How a project that delivers on time, on budget, and within scope can be a failure for the business

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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

Project Managers as Servant Leaders

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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

An Effective Hybrid Meeting Solution

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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

Help! My Project was Sabotaged

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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

Does My Thinking Add Value?

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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”

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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’m providing much value

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“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