Project Management Insights: Recent Episodes
Karen Cherrett
Project Management Insights provide Project Managers with tips and ideas on how to be better leaders. You will also find lots of useful guidance on strengthening your relationships within and around your whole project, not only with your team but also with your key stakeholders. Episodes will be published weekly.
People often confuse a Business Plan with a Business Case. Let me explain the difference in these two documents and remember that you need a business case as the foundation for ANY project that you want to undertake.
If you don't know how to write a business case grab a copy of my book 'How To Write a Strong Business Case' it has a step by step process to follow to write one, including a bunch of tips.
Is a change in BAU a project was a question that I was asked via my website some time ago. It's a topic I have a strong opinion about, and in this episode, I am going to explain why my answer to that question is Yes!
Back on November 27, 2018, I recorded an episode on Remote Team Management. Go back and have a listen to that episode to gain some valuable tips. Little did we realize at that time how remote work was going to change. In this episode, I touch on how to motivate your remote time now, and the keys to getting the best from them whilst they are working from home at this time.
Don't panic! :) The reason I want to talk to you about this topic is that it could happen on your project and what I want is for you to feel confident in your ability to manage it if it does. Here is my list of six things that you need to do when your critical risk materializes.
You probably realize there are things you don't know. And, maybe you don't. It is not fun when you are in a situation where all of sudden what you don't know surfaces. Here are a couple of ways of handling those situations so you feel more confident and let like to be ignorant.
I want you to draw yourself a map of the groups that you will need to engage with for your project. Then consider, in terms of delivery, is each group green, red or amber (orange). This will help you determine where to focus your time and energy in order to get the delivery you want. It's a different way of leading a project.
smallprojects #projectmanagement #business
Here are four ways that money is being wasted on a project and most lead back to that problem of not having a clearly defined business case or requirements. Of course, I am going to say that, because as you know they are key to projects being successfully delivered.
Where you focus your attention is the difference between managing and leading. If you want to be a leader it is time to look up and trust, delegate and to work with your team to deliver your project. Take stock of how you operate and lead to succeed in 2021.
Start 2021 with a project review to health check where you are at on your project journey. Then take the time to revive team spirit and get everyone excited and back on track with what you are wanting to achieve. This is an important step after this holiday period. Doing these things will only add to the likelihood of your project success.
Let's explore only two hours of a Project Managers time to see just how many assumptions and expectations they have, during that time period.
This is the reason you feel so angry, frustrated and fed up with managing projects and something that I am hoping you will learn to notice and change in order to find an easier place to work and manage our projects.
Projects #ProjectManagementTips #Business
We often see meeting agenda's as a waste of time. Here are four reasons why one is valuable and it's not for the reasons that you probably think.
Let me know which reason you will find most valuable for you.
Meetings #Business #Project Management
We don't acknowledge and appreciate our key resources enough, in my opinion. We only appreciate them when they are gone, or not they're working on our project any more. Let's explore ways to work so that we can mitigate what happens when/if our key resource moves on or leaves the project.
Projects #Business
Firstly I want to ask you if you currently run a Project Kickoff Meeting? If you don't then here are the reasons why it's valuable to do so. If you do, then fantastic, here are four ways to make sure that your kickoff meetings are as successful as you want your project to be.
Project Management #Projects #Business
Have you considered that undertaking ANY project is a big risk to the project and therefore what you do, as a Project Manager, is business risk mitigation? I'm guessing not. Yet it is very important that you think about your project that way and do what is necessary to mitigate the risk and deliver successful outcomes for the business.
Did you know there is a 'right' amount of conflict to have on a team to make it work effectively? Too much and it doesn't work. Too little and there's no team cohesion either. Let's talk about what is the right amount and the impact of that.
ProjectManagement #Projects #Business #Leadership
I am guessing you are looking at what a project is from the wrong angle and therefore only setting it up for failure? Why am I saying this, because most people look at a project from the outcome or delivery end, the 'how' first. What is really needed to set a project up for success is to fully understand the 'What' and 'Why'.
Often we can have a Project Sponsor that wants everything or wants to control everything. Or maybe they are difficult by not being engaged AT ALL.
In this episode, I am joined by Jennifer Jones as we talk about Jennifer's most difficult sponsor, one who wanted to know every detail of what was happening, and how she dealt with that. And ultimately, what she learned about herself and her team in the process.
Project Management #Projects #Stakeholder Relationships #Management
You may, or may not, have a formal project pipeline. That's okay. Let's look at the best way to manage to have any new project just dropped on you, when you already have projects, or a project, that you are working on. Back to visibility and prioritization which I have spoken to you about before.
Project Management #Projects #Small Business #Workload
Do you fear failure, even before you have started your project? Perhaps you notice that your fear arises during your project work?
Fear doesn't work on projects. It has the effect of shutting down project success. Let's talk about why.
