David Cotgreave
Written Articles
Can certain words cast a negative shadow on Project Management thinking? Originally published on CIO.com I walked into a Project Management Office recently, and on the wall, in large letters above the Project Leader’s desk was the phrase ‘No “Ifs”, “Buts” Or “Maybes”‘. At first, it looked like one of those platitudes that you often […]
Interesting perspective this week from my friend and fellow IT Project Leader Malc. Malc emailed to tell me that he had recently reframed his team’s thinking on post-project delivery analysis. What he has done is pretty interesting and he says it is adding demonstrable value to the process. “We always used to look back at […]
Originally published on CIO.com A very novel way for CIOs to increase effectiveness A poster of Lord Alan Sugar just appeared on the wall of a CIO I know. As it does every year, in fact. Lord Sugar is the central figure in the UK’s version of TV show “The Apprentice”. Of course, had my […]
“Be open to collaboration. Other people and other people’s ideas are often better than your own,” so said comedian and actress Amy Poehler. She’s right. I heard a great story this week that highlighted the value of collaboration. A radio station, I think in Australia (but don’t quote me), was brainstorming ways to improve its […]
“Have you ever wondered why over half of IT Projects fail?” said the voice on the other end of the phone. The cold caller hadn’t ingratiated himself by calling me “Dave”. I’m David. It’s not that I mind “Dave”. It’s just not my name. Quite an assumption too, I mean, I wonder if he’d open […]
In 2016, there were 227 successful inward M&A transactions (overseas firm buys UK one) worth £187.4 billion – the highest annual number since 2011 and the highest yearly value since data was first published in 1969. Meanwhile, 400 domestic M&A deals (UK firm buys UK firm) were successful worth £23.9 billion, that’s the highest number […]
A fresh perspective, different experiences and a whole new set of skills to learn from. When a new Project Manager joins there is a tangible frisson of excitement at the new opportunities for your Project Management Office or team. There are also considerable challenges, especially around onboarding. More and more of our clients are saying […]
I just spent some time with an exasperated CIO. Frustrated by IT Projects that were failing time after time – completing late and over budget – despite his Project Management Office being staffed by experienced Project Managers each with an impressive track record of success. “Could buying in Project Management As A Service be an […]
I remember reading a report called “The Challenges of Remotely Managing A Project”. It must be more than ten years ago now and it’s interesting thinking back to how I felt reading it. I and many others were already enjoying benefits in working collaboratively with colleagues who were not in the same office, the same […]
Three IT Projects have recently been almost scuppered by the same thing. A crippling, debilitating disease that lies dormant for months before inevitably and painfully killing the IT Project it has infected … ‘Yesitis’. Sufferers of ‘Yesitis’ are unable to say ‘no’, perhaps because of a poor corporate culture, or fear, or maybe just a […]