Future Events!
PMI Mass Bay’s Leadership Lab format is built on a simple belief: the best learning happens together. Collaborative spaces like this one unlock the kind of insight no slide deck can replicate: with real examples.
Got something to contribute? We’re always looking for members who want to help build something meaningful. Bring your perspective to our Learning Design Committee!
A huge Thank You to our events team for pulling off a smooth, exciting evening that set the stage for great conversation.
And to everyone who showed up and showed out, thank you! The energy in the room was a reminder of what makes this community worth being part of. Head over to our upcoming events page and we’ll see you at the next one!