True Confessions of a PM: Rant Against the Gantt
True confessions of a PM: I don't get Gantt charts. While I don't dispute the need for project updates, what I do dispute is the tired Gantt chart view that we churn out without thinking. When a project sponsor asks for a Gantt chart, consider what he or she really wants to see.
The Truth about Project Management
Why does PM get such a bad rap?? I decided to stand up for my chosen profession and debunk some of the stereotypes about what it means to be a project manager. Here are some of my favorites, some of which people have actually said to me in meetings!
Gotta Catch 'Em All: How to Develop a Comprehensive Stakeholder List
One of my readers asked me how project managers can make sure they're not forgetting about any key project stakeholders as they're preparing for a kickoff meeting. Here's how I'd recommend catching them all to develop a comprehensive stakeholder list.
What Not to Do When Managing a Global Project
Managing an international project may seem like a breeze. Exotic work locations and the potential for high-impact results? Who wouldn't want to sign up? But, if you're a seasoned PM, the words "high-impact" and "exotic" likely conjure up another dreaded project phrase...and that's "high risk." How do you mitigate those risks to have a successful international engagement?
7 Tips for Making the Most out of PM Training
So, you're reviewing your PM accomplishments and goals for the year. Given the amount of time or money involved, how do you decide which PM training course is the right fit for you?
Killin’ it at Project Kickoffs
You just landed an exciting project with a brand new client. You've labored over the proposal, dreamed about clinching the win, and assembled your dream team. The client kickoff meeting is fast approaching, and your stomach is in knots. Now what? Here are some tips for killing it at your next kickoff meeting.
Innovation in Project Management
If we are seeking to innovate our products or service offerings, it only makes sense that we should seek to innovate the processes that underpin their successful delivery. For a stodgy old profession like PM, so-called "out of the box" thinking can be challenging. So, how do we innovate in project management?
True Confessions of a PM: Cost Estimating Makes Me Nervous
True confessions of a PM here on this unseasonably warm Saturday morning: cost estimating scares me. I'm an international economist and have never exceeded a project budget in my 9-year career, but something about the idea of predicting what a project will cost and managing to that budget terrifies me.
A is for Accountable: A PMIAA Review
In late 2016, Congress passed the Program Management Improvement Accountability Act. The intent of the legislation is, well, to improve how governments manage programs and hold them accountable for results. I have a few concerns with the Act, however, that depend upon how it is implemented.
Lessons. Learned?
Project managers talk a good talk when it comes to documenting lessons learned. PMI dedicates an entire chapter of its project management body of knowledge to project closeout, which on the surface seems fairly straightforward, right? As opposed to the hustle and bustle of project startup, project closeout seems like a breeze.
Chartering Away
As I mentioned in my last post, I'm in the midst of standing up a new project. This involves hurrying up to finish charters, PMPs, RACI charts, risk registers, and all those other trappings of a waterfall project--and then, after the hurrying up is done, comes the waiting.
Fresh for Fall
Maybe it's a childhood relic, but the start of fall always makes me want to run out and buy school supplies. Practically speaking, I don't have much use for a box of newly sharpened pencils. In my current reality, that same excitement for a new beginning translates into a desire to take a fresh look at my current project portfolio.