In 1990, Anne Edwards-Cotter founded Cotter Consulting while caring for four children. In a sense, Cotter’s project management approach and many of the organization’s core values share characteristics associated with parenting. While project management and parenting are very different activities, there is a surprising amount of overlap between the two! We share the perspectives of some of Cotter’s newest parents, to demonstrate how similar parenting and project management really are. There are many ways in which the two may inform one another, so let’s explore the diverse landscape of each through the experiences of some of Cotter’s star players.

What’s more challenging, being a new parent or being a Cotter project manager?
Definitely being a new parent! Although unforeseen conditions can come up on projects, many people anticipate that this will happen and account for these instances in both the budget and schedule. Since babies are all different from one another and less predictable, that is what makes new-parenthood more challenging. Let’s not forget the fact that crying is really a newborn’s only means of communication!

Which of Cotter’s core values have had the greatest presence in your personal or professional life during this time as a new parent? Why?
Respect for others – I have always respected single mothers, but after having a child of my own now, my level of respect for them has skyrocketed!

How has Cotter supported you as a new parent?
Workplace flexibility has been helpful with my transition to being a new parent. Although we have childcare arrangements now, in the beginning while we were still looking for childcare, it was helpful to be able to work from home as needed.

What’s your favorite part about being a parent?
I love watching him do new things every day, watching him grow is just amazing. Let alone change people’s hearts and minds for the better.

How has Cotter supported you as a new parent?
Aside from the helping me get a couple things for Jaire, they have helped me develop my skills to be able to be considered for better professional opportunities internally and externally.

How has being a parent had an impact on your approach to being a project manager? Has being a project manager impacted your parenthood or perceptions of parenting?
Being a parent really helps you develop a higher sense of empathy. I have three children (2, 5 and 7 months) and know that they are still learning the world around them and how to manage their feelings really gives me perspective when interacting with them. This carries over to my job when I assist homeowners. I try to be aware and not get ahead of myself before assisting a homeowner because I need to know their level of understanding of the RSIP before we can address the inquiry.

Which of Cotter’s core values have had the greatest presence in your personal or professional life during this time as a new parent? Why?
Continuous Improvement – there is no playbook to parenting. I am constantly learning ways to understand my children in order to become a better parent.

How has Cotter supported you as a new parent?
Cotter is family oriented and is very warm and open with the growing families of its employees.

What attributes of project management/project controls do you find yourself implementing as a new parent?
It is important to be clear and direct both at work and with my two girls. We use the parenting approach of “kind and firm” in our house. I think that is a really good way to lead as well, especially in my position.

What benefits does Cotter offer that are most valuable to your parenting?
I know my physical health is important to my mental health and a healthy mom is a good mom. IncentFit allows me to have extra incentive ($) for being active which makes me a better overall person.

How has Cotter supported you as a new parent?
From the interview process to today I have felt fully supported by Cotter in parenthood. Everyone in the firm is genuinely understanding (and there are many staff members in similar situations, but even those that are not, have always been so patient and kind). Benefits and support are provided that allow me balance in my role so I can show up and be present with my family outside of work. I am so grateful for this aspect of Cotter culture!!

What’s your favorite part about being a parent?
Getting my son out of bed every morning, but especially on Thursday mornings. Our garbage is collected on Thursday and Red loves the garbage truck.

What attributes of project management/project controls do you find yourself implementing as a new parent?
Planning and time management. Leaving the house with a toddler requires you to think through the journey from start to finish, anticipate potential obstacles, and plan for them in advance. Will we have to wait in a long line? Lets make sure we have toys. How will we get up that staircase when getting off the train? Bring the collapsible stroller. Will our child enjoy a baseball game? There is a bar next door.

How has being a parent had an impact on your approach to being a project manager?
I find being a parent very challenging. I am now actively empathetic to all family related matters and find myself enquiring about them with project stakeholders I may have just met. People care more when they know you care about what they are going through.