How to Deal with a Difficult Sponsor
Project managers have to be well-versed in dealing with people. And, since we spend so much of our careers working with others, the odds practically dictate that we will have encountered a difficult stakeholder on one of our projects. But what happens if the stakeholder problem child is the one leading your project?
How to Manage a Proposal
In the project management world, there is nothing quite so rewarding—or quite so exhausting—as the opportunity to submit a bid as part of a competitive procurement. How do you apply project management principles to run a proposal well?
What to Do When You Get a New Project
When you inherit something midstream and need to get up to speed quickly, it can be challenging to ascertain what you need to do first. What’s worth learning (and doing) immediately? What can wait? Here are some things PMs should consider when taking the reins on a new project opportunity.
Basic Tips for Considering Accessibility on Your Projects
I’ve supported projects focused on promoting programmatic and physical accessibility and have learned a tremendous amount in a short time about the unique needs of this population. I need to get smarter on this topic, but here are a few tips I’ve picked up that I try to incorporate on the projects I manage.
How to Delegate Effectively
Delegation is a critical skill to cultivate no matter where you are in your career. Once you start to delegate, how do you continue to delegate in a way that is effective? Here are five steps to take to delegate effectively.
Channeling the Power of a Project Management Outsider
I traveled to another office this week to meet with colleagues on their project management best practices. We had several “a-ha” moments as we brainstormed how to improve inefficient processes, better prepare for upcoming projects, and enhance team collaboration. How can project managers channel the power of a project management outsider to improve their existing practices?
How to Brand Your Projects
Operating on schedule and under budget are hallmarks of successful project management. If you’re doing your job well, no news is good news—but not if you’re trying to shine a spotlight on your fabulous team, cause, and/or yourself. Here are some ideas for how to brand your projects within and outside of your organization.
10 Tips for Project Managers to Communicate with Executives
It’s common knowledge that being able to communicate effectively is a critical skill in today’s job market, particularly for project managers. The more you advance in your career, the more important it becomes to be able to communicate effectively with a particular audience: executives. Here are ten tips for project managers to communicate effectively with executives.
Stealthy Agile Project Management
Even if your organization isn’t ready to be 100% agile, it doesn’t mean that you can’t (stealthily) introduce your clients to agile project management. Here are some ways to introduce agile concepts to your stakeholders without them knowing it.
Spring Cleaning for Project Managers
I previously wrote about how to maintain momentum on your projects to ensure that you continue to make progress against your goals. If you are not where you want to be, the warming weather may offer the inspiration you need for a bout of project spring cleaning. How can project managers spruce up their projects for spring?
The Project Manager Formerly Known as the Subject Matter Expert
In a previous post, I published my failure resume showcasing professional setbacks. One of the items listed was sticking too long with a gig I knew too well. When I made the decision to try something different, a colleague asked me to write a post about what project managers should consider when undertaking a new role.
The Art and Science of Meeting Facilitation
Meeting facilitation is an integral part of a project manager’s job. What does it mean to facilitate a meeting? How do you facilitate a meeting well? And, how can you improve your facilitation skills?