Why Not Link Projects to Strategy?

Barriers to Implementation It is relatively easy to develop models for selecting portfolios of projects that are thorough and integrate objective and subjective data. When all is said and done, however, people may throw out the results and make a different decision. Sometimes the reason is a hunch, an instinct, or simply a desire to try something different. Sometimes people have a pet project and use the process to justify its existence, or a hidden agenda may be at play—perhaps the need to maneuver among colleagues, trading projects for favors. Politics at this stage cannot be ignored, nor are they... Read More»

Meetings and Process - How Much Is Enough?

Over the past several months, I must admit that I've not been my usual self. In the interest of being liked, I put aside some assertiveness and have bowed before the whims of others. I've been working with a company recently where the culture welcomes meetings in all shapes, forms, and sizes. Meetings are very commonplace. I suspect you may be thinking that I work at your company. As project managers, we are often tasked with leading and implementing projects that will usher in change. We must be able to stand up and support positive change. I have never been... Read More»

Project Management and Decision-Making.

Project Coach, Your Clear Next Step Every project team faces countless decisions along the way, and as project managers, we can help make sure the decisions our team makes are good ones by following a few simple steps. Step 1 - Identify the decision owner, including their assets & liabilities for the project. Start with the "who." Ultimately, who has the power, authority, and accountability of making the decision? It may be someone in a position of authority over the project team, such as a sponsor or steering committee; it may be you; or it may be a team member... Read More»

Using Insights from Storm Season to Drive a Smoother Project.

By Sinikka Waugh, Project Coach, Your Clear Next Step In 2010, summer in Iowa started out with a bang...and a crash, and a crack, and a thundering boom. Summer greeted us with night after night of storms...echoing with house-shaking rumbles, bright with brilliant lightning displays, and soggy with steady downpours. And farmers across the state wondered when it would dry out enough to get into their fields, while light sleepers (and parents of storm-sensitive kids) wondered when it would quiet down enough to allow everyone to sleep through the night. Aren't our projects like that sometimes? Our business partners wonder... Read More»

Prioritizing Project Work

Any attempt at leading change in how an organization links projects to strategy is bound to meet resistance. The concept of prioritizing receives almost unanimous intellectual support. Implementing it into the heart and soul of all people in the organization is another story. Forced prioritization goes against the cultural norms in many organizations and conjures up all kinds of resistance if the values it espouses are not the norm in that organization. The path is full of pitfalls, especially if information is presented carelessly or perceived as final when it is work-in-process. A model used to prioritize project needs to... 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»

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»

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»

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»

Managing Competing Projects

This is not a commercial. About a year ago I re-established my consultancy in project management, the first time in six years. After a year of networking and building a client base, with some local, but many on the U.S. mainland, I have finally achieved a state of project saturation. I define "project saturation" as having enough projects active that place demands or deadlines on my time such that it is often almost impossible to keep everything on time. In a typical business organization, I was able to delegate authority and responsibility to keep everything flowing along peacefully. In a... Read More»