Small Business #Project Management #Projects #Business
We've shifted from the space of seeing people in the office to having them work remotely. Do you trust that they are working and doing what they need to be doing? It's a big shift for a lot of companies or businesses. And yet, in my experience workers who have the flexibility to work within their own time frames are more productive than needing to fit in the standard 9-5 business day.
projects #business #workoutput #projectmanagement
Just as with normal face to face meetings you will find that people don't always interact and engage when you want them too. It is, of course, more difficult when you hold virtual meetings unless they are something that has happened regularly in the past.
Here are three ways to engage people and include them more in your virtual meetings so they don't see them as a waste of their time.
Project Management #Projects #Virtual Meetings #Small Business
There are four key things that will make a difference in how your TEAM performs and engages to get the work done for you on your project. In this episode, I talk about those four things and the difference they can make to team output.
Project Management #Projects #Leadership
Life might not be easy right now, either for you or your team. Let's talk about what's likely to be causing stress and how you can work with that. And if you are one of the PM's that may have lost their job, what can you do to move forward during this time.
Project Management #Projects
With the onset of COVID-19 the way we work has shifted. It's time to shift your thinking about connection and teamwork. Here are ideas for ramping up your communication and connection with team members so they stay productive and focused.
Unspoken assumptions are the things that make problems bigger, issues become risks and risks to materialize. So, learn how to ask the questions to uncover unspoken assumptions so you don't have any of these things happen. By uncovering the assumptions you create more clarity for the whole team, which makes your job a whole lot easier.
Project Management #Leadership #People Management
It's not a great space to be in as a Project Manager, feeling as though you have no authority. I would question whether it's really authority you need or control. Let me share my ideas on how to feel as though you have more authority or control over what's happening, or have the discussion about shutting the project down.
Project Management #Projects #Leadership #Business
You might not have realized that when people feel connected and appreciated they produce more work than when they don't. On today's episode, I talk to Dr Dave Schramm who is as Assistant Professor and Family Life Specialist at the University of Utah. He spoke to me about the importance of treating team members like family in order to get the best from them.
Dave recently gave a TedX Talk on The Secret Sauce for Business which elaborates further on this topic.
Often times we step into the role of being a Project Manager with little to no other experience in managing people. We might think that being a project manager is sexy and not consider that people management skills are really at the core of the role. Let's dive into the list I spoke about in the very first episode of Project Management Insights back in 2015 of the core skills you'll need to be a great PM.
Let's talk about those things that make the real difference to your success and they aren't during project implementation necessarily. Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez talks about the keys to setting up your project and how to finish it. Once again we are not talking about the scope, schedule or budget.
Too often I see vendors selling the business a solution to their problem before a Business Case or Business Requirements have been developed. This spells disaster. Take the time to develop both your business case AND business requirements without your vendor involved. Then gather information from the marketplace. Don't waste time and money on letting a vendor sell you a solution before you truly understand what the marketplace has to offer.
In this episode George Freeman III and I talk corporate politics. You'll learn how to work with the politics to make it work for your project. Don't be afraid of it. It makes sense once you understand the why behind it occurring.
John Sheridan, author of 'The Perfect Business' discusses project culture with me in this episode. How it forms and the five ways to make the culture better. We talk simple tips that can easily be put in place on any team. 5 simple ideas that can make a big difference to team effectiveness. Ultimately the things that will shift a project to becoming easily successful and ultimately make your job easier.
When you write a Business Case you are asked to show the 'Benefits' to be realized from undertaking the project. Why? Because that's what works for finance. What if we changed that and looked at the value to the business? Value as in, how will it change the people experience. How will the staff be positively impacted by the change? How will the customer? It's a totally different way of looking at a project, from the businesses point of view. Something that doesn't happen currently.
There is no legitimate reason to rush a project. There may be reasons for needing a specific timeframe, and this still needs to be clear.
The more 'rushing' that occurs the more problems a project is likely to face. Don't put that added pressure on your team by specifying an unrealistic timeframe for delivery. It isn't worth it.
Sure, it's great to have the technology available to support you in capturing ideas and providing information to your team, but don't forget the value of the personal factor. Connecting with your team members in a meeting, celebration, for coffee or lunch, as a group is ten times more valuable than any technology will be. Why? Because people like to be treated as individuals and recognized as a human with feelings and capabilities.
My belief is that we don't look at a project as something that is set up to manage change and this is what creates difficulties. If we ground ourselves in first understanding what the change is that the business wants, then the process for us making that change happen is our project. And if we keep this outcome, the desired change, in our minds during the life of our project, we can't help but deliver what the business wants.
I know it's a crazy question and yet I'm going to guess that at least some of your project team aren't fully committed to the project. How do I know that? They aren't performing, they aren't even really bought into what it is that you're doing on the project. If you or your team members aren't committed to the project, then how on earth can you expect to deliver on time, and on budget.
