5 Lessons on Customer Value

I have been slowly but surely completing a serious spring cleaning in the house - I'm talking every drawer, cupboard, closet, etc. and am experiencing the joy of determining what goes and what stays. I have tried to put some parameters together to assist me in determining what a few "cut off" points are, but it doesn't seem to be working. Things like "If you haven't touched it in 5 years, it gets donated" hasn't really helped as I'm living the "what if I'll need it within six months?" voice inside my head, so I'm not removing nearly as much... Read More»

What is Your Purpose?

A key challenge in managing projects is dealing with chaos. Chaos theory is extremely useful to guide behaviors in an organization that depends upon project-based work for its vitality. An organic approach to the implementation of project management implies that we can learn tremendous lessons from that fabulous practice field where chaos flourishes - nature. My studies have led me to believe that a strong sense of Purpose will sustain us in all endeavors, however chaotic, and help us achieve better, more harmonious outcomes from our projects. The important lesson is to embrace a natural organic living systems approach to... Read More»

Managing Projects in the Medical Device Marketplace

I have been a Project or Program Manager, Director or VP in medical device companies for the last 30 years. Over those years the level of rigor and professionalism has changed a lot. Some of that change was because we grew up. Some was because this is a highly-regulated industry. Background: The Food and Drug Administration [FDA] was established by Congress when it passed the Food and Drugs Act of 1906. This first nationwide consumer protection law made it illegal to distribute misbranded or adulterated foods, drinks and drugs across state lines. Since that beginning the FDA has come to... Read More»

Competence and Complacency: A Project Manager’s Friend and Foe

In this week's blog, I'd like to deliver on a promise I made last week, to offer a breakthrough in thought leadership for project management. This is a piece of advice that is often overlooked and frequently endangers projects - do not get complacent. It sounds simple, but it isn't. What I share here is based on 40 years of PM experience. I've been lucky enough to serve as a project manager on great teams at places like IBM and with the consulting companies I've owned. I have reviewed hundreds of troubled projects. Some projects were huge, worth millions, and... Read More»

Getting Back to Basics

A few months ago I wrote about companies and users thinking they need a software system for everything under the sun. I continue to be amazed at how many managers and businesses think they cannot take on certain projects or even perform their jobs to the fullest, without software. What did companies do 30, 40, or 50 years ago? Did we just tell our managers we can't do certain things because they are too complex or we don't have the proper tools? That's doubtful. Granted, the business challenges we face today may be more involved than they were years ago,... Read More»

Let's All Have Great "Corporate Maturity"

For many of us, the principals of Project Management are how we structure our work life, the ethical standards that PMI has all of us PMP's sign governs the way that we do (and don't do) our jobs. I agree that these are a great start to assist us in defining the boundaries that we want to avoid crossing, but I have been running into an additional barrier that many "corporate citizens" seem unable to pass, something that I want to call "Corporate Immaturity". It is akin to the concept of self-actualization that Abraham Maslow created in his hierarchy of... Read More»

Professional Gratitude, Recognition & Growth

While I always try to reflect on events as they occur; I realized this month that I could do more to "live in the moment" and reflect on professional lessons more regularly. Being so rushed and driven can certainly mean getting more done, but it can also result in glossing over some rich and meaningful encounters and the corresponding growth. While we may not always look at our professional interactions as something to be grateful for, we should. The people, projects and experiences we have in our professions shape our future, allow us to grow and allow us to shape... Read More»

Domain Knowledge?

We ain't got no domain knowledge. We don't need no domain knowledge...or do we? I've heard both sides of the argument. Some, such as those who like to promote Project Management as a profession that will work anywhere, argue that if someone knows the tools and techniques of project management and can quote the PMBOK chapter and verse, they can manage any project in any domain using any technology. Others, those who prescribe to the idea that the best project manager is a subject matter expert, will counter that the project manager has to know the business inside and out... Read More»

It's a New World

I am thrilled to report my affiliation with a new professional association, and I am quite excited to finally share it with you. Yes, and I think you will find this one to be both compelling and a breath of fresh air. What began as the idea for an independent PMO association has grown into something that I believe is much more interesting and valuable. Imagine having the chance to create rather than just join a group; there is still plenty of opportunity for you to become actively involved in shaping what this organization will be and what it will... Read More»

Finally, a Worthwhile use for Social Networking.

I just got back from Agile 2009. It was a great conference - 1350 people attending over 300 sessions on 20 "stages" with a lot of open spaces for people to chat about ideas they heard in the sessions, or ideas they had rattling around in their heads. With that many sessions, there are many times when multiple sessions of interest are scheduled at the same time. Quite a quandary, but my friend Chris Matts has come up with a way to address it. Instead of trying to go to all of the sessions himself (he ends up going to... Read More»