From Zero to SME in a few weeks

In a previous blog post, I mentioned the question of whether business analysts should be subject matter experts in the domain of the project. I personally don't think that BA's needs to be SME's as long as they have the ability to quickly pick up domain knowledge. This outlook was formed based on my background because every time I changed jobs, I entered a new domain and was still able to be effective. So instead of entering a discussion that rivals “BCS vs College Football Playoffs” and “expanding the field for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament” for having a life... Read More»

The Amazing World of E-Mails

Isn't technology wonderful? I have a friend who works in Papua New Guinea and through the wonders of e-mail we have instant communication. I just type out a few words and hit send and within seconds he receives my musings. That is truly amazing. However, as you are well aware, there is a good side and a bad side to everything and e-mail is no different. We have all had times when 2 seconds after hitting the send button we have second thoughts about what we have sent and at the speed of light there is no getting it back.... Read More»

Trust Me, You Are in Good Hands

Savvy project managers have radar and can sense and predict events and circumstances. Their brains are gigantic magnifying glasses. They see what others don't. If you have someone like this in your organization or on your team, it may take a bit to acknowledge their abilities and foresight. Once they have several successful, complex projects under their belt with your company, it is time to trust them to do their job. Project managers that take their profession and the PMI code of conduct seriously will always give you 100%, and while you it might not be the news you want... Read More»

Input Requested.......

I, as many of us are, am currently looking for a new full-time opportunity - a new long-term position where I can hang my hat. As I go through the motions of reviewing job-descriptions and requirements I have noticed two very different trains of thought on hiring Software Development Project Managers, the "business track" and the "technical track". For those of us that have been responsible for hiring additional Project Management peers, these different skill set requirements seem very strange to be placing as requirements for any true Project Management role. So, as I always do when I don't understand... Read More»

What IS a Quality Management System, Anyway?

For many years I worked in a regulated industry, medical devices. In 1999, when I joined people to help create ProjectConnections.com, I thought - wow, project management in non-regulated industries must be a lot easier! Boy was I wrong! In fact, I've since found that BECAUSE the medical device industry was regulated, there was more recognition of the need for formal project management, as well as more focus on creating processes that were repeatable and could be made efficient and effective. This ultimately led to a requirement that various regulated industries have a Quality Management System [QMS] in place. Many... Read More»

Intelligent Disobedience

It's often stated that leadership can occur at any level in the organization. What's your opinion, do you believe this is true? If so, have you witnessed it? Leading is not for everyone. It takes courage and guts. During my career, I have worked for many leaders that were outstanding. I have also worked with others that are leaders in title only. To lead effectively, leaders simply cannot always make the popular decision or easiest choice. This is especially true when attempting to drive change. For an individual, project team, or organization, change occurs through dissonance. Some level of discomfort... Read More»

Managing with Impact

I've recently been thinking about many lessons learned while working in high tech new product development. With regards to management, leadership, and team building in a project environment, please allow me to share some of those lessons. * It is important for PMs, and leaders in general, to lead and manage all stakeholders, often requiring them to manage up the organization. Successful PMs are the ones who take the initiative ("This IS my job"), realizing they still do not have control over stakeholders, but nevertheless they seek to influence and guide them for the sake of the project and the... Read More»

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»