Good leaders possess a range of important skills. From effectively managing people to making solid strategic decisions, leadership requires experience and knowledge. But the baseline skills that many good leaders possess make up only a small part of the project management discipline. Unfortunately, senior staff may not have good awareness of the core competencies a…
project management methodology
A Proven Project Management Methodology that Fixes the Pleaser Problem
April 17, 2019 by
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…
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….
For Best Project Results, Listen to Your Team
December 21, 2018 by
Savvy project managers are always looking for ways to improve their project results and performance and make their processes more efficient. One strategy that’s simple and effective—but is sometimes overlooked in favor of flashier approaches—is to listen to the team. The people working on project activities, whether it’s planning and executing tasks or handling support…
Parachute Project? Do Not Panic!
September 21, 2018 by
A parachute project can rattle even the most efficient and experienced project teams. These initiatives—which often come out of nowhere and drop into the heart of a schedule that’s already busy—can throw everything off balance. They may be triggered by a variety of events, from the announcement of a new regulatory requirement to a competitor’s…
Gain Confidence with the Right Portfolio Management Methodology
August 24, 2018 by
The business world is fraught with uncertainty—about cash flows, tightening regulations, labor costs and availability, and fluctuating interest rates, not to mention market pressures as a result of constantly evolving competition. To remain successful in the face of so many unknowns, companies need to be sure they’re moving in the right direction and that their…