You may not think about the people around you, or that you know who could help you solve any major problem on your project that you haven't faced before. People like another Senior Project Manager, for example; or a Project Coach. Consider the people that you know who could support you at one of these times and connect with them, so if you need their help and support they will be ready and willing to help.
Do you notice that a number of projects in your business/organization are started because someone has a budget to spend and someone else comes up with a bright idea? The very worst reason to start a project. Let's talk about why that's the case.
Does it matter how large or small your project is in relation to how you manage it, or what it means to manage it? My opinion is no, it doesn't. Argue with me if you like.
The answer is ABSOLUTELY because the culture is the way that a TEAM engages and interacts with each other. Unless there are strong open, honest and trusting relationships built then it will definitely impact team output.
What should the relationship between the Project Manager and the Project Sponsor be like? It would say it needs to have trust, honesty, openness and clear communication at the core of it. Let's explore this relationship more.
My answer is No! What is more important is making sure that expectations and assumptions are spelt out so everyone knows what is required of them to help the group or TEAM to deliver. Defined roles are a safety mechanism that doesn't always add to inclusion.
Not engaging your stakeholders as you begin building your Business Case is going to cause your problems. Forget waiting until you are in full Project Planning mode. Get them involved as soon as you begin developing a Business Case.
Do you understand what's happening when people are being political? Do you even notice when this is happening? Let's talk about why people are political, within a team or organization and how you can change your interaction with them.
These seven tips will help you to put together a project schedule that is easy to work with and monitor. It's all about engaging the team and getting their help to pull together a schedule that is complete, realistic and with dependencies called out.
Have you considered the impact of your words or the language that you use in your interaction with others? Your language not only says a lot about you, but it also impacts on the strength of the relationship you have with others around you. Maybe it's time to begin to mind your language.
Do you notice people are just don't have the same level of understanding about the project as you do? There are reasons for that. Mark Steele talks to me about six reasons that he's found that make the difference, on a project. The difference between everyone being 'on purpose' and 'off purpose.'
I think we all underestimate the value of using a Gantt chart for our project. I know I've struggled when I've used Excel to set up a project schedule. Here are the 5 ways that a Gantt Chart can help you manage your project easier.
Needing to be right all the time gets you nowhere. People won't respond to you and give you what you want, no matter what you think. It's only when you're willing to meet people without any story of right or wrong that you really get what you want.
Each and every team member you have has their own personality, their own way of working. Sometimes that might conflict with the way you work, other times it might match your style. Jill Valdez provides some insights and tips on how to work with these different personality types.
Maybe like me, you thought negotiating was all about them winning and you losing. I'm here to tell you that's not the case. There is a formula to negotiating and in this episode, I share that with you.
You are spending too much time focusing on Budget, Scope and Timeline when the key to delivering a successful project is focusing on the people. That's why I'm coining a new phrase 'People Focused Project Management'. Try It!
What do you think that skill is? For me, you can't be a good leader if you haven't mastered this skill. And yes, being a leader is all about having certain skills that make the difference between whether people will follow you, or not.
Why do you think projects fail? I'm sure your answer will be that it's about timelines not being met, or things costing more than they should. Is that really the reason, or might there be another 'cause' of project failure? Listen to Jason Scott and I talk about this very topic.
Do you have so much confirmation bias that you aren't open to exploring any possibilities put forward by your team? That is one way to set your project team up for failure. Let's explore this concept some more.
You understand predictable but do you understand the connection to accountability? In this episode, we start our discussion with what accountability is and how that creates predictability.
Do you know what it takes to be a leader? In this conversation with Jason Scott we talk about leadership versus being in charge and managing. It takes different skills to manage, some of which don't come either naturally or comfortably to you. That's okay. You can learn to be different.
How do you respond to the unexpected? Building a schedule or project plan doesn't mean everything is going to run just as it should. In today's episode, I explore how to respond when things don't go as planned.
Are you confident with the decisions you make or do you often rush them? Then regret your choice afterwards. Here are tips and ideas on how to be more confident with the decisions you make.
Reward and recognition are the two biggest motivators for people. Rewarding others creates a win/win situation. They receive recognition or reward and you receive their output in a more effective way. Here's why you should reward often.
Influencing is something we do on a near-daily basis. It's a key part of our role as a Project Manager. Let's explore some ways you can strengthen YOUR influencing skills
There are always disagreements on a project. Whether it's between you and team members or between teams themselves. Here's the best way to handle disagreements.
I'm sure you have a lot of assumptions regarding things on your project. Are they good to have? Or, bad to have? This week we explore how valuable they are and why it's best to track them as part of your project management process.
Project scope is one of the things you are supposed to manage as a Project Manager. Do you really understand WHY it is so important? And even more importantly, what project scope is?
