Project management coaching and career development tips
Last week, two friends were invited to a consultation but it turned out that the decision had already been made by the top person. The consultation was only for show. After having volunteered with this organization for over a decade, they will start to withdraw and eventually end their association. Similar “consultative” meetings occur in … Read more
A friend who’s an architect once joked, “My clients want a design that is good, fast, and affordable. I tell them to pick any two. If the design is good and fast, the price will be high. Something good and affordable will take more time. And if you want it fast and cheap, then it … Read more
The year is 2000. In a daring move, General Motors decides to revitalize its brand with a concept vehicle. Initial market response to the bold new look of the Pontiac Aztec was very positive. It was the “Most Appealing Entry Sport Utility Vehicle” according to JD Powers. Customers gave the Aztec among the highest satisfaction … Read more
Have you ever been on a project where everything seems to be going well until a month before the deadline when suddenly, without any warning signs, its headed for failure? Failure comes in many shapes and sizes. The deadline could be missed, quality may be subpar, or the budget exceeded. The project status flips from … Read more
Servant leaders can be seen at all levels of an organization. Here’s an example of servant leadership from the highest level. This event is seared into my memory for life! It was after lunch at an all-day leadership meeting. We were chatting away at our table, oblivious to the dishes and leftovers. The CEO walked … Read more
Some of us are returning to work in the office, some continue to work from home, and others are permanently remote. Welcome to the world of hybrid meetings! During the peak of the pandemic, everyone worked from home and we got used to 100% virtual meetings. That was easy, ahem, after: The benefits of 100% … Read more
Early on in my career, my project was sabotaged. I will spare you the details but, in the end, after a setback and delay, the project was completed, and it was profitable. Looking back after decades, I find it interesting how senior professionals and even management can sometimes scuttle a project due to self-interest or … Read more
I had two different laser coaching conversations this week about “thinking too much.” John, not his real name, said he constantly thinks about future possibilities and how projects could unfold. He thinks this is a weakness. My response was to evaluate the value add of this thinking. If you catch yourself in a cycle of … Read more
No one ever told me to, “train up,” said a client who made a successful transition into a desired industry. The truth is you remain at the same level until you demonstrate that you have the capabilities to perform at the next level by delivering above expectations. That’s when others, especially your boss, takes notice. … Read more
“I don’t think I am providing much value to you,” I said to a client who has been seeing me for a while. Then I went ahead to share a bunch of project management knowledge resources. “But Wan, I think you are providing great value,” was the response. There’s obviously a disconnect. What was I … Read more