The initial step of every project is an idea but for it to be productive and reach completion, it needs a comprehensive business plan or charter. A well thought out charter is essential in the initiation process of a new project. A project charter is that document which outlines the goals, responsibilities, the people involved […]
A Definitive Introduction to a Project Charter Read More »
Customer service is part of stakeholder management that is frequently overlooked. Most projects develop a list of stakeholder as part of their communication planning include customers, clients or ‘end users’ in the list and then get on with the work of the project. However, if you think about your own life, the cafés, service stations,
Stakeholder Management or Customer Service? Read More »
Describing scheduling, Earned Value and financial management as ‘project controls’ is dangerous! The steering mechanism on a car is a control system, you move the steering wheel the front wheels turn; and if the car is in motion its direction of travel is altered. Control systems cause a change. Altering the duration of a task
Controlling or Influencing? The real use of project controls Read More »
The purpose of undertaking a business change activity is to have the new processes used so as to create value! Value can be measured in many different ways, improved quality or safety, reduced effort or errors, increased profits or achieving regulatory compliance; the measure is not important, what matters is the business change is intended
There is absolutely no point in communicating with someone if you do not want an effect! The effect you are seeking can vary dramatically; you may want the person to do something, stop doing something, feel happier or more supportive or even feel worried or concerned. The starting point in any effective communication is developing
Communicating for effect Read More »
For years, TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) has given the world access to thought- conversations from some of the greatest minds of our day. Interesting though the videos may be, rarely does a manager have 25 minutes to spare for something that doesn\’t directly tie into their day-to-day. Inspired by TED\’s recently published list of
3 Must-Watch TED Talks for Inspiring, Motivating, and Leading Employees Read More »
What’s the most common mistake that project managers make? The responses of 78 professionals who answered that question through my LinkedIn poll surprised me. I expected, maybe idealistically, that miscalculating project risks would top the list. However, after categorizing the responses according to the nine PMBOK knowledge areas (integration, scope, time, cost, risk, HR, quality,
Popular Opinion Says Project Managers Lack Basic Skills Read More »
Reporting and communicating are not the same! Sending out information has very little to do with effective communication. Unfortunately, many project communication plans are simply a schedule for the distribution of project reports, and whilst this is a potentially useful activity, it contributes very little to the overall success of the project. Communicating effectively with
Reporting is not Communicating Read More »
Albert Einstein summarized the problem nicely: The major problem in communication is the illusion that it has occurred. Making a noise or sending emails is not communication, communication is a two way process to build a common understanding. Without understanding it is impossible to agree, disagree or resolve anything. Lewis Carroll considered communication in Through
Have we communicated? Read More »
Contrary to common practise, project recovery is not about stopping everything to undertake a review and restructure, rather, it requires the right blend of corrective-action and current focus to maintain momentum, but can only be initiated once it has buy-in from key stakeholders. LOC Consulting’s Peter Osborne argues that a tactical approach to a recovery