Hands up if you think managing a project is about scope, schedule and budget? You're wrong and your focus is in the wrong place. In this episode I'll explain why focusing on the people is the most important thing you can do.
We all know how important our schedule is to successful project delivery. Here are 3 key reasons your schedule may be off track. Three simple things that make a big difference to your project success. And once you know what is causing your schedule to go off track you can fix the problems and get things back on track.
Do you stay in Project Manager mode when you go home to your partner or family? Today my special guest, Sunni VonMutius and I dive into this subject. Why we do this and what we might do to switch off from the need to be in PM mode all the time.
Nothing like feeling undermined to create tension on your project. Here are some ways to approach this differently.
Your Change Manager is NOT your adversary. They are there to support you to achieve the desired benefits for your project. Work with them, not against them for the best project outcomes. Here's how.
ProjectManagement #Projects #Business
Sometimes your external stakeholders aren't happy (your vendors or customers) so here are some ways to turn the relationship relationship around when they become unhappy.
Stakeholder relationships can sometimes be tricky to manage, so here are three tips to make that job easy. The key is to finding out what your stakeholders want and giving that to them. Not so easy to do sometimes.
Here are five ways to strengthen the relationship you have with your Stream Leads. Doing these five things will certainly go a long way to improving your relationship and gaining their full support.
As this is Episode 100 I am offering you a Mini Coaching Session via email. Details on the podcast.
Sometimes there are signs that a project is not being well managed. Here are the 7 things that I've noticed. Here is an opportunity to check in and see if you are doing these things, or not and if you are, then rectify them to ensure project success.
As a Project Manager stress is one of the common things you experience, right? Here are three ways that you can support yourself and lower your stress levels.
Did you create the project budget in your business case, just so you'll get the job? And yes, it does happen. Maybe not all that often and yet when you create an unrealistic budget, that's just what it looks like. Let's explore why this is not valuable and how you are damaging your own reputation by doing it.
Project Management #Projects #Business #Project Manager
Let's talk about the best way to handle unrealistic time frames, both from what you need and how to educate and get the truth from your stakeholder. After all it's about you successfully delivering the project.
Projects #Project Management #Project Manager #Business
There are warning signs that your project is heading off track, some obvious, some not so. Let's talk about those warning signs and what you can do to bring your project back on track. If your project is off track reach out to me and let's talk about how you can get it back on track.
Projects #Project Management #Project Manager #Business
One of the key relationships any Project Manager has is with the Business Owner of the project. They are the person that you will deliver the completed project to, once it is complete. They usually have a lot of skin in the game because business success is riding on the successful delivery of your project. That's why it's key to have a strong relationship with them right from before the formal project gets underway.
Projects #Project Management #Project Manager #Business
Losing a key resource or resources off your project will have a big impact. What can you do and how urgently? Be clear on the impact on your delivery schedule of these missing resources and find ways to replace those resources as quickly as possible. Here are some ways you might find to do that.
Projects #Project Management #Business
Do you dump and run at the end of a project? In your mind, the project ends when the delivery is completed. You forget about handover to BAU. You don't consider the support that the business will need to fully implement what you've delivered into business operations. Let's talk about why it's not good to dump and run!
Projects #Project Management #Project Manager #Business
Often we think we know what project success looks like and yet that isn't always correct. It is important to understand what success looks like for your Project Sponsor or Business Owners perspective. These are the people who take ownership once the 'project' is wrapped up and they have a clear understanding of what it will take to make a successful change for the business.
Project Management #Projects #Project Manager #Business
Here are eight reasons why I can openly say to you 'Your Business Case Sucks.' If you are willing to look at each of these eight reasons with an open mind, maybe you can write a stronger business case next time by changing what's not right.
Projects #Project Management #Business #Business Case
Yes, you do it, don't you? You schedule meetings for an hour. Can you honestly say that having a meeting for an hour accomplishes all that you hoped it would? I'm guessing your answer is no, only from my own experience of course. Here are three reasons why you should reconsider next time you go to schedule your meetings.
Meetings #Project Management #Projects #Business #Business Startup #Business Success
We often THINK that we are clear with the messages we provide and yet we find we don't get what we want, or people ignore us. Let's look at the problems with messaging and how to fix it.
Communication #Project Management #Projects #Business #Leadership
Let's talk about some of the issues you may encounter working with remote teams. These teams may be in another country, or simply another office in another city. Here are the things to be aware of to ensure you are working as 'one.'
Teamwork #Projects #Project Management #Business
Do you have people working on your project who also have a BAU role? Do you have difficulties getting them to commit time to your project? Let's talk about this and how to fix the problem.
Projects #Business #Project Management
Are you prioritizing what you do? If you're not then you aren't working as efficiently as you could be AND you are likely worrying and stressing about things you don't need to worry about. Prioritizing is a simple process that makes life easier. You accomplish more in the time you have too, which is a great bonus when you have so much to manage, right?
