Now Apply Five Whys to Global Project Management

My last blog talked about applying Five Whys to elements within project management and specifically to human and team dynamics. The more challenging aspect is in attempting to apply the Five Whys on global projects where activities are performed in multiple countries and the team is typically comprised of members from more than one country. (more…)

Five Whys for Managing Project Dynamics

Five Whys provides a structured yet simple approach to solving problems as they occur during a project and can provide a framework for a team to work through complex problems. It is a simple process at its core.  (more…)

The Power of Memory in Project Management

In a recent project team meeting we were reviewing an Ishikawa diagram and root cause analysis as a means to determine the next appropriate steps on an issue we were addressing as a project team when a forgotten data point was brought forward be me of all people, the project manager. (more…)

Adaption By Fast Observation Of The Environment

In this final posting about the Fish Pond metaphor we will look under water to see what we can learn about how (project) organizations can adapt to change.

Fish do not simply float around in a tank. Although they once in a while bump into glass walls, they are able to find food, detect other fish and perform other cases of interacting with their environment. Fish in general can sense changes in the environment either by vision, by smell, sound and by the sensitivity of the skin (changes in water pressure, acidity and temperature). Yes, if fish want to communicate, they blow bubbles.

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The Fish Pond And Preplanning

In my previous postings I have introduced the use of a fish pond as a metaphor for leading projects and organizations in our ever changing times.

Thinking about a bucket of water can really help us out. It emphasizes the importance of preparation; the fish pond is all about preplanning.

Preplanning a pond is about the proper selection of the location, the pond size, the population in numbers and the types of fish. We have to think about what plants to use; whether they are oxygenating plants, shallow plants and submerged plants. We have to design the pond and make the necessary steps so that it is not leaking or becomes muddy.

Photography by bfick.

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Less is More: How to Not Get Trapped Under Microsoft Project

Do a quick search for project management jobs and you will usually find an emphasis on the ability to create and manage plans in Microsoft Project.  Although nearly every project manager has used this tool before, it is frequently misused and misunderstood.  This often leads to frustration and reversion to other methods of planning and tracking.

Keep it Simple - How much do you really need to know about Microsoft Project?  To get through your career as a project manager, not as much as you think.  Perhaps a small fraction of the actual features.  But how can you distinguish useful features vs time wasters which don’t add value?  One effective answer is a combination of a hands-on course led by an instructor with real project management experience; and, a commitment of time to work with the tool using recommended best practices.

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Managing Complexity: Train Your Brain

Every project is unique. Circumstances are always different. Different people. Different goals. To lead a project, or organizations in general for that matter, to success, you need to tailor your approach to the situation. To be able to do this you got to have a flexible mind. One that can switch from one world view to another; one that can use one set of assumptions right now, and an entire different way of thinking in a couple of minutes.

Photography by Erikogan.

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