We’ve looked at some of the problems pleasers can sometimes create within the project team as they try to execute initiatives without upsetting customers. Fortunately, a strong project management methodology gives PMs the tools they need to eliminate many of the issues pleasers commonly trigger. This not only keeps customers and the executive group happier, it…
Project Management Consulting
Mastering Time in Agile
March 13, 2019 by
Project teams that adopt an Agile framework as a project management methodology sometimes begin to operate under a “time is flexible” mantra. In many cases, this mindset manifests as a project team that isn’t too worried about when they deliver the product, as long as they deliver the right features. It’s an approach that may…
Project Management: Agile, Traditional, or Both?
March 6, 2019 by
When launching a new initiative, companies often feel they need to choose one project management approach for the entire effort, whether it’s Agile, waterfall, or something else. But within a single project, there may be some disciplines that lend themselves to an approach like Agile while others fit better into a strategy with a different…
Make Your Project Meetings More Powerful
February 25, 2019 by
Does it feel like your project meetings could be better? Maybe they used to be more productive and focused. The discussions might seem less dynamic now, or you’ve noticed that team members no longer leave meetings as engaged on the actions and issues that come out of those conversations. With everything going on, it’s possible…
What Are Project Delays Costing You?
February 21, 2019 by
Timely completion of any project—system implementations or upgrades, production line improvements, development of a new product, the addition of another facility—is critical in ensuring the organization gets the best return on its investment. Delays inevitably lead to costs in one form or another. Financial impacts often occur in the term. For example, if the schedule…
Are You a Project Bottleneck?
February 19, 2019 by
One of a PM’s most important roles is to facilitate the timely and efficient execution of every initiative in the organization’s portfolio. That means making sure the team has the resources, support, and information it needs to carry out tasks according to the approved schedule and budget. Questions require answers, problems need to be solved….
4 Reasons Your Executives Don’t Take Project Risks Seriously
February 14, 2019 by
Risk management is a tremendously important element in moving a project from conception to planning to a successful completion. However, the executives and the project team don’t always deal with risk factors the same way. Some groups and organizations are more comfortable with risk, others want to avoid risk whenever possible. Using a single project…
Keep Your Team Focused on Project Improvement
February 12, 2019 by
Continuous project improvement is a target for many organizations, but sustaining the focus over the long term can be difficult. Project teams may experience burnout after a period of time. People could become frustrated if improvements don’t happen as quickly as they hoped or if it seems their contributions aren’t being recognized. In some cases,…
7 Project Questions to Start the New Year
January 14, 2019 by
The prospect of a fresh, new year offers the perfect opportunity for PMs to take stock of the strengths and weaknesses within their teams. If you’re serious about driving tangible improvement in the months ahead, kick off the year by asking these key project management questions. 1 – Does our project team have the right…
Has Your Project’s Critical Path Become a Moving Target?
January 8, 2019 by
Despite your best efforts, it’s possible some confusion could develop around your project’s critical path. The executives’ view on the initiative’s scope might evolve over time, pushing the schedule and budget into chaos. Or your team may not fully understand where the different paths rank in priority, instead treating them all as equally important. No…