Project Management #Projects #Business
Here are some tips on ways to work WITH your PMO to get the best support you can from them. There can be benefits of having them support you with your project work if you understand how to harness them. You might think your PMO is there to make life harder for you. That's not the case.
PMO #Project Management #Project Manager #Business
Do you have a Project Management Office (PMO)? Let's talk about the benefits of working WITH the PMO even though you may think they are of no value to you as a PM.
PMO #Project Management #Projects
How do your project team feel about you? Do they like you, or dislike you? What signs are there of who likes you and who doesn't and how do you manage around those people that you think don't like you? It's an important thing to consider because you can't lead people who don't want to engage with you. There are ways around this.
Project Manager #Leadership #Business
Do you notice how you get angry at times when someone doesn't deliver, doesn't do what they say they would? Here is a way to be more productive by understanding your anger and learning to manage it.
Anger #Project Management #Leadership #Business
Project Management isn't about managing something. Most people that decide to become Project Managers want to manage the delivery of work. Funnily enough, that's not what project management is about at all. You think you know what it's all about, let me explain to you why that's not it.
Project Management #Projects #Project Manager #Business
We all know how overwhelming an Inbox full of emails is when we are already under pressure. Let's talk about ways you can manage those messages to make your life easier.
Project Management #Business #Time Management
Here are 5 key mistakes that you may be making when you write your Business Case that make the difference between setting your project up for success, or failure. Do you do any of these?
Business Case #Project Management #Business
Are there people in your meetings who are doodling on paper, or drawing, while you are speaking? Do you have participants who are very quiet and don't say anything? Are they listening? Would you know? You may be surprised at the answer to that question.
Meetings #Project Management #Business
Have you thought about the traits that would have people want to work with you, on your team? Here are 5 key traits that make the difference. If you show them, they support cohesive teamwork, which of course means an easier job for you.
Teamwork #Project Management #Business
If you work with 'Control Freaks' you might be aware that they avoid conflict. My suggestion is to create some conflict to shift the way they interact. This way you MAY be able to have more direct conversations with them about WHY they are so controlling.
People Management #Projects #Leadership #Business
People that are quiet are often labelled as introverts. These people have a lot of valuable skills if you are open to respecting the way they operate. Here is how to get the best out of them.
Teamwork #Business #People Management #Projects
When things go wrong it is natural to be emotional and get angry, and blame others. Here is a look at why this isn't of value to you or the team and how to approach things differently.
Teamwork #Project Management #People Management #Leadership #Business
No business case, no project. It is the only way to ensure successful delivery of the change that the business requires. Let's explore WHY it is a must.
Business Case #Projects #Project Management
Do you stop listening to other people or think that you have the answer so you don't need to hear what they have to say? Maybe you are living in your 'I Know' mind. Let's talk about why this doesn't help with teamwork and what you might want to do about it.
Leadership Skills #People Management #Business #Projects
We underestimate the value of good and clear communication on project success. We may think that we're clear and we're not. We may communicate and it isn't nearly enough. Let's dive into why clear communication is THE KEY to successful project delivery.
Communication #Business #Project Management
What potential problems do you think will occur on your project and how do you monitor them during the life of your project? Potential problems can derail your project. It is a simple process to capture and monitor them when you think it through.
Problem Solving #Business #Project Management
Is your project off-track? Do you have scope, schedule and budget blow out? In this episode, I walk you through HOW to bring it back on track. It's pretty simple really.
Projects #Business Success #Project Management
How perfect is your project team? Do you consider that often times they aren't perfect or good enough to do the job for you? Let's look at what it takes to have a perfect project team.
Projects #Teamwork #Leadership #Business
All praise isn't equal, did you realise that? Why waste your time delivering praise that is not in the form your team member wants? Save yourself time and effort and become aware of how to deliver praise in a way that works for them, as individuals.
Praise #Leadership #Business #Project Manager
Jim Collins talked about four practices that support a culture where self-motivation flourishes. I want to share these four practices and explain why they are valuable for us to use as Project Leaders. They ultimately lead to more cohesive team teamwork which is a benefit to project delivery.
Teamwork #Project Management #Leadership #Business #Management
What happens when you over-complicate what is required to complete a task? Do you understand how this impact on your schedule and team members? And if you oversimplify things too much, is the impact the same? Let's talk about what happens at a team member level.
Teamwork #Motivation #Project Management #Business #Leadership
On a scale of 3 - 20 how would you rate yourself as a Project Manager? Let's see how you rate on my scale of 0-20 for the things that you do and how you interact with others on your project team.
Leadership #Project Management #Project Manager
What is your level of 'mind chatter' - 10, 7 or 4? You know what I mean, the constant stream of thoughts that don't stop, even when you are trying to sleep? Here are some strategies to quieten your mind and allow you to focus on what really needs to be done.
