PMcrunch

I have worked on all kinds of projects.  I’m well aware that project requirements will pit you against limitations of all sorts.  Indeed, we all recognize that we operate in a world of constraints; however, sometimes WE are the biggest constraint of all.   This leads me to the question, “Is your project bigger than yourself?”

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Most good managers in project and program management know the importance of maintaining relationships with team members and stakeholders. Basic human relations can go a long way in improving overall program and project quality. However, I have learned that there is a community beyond our immediate team members and stakeholders that are worth considering in everything we do.

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Whether new or experienced managers, we need to always be mindful of our delegation skills. Most important to remember is that not only can our delegation style change, but the people, tasks, and circumstances can change also. Thus, it is important to periodically ask ourselves “How are my delegation skills right now?” because the answer may have changed!

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I have used this. If you don’t want to have to start every project from scratch, then it’s worthwhile creating your own Project Life Cycle. I have found it especially useful - and impressive - in environments where there are a lot of technical people who have little project management orientation, and it has really made a difference. The best part is that it has helped me leverage my strengths - and to think through the project in an organized way.

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Many people think that earning the PMP certification is enough to accelerate their career to new heights. Well, the PMP certification is certainly a challenging credential to earn, and it is widely sought after. But, is it enough to earn the PMP certification?

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Technology is advancing as fast as ever and we are constantly asking questions as to how to adapt to these technology changes.  Isn’t it more important for us to ask how these new technologies can be used as tools to enhance project performance?  Let’s explore this a little bit in regards to the Web 2.0 […]

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We need to consider how clear the objective of the project scope is when we build our project teams.  For an extremely well defined project of relatively short duration, and well-defined deliverables, this could be fairly easy.  However, for a project that is less defined, which may involve some significant shifts of some sort over the […]

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In thinking about shareholder management or investor management, especially in today’s volatile environment, I see a big parallel with stakeholder management.  In essence stakeholders are the investors in our projects.  Stakeholders hold a “stake” in our projects.  Stakeholders, just like investors, have different levels of investment or interest in our projects.  We must think of […]

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We have all heard at one time or another someone say that people are products of their environment.  Undoubtedly, the environment is a strong influence on how people turn out.  However, it is each person’s reaction to their environment that really determines who they are and what happens.

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Most of us like the idea of being socially responsible.  Most of us respect our neighbors.  Most of us care about the other guy.  The reality is that this is much easier to do in good times than it is in tough times.  How can those of us in project and program management be highly socially […]

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