Managers and project managers are often told that “engaging stakeholders” is critical to success. However, they rarely receive guidance on what it means or how to “engage stakeholders.” It is similar to when I started practicing yoga, the teacher told us to “release our sacrum.” […]
Lean and Agile organizations have harnessed the power of the stand-up meeting as a valuable process tool. The stand-up is an efficient and effective way to communicate. It promotes transparency into the progress of work and highlights issues. The meeting fosters a collaborative work environment and […]
“Improving Communications with DISC,” George Washington University’s Masters of Project Management Program Webinar, October 30, 2018. Communications theory tells us that communications are about the receiver. As project managers we can become more effective communicators by adopting our style to be more compatible with our […]
Effective communications are the cornerstone to successful projects and productive teams. The Agile Manifesto extolls the virtues of collaboration, individual interactions, and face-to-face communications. Projects represent our ability to coordinate the work of many people to accomplish a goal. It is no surprise that project […]
Projects with involved stakeholders are far more likely to be successful. But many projects suffer from low engagement from executives, users, and key stakeholders. The PMI’s Pulse of the Profession survey found that projects with high executive support were 40% more likely to be successful […]
“I don’t know” are three words that most people dread saying. The need to know the answer has followed us from school into the working world. We are loath to admit ignorance. I have seen colleagues twist themselves into a pretzel inventing an answer. Providing […]
It is a common phenomenon. Something happens, usually something bad. Daily meetings are organized. Anyone connected with the event is there—from senior executives to junior staff. There is incredible focus. Then, the triggering issue is resolved. But the meetings continue. This has happened to all […]
Projects sometimes feel like the movie “Ground Hog Day”—endlessly revisiting the same decision hoping to get them right. This cycle is frustrating, time consuming and unproductive. Instituting structured decision-making processes improves the project flow and the team’s morale. Here are six easy steps to make […]
Project management relies on metrics to chart and manage performance. Good metrics are valuable. They measure the right things and provide the project manager, team, and stakeholders with actionable information. They also support and reinforce constructive team behaviors. By contrast, bad metrics can lead the […]
Status reporting is one of the most important functions performed by project managers. The profession strives for objective reporting and metrics. However, by its very nature, status reporting is subjective. To be more effective, project managers should: Accept and recognize that status is subjective; Recognize […]