Mindfulness #Project Management #Business
Difficult team members can respond in a passive-aggressive manner when they don't get their needs met; they can be a blocker and tell you the negative side of anything and everything you are proposing; they might want to control each and every discussion that occurs to be seen to be in control, or they might be needy and want a lot of your time. Let's discuss how to manage each of these characters.
Difficult Team Members #Project Management #Leadership #Teamwork #Business
What communication style do you use with your team? Aggressive, passive, dictatorial or basically unclear. None of these styles works to get what you want from the people on your team. Let's explore why they don't work and why it is valuable to turnaround your communication style.
Leadership #Personal Development #Business #Project Manager #Teamwork #Communication
Are you having difficulty managing your Project Control Board members? Are they working for you or against you? Let's talk about the best way to manage your PCB members so they support you in delivering your project.
Project Control Board #Projects #Project Management #Business
A decision needs to be made. Your gut is telling you that this doesn't feel right and what do you do? Go along with the consensus. Is that really the best thing for your project? What is wrong with doing that and why it is not of value to you or your project.
Project Management #Leadership # Decision-Making #Consensus
Do you have a bias towards the authority figures on your project? Or is your bias in keeping the peace no matter what is happening? Let's talk about those biases and why they aren't valuable to the outcome of your project.
Bias #Project Management
You want something from a team member and you go in with either the attitude that they won't do it for you, OR you're right and they are wrong and so a battle is needed to get your way. How are you going to get the task completed? Here are tips for negotiating when you are this way.
Negotiation #Business #Project Management #Leadership
Asking for help isn't something that comes naturally, especially when you believe that it is YOUR job to deliver the project. Let's talk about WHY you don't ask for help and look at how asking for help is valuable.
Project Management #Professional Development #Leadership
Let's talk about team culture. Is your culture combative? I will share my ideas on how to deal with that. Maybe it is cohesive. Then it's important to keep it that way. And what about if you have a culture of silos. I talk to you about how to change that too.
Team Culture #Teamwork #Project Management #Business
We all know that miscommunication costs us. Rework. Disagreement. Everyone working in different directions. Here are some ways to manage miscommunication. First, it is about understanding WHY there is miscommunication and where the source is.
Miscommunication #Communication #Teamwork #Project Management #Business
Here are five really good reasons why it is a waste of time handing over to BAU. I am sure you have thought at least one of them, haven't you? Maybe it is worthwhile thinking again.
Business As Usual #Project Management #Success #Business
Have you thought about engaging the teams that will work on your project delivery at the Concept phase of your project? What if you set up a formal agreement with them, a contract for delivery on time, on budget and to a set quality standard? New idea. Give it a go.
Teamwork #Projects #Project Teams #Project Management
They disrupt your project by being complacent and not really engaging with either the team nor their work. Sure, it gets done, but in their own time and in a half-hearted manner. Here is some insight into why they act this way. It might help you turnaround the situation.
Teamwork #Disruption #Business #Project Management
Power struggles on your project? Not helpful, are they? Here are some tips and ideas on how to manage them in order for you all to be heading in the same direction -> project delivery.
Power Struggles #Teamwork #Business #Project Management #Leadership
Last week I talked about some people who could work on your project, this week I explore more roles and what to expect from them, including what to look out for.
Project Team #Project Management #Teamwork #Business
What are the different roles on a project team? What their responsibilities? All roles might not be relevant for your project and if they are at least you will understand what that person should be doing for your project.
Project Management #Teamwork #Business #Project Success
Do you create a risk for your project by not working with the right people to gain your project estimates? Do the skilled people give you estimates and you don't believe them, or use them? Let's talk about that.
Risk Management #Projects #Project Management #Estimation
Your contingency fund is an emergency fund and should therefore only be used for emergencies. Let's talk contingency so you better understand it.
Contingency #Project Management #Business
Are you gathering feedback from those involved in your Project? Feedback and evaluating where you are as a team, and as a project on a whole is a valuable way to ensure success. Don't gather feedback and it will contribute to you failing.
Project Success #Project Failure #Project Management #Business
Forget Post Implementation Reviews (PIR's) I say, they are a complete waste of everyone's time. Unless you do these six things and understand a PIR's value, then it's different.
Post Implementation Review #Project Management #Business
Feeling stressed seems like a normal part of your day to day world, doesn't it? Here are 11 ways to help alleviate some of that stress so you can function even better in your role.
Stress Management #Projects #Business #Professional Development
Do you notice that you don't really listen when someone speaks to you? Your mind is off worrying about the next meeting, or the email you need to write, or the problem you have to solve next. Let's talk about an easy method to help you learn to really listen.
Listening Skills #Leadership #Personal Development #Projects
Have you thought about HOW you lead your team when there are tasks to be completed? Here are four ways of giving instructions to see why we aren't getting the results you are expecting from our team.
Leadership #Teamwork #Project Management #Business
Most Project Control Boards or PCB's do not contain the right people with the right authority levels. Let's talk about who should be on your Project Control Board. Do you have authority makers on it? If not, then you have the wrong people on your PCB.
Project Management #Business
How efficiently are you using your time? Do you understand how efficiently your team members are using their time? Time equals money on your project. Liam Martin and I talk productivity and how to get the best from you and your team.
Productivity #Project Management #Small Projects #Business
The right Business Requirements create a stable foundation for your project along with the Business Case. What makes the 'right' requirements? Here are my ideas.
Project Management #Business #Business Case #Projects
Here is my list of 12 things that make you a bad Project Manager. Do you do any of these? The best thing is that these are habits and behaviours that you can change. You can easily become a great Project Manager by making the change.
Project Management #Personal Development #Leadership Skills
Are you aware that you have habits or things that you do without even thinking? What if I told you that doing these things doesn't help you to be seen as a strong leader? Find out what these ineffective habits are and turn them around so you can be seen for the strong leader you really are.
When it comes to identifying and understanding how to communicate with your stakeholders the best tool you can use is a RACI Matrix.
R = Responsible. Who is responsible for what tasks and communication?
A = Accountable. Who needs to be or should be accountable for tasks and communication?
C = Concerned. Who of your stakeholders is concerned about your project and needs to know about what's happening?
I = Informed. Which stakeholders should be informed but have no authority or responsibility for your project?
Consider the value of understanding what role each of your stakeholders fits into. It will mean not having angry or upset stakeholders because they are not correctly (in their mind) communicated with in regards to your project.
Projects #Business #ProjectManagement
We often THINK we're clear in our communication, but are we? More times than not I find we use extra words or assume someone understands what we're talking about. We talk jargon. That's quite common when you have worked in an organization for a long time. All of these things impact on your team members ability to understand and follow through for you. Consider how clear your communication really is.
Leadership #Business #ProjectManagement
Is your schedule off track? Here are four steps you can follow to get it back ON track.
ProjectManagement #Projects #Business
Being too focused is a detriment. I say that because you become so narrow in the way you see things that you are not able to see there are others on the TEAM. "There is no 'I' in Team' remember. So consider if you are being too narrow-minded in your approach, or are you open-minded and work WITH your whole team. We are talking about the difference between focusing on an outcome as a team versus being too driven at all cost.
Projects #Team
You may not have had to write too many Business Cases. Naturally, then you aren't aware of what makes a business case strong. And when I say strong I mean one that clearly shows that the project should proceed. Here are my keys to writing such a business case.
ProjectManagement #Business #Projects
What you want on any project team is all of the team members onside. Why? So everyone is working towards the same end goal; successful delivery of your project. Here are five simple ways to make that happen, so you have the team working as a T.E.A.M (Together Everyone Achieves More).
Team #ProjectManagement #Projects #Business
Often we ask questions and don't get a response, or at least not the one we wanted. Here are tips and ideas for how to ask questions that will get you a response, at least one you can use. Gaining a response that allows you to ask for more information, or to negotiate is what you are looking for.
If you display these 7 skills then you would be considered a strong leader by your team. Isn't that how you want to be seen?
Leadership #ProjectManagement
You do realize that testing on an IT system project has little to do with the actual testing itself and more to do with your reputation? Why do I say that, well if you don't test and the system fails your reputation suffers? If you do thorough testing and the system works perfectly then your reputation soars. Now you understand what I mean?
It is very important that your Project Sponsor is engaged and fully supporting you and the project. Here are 7 different ways that you can make that happen by engaging them.
And no, I'm not talking about Grammy Award acting. I am talking about taking action to do what is needed for the successful delivery of your project. Have you ever noticed there are often members of your team who don't deliver, deliver late? Here are three reasons why that might be the case. This will help you understand a little about how you might change up the way you interact with these people to get them TO deliver.
We all know that Project Managers are more often than not control freaks, right? Perhaps not all of them, yet there is a myth that as the Project Manager managing a project, you need to be in control of everything. Let's bust that myth because it's just not true. And in fact the less 'in control' you are of some things the better off the team will be. They will perform better, deliver more and be happier when you give up the reigns to those with the knowledge and skills.
Issues arise on a project, that's a given. The problem is when those issues turn into risks. That's the last thing you want happening on your project. So, what can you do to ensure that your issues stay as issues and are resolved BEFORE they turn into risks? Here are some ideas to help.
A project scope that is not clearly defined is cause for trouble on any project. Without clearly defined boundaries to work in work will be done that is unnecessary causing more costs and blowing out timelines. So you can see the immediate impact of not having a solid scope.
A crazy topic I know and yet we often find that people get upset easily. Have you stopped to think why? Here are 7 different things that you might be doing that are likely to trigger someone's anger. When they are upset with you they are less likely to deliver; less likely to want to give you information and let likely to be interested in doing a great job, on your project. So notice if you're doing any of these 7 things.
What mechanisms do you have in place to manage any budget nightmares that might arise? I want to talk specifically about vendor overspend in this episode as it is often a large problem when so much of the IT world is outsourced to external vendors.
Your project can't possibly be delivered successfully when you have resourcing problems. Here are some different ways to get the resources you need in order to deliver. You might not have thought about some of them and yet if you ask, you might be surprised what you can manage to do, in terms of finding qualified or experienced resources to support you with your project delivery.
We all know how hectic life can be. There never seems to be enough time to get everything done. Here are some simple tips your can implement to at least find a little bit more time in your day, and get what needs to be done, done.
You've just been given a project only to find there is no Business Case. Now, what do you do? Here is a way to get agreement on what needs to be delivered, in writing, so you have something to work to. You need this clarity in order to know what it is that you are required to deliver.
With team members from different areas in the business, or outside vendors, who all have perspectives that aren't aligning, it's not always easy to manage. There are ways to get everyone seeing things from the same perspective, even though they all come from different starting points.
Risks can be of great benefit to us if we are willing to see them that way. Did you call out risks in your Business Case? Maybe if you didn't you might go back and develop that list. I know it's easy to hate risk management. I want to talk to you about how to make it simpler. Let's get honest and clear about the real likelihood of that risk occurring.
Issues management is easy when you know-how. Let me explain the process that I've used to manage issues. It's easy and works well to capture, track and monitor your issues.
What state is your schedule in? Is everything on track and you're totally smashing delivery? Or are some of your tasks that are slipping and the project is beginning to slide? Perhaps you have a total train wreck. Let's talk about your schedule and the things you can do to get it back on track and keep it that way.
Picking up the phone can be the simplest way to reconnect with a team member. It's much more personal than sending an email. What I found is picking up the phone I get an instant response, and of course that relies on the person being at their desk, or having their cell phone/mobile with them. These days that's fairly common. Get into the habit of picking up the phone first, then if you can't get the person, send an email.
Trust is one of those things that isn't always easy to gain. Once you lose someone's trust it's not easy to get it back. Unless you know-how. Here are some ways that you can begin to rebuild trust with your team members. You may be very surprised at the difference it makes.
What do I mean by 'Project Foundations'? I'm talking about things such as a strong Business Case and Business Requirements. You wouldn't consider building a house without plans, would you? Then why start a project without a detailed business case and requirements? You are setting yourself up for failure.
You probably think I'm crazy, right? You hate conflict and for me to say it's great, I must be crazy. Hear me out. When you have conflict do you notice that people are speaking up and telling you what they think? That's why I say it's great. From that place, the place of them speaking up, you can find a mutual way forward. And what I love is that usually what they have to say is important. It might raise issues or risks that others haven't voiced.
So listen up as to my reasoning why I say having conflict on your project team is great and see if you can consider approaching it differently next time it erupts on your project.
Risk Management can be easy if you come at it from the right way. Engaging everyone on the team in risk management, for one thing, will help. Start considering risk right from the process of Business Case writing. It's then easier to track and work with them during your project journey. Build a culture where risk discussions are allowed and valuable. The sooner you know about any risk, the sooner you can put a mitigation strategy in place.
Having your Project Sponsor fully on board and supporting you and the project you are managing is key. There are a number of things you can do to engage your sponsor and add value, so they become your number one ally and supporter, no matter what is happening on your project. Here are the way's I've managed this with great outcomes.
How long does it take you to prepare your weekly or monthly Project Reports? I'm guessing quite a while if you follow the standard reporting procedures which is to provide lots of detail. How much of what you produce is ever fully read? I'm guessing not a lot. Why then don't you use the 'Exception Reporting Method.' You develop a one-page report that just highlights things that aren't working or you need a decision about.
Change management is all about getting people on board with a change. And given that the project you are managing is all about making a change for the business, it makes sense to have someone support you to get people to accept the change you're making. How else are you going to show the ROI that was stated in your Business Case?
People take in information in different ways. Have you thought about that? Having a conversation with one person might have them clear and understanding what you want of them. For another person, you would need to draw it out and let them see it visually, so they get it. For someone else, they might need to experience it. Don't consider that delivering a message one way means everyone gets it.
Do you think that by undertaking our PMI training you have all the skills necessary to be a great Project Manager? That's not quite true. There are a number of other 'core' skills that are even more important than what you learnt in your training. Let me point out some of them.
And if you want to undertake a Skills Assessment to see where you might need support with other skills, then grab this free 'Project Managers SWOT Analysis' and fill it out. It might help you understand which skills it will be valuable to learn.