This is personal, so if you are looking for reviews, PM updates or anything else, you might skip this post.
I always talk/interact through my blog and yet there are times when I read my post and think how much of it am I really doing?
I do most of it, except a few:
•I am not a good networker
•I don’t go to meet ups, PMI groups or randomly meet people over coffee- though I really really want to
•I am shy most of the time- I wish I could call up people and say- care to meet me for a blog interview and sushi/coffee/pasta?
•I have analyzed my behaviors- not sure if it’s a culmination of not liking to driving long miles or fear of getting judged.
•I dream big, have done it all my life- but I fall short when it comes to implementing it.
•Sometimes I am not as consistent as I want to be (read trips to gym). It’s a joke now that if I am half as consistent as I am in blogging here, I will achieve any goal.
•Sometimes I know what I have to do but I won’t do it. I procrastinate (in personal goals).
•I don’t envy people usually, however sometimes I feel I had those qualities as they do.
So, I have set 3 new goals for me during this blogging break:
•By next year (Dec 31, 2011) I will double my annual income (honestly, I love the idea more than thinking and hard work involved in actually implementing it).
•I will start working on my first e-book and schedule it- so I don’t have an excuse to miss it anymore
•I will call up people and meet even if I feel like a coward (so, if you are someone from Chicago- I would love to meet you, if you are not I can still call/skype you. Here’s my LinkedIn id as well , just incase you want to know a little more about before you meet me and yes please add me)
Since we are talking all about what I have done in the last 10 days, here’s some more:
•I changed the name of this blog, it still is called Stepping into Project Management, I removed the “newbies diary” from it and replaced with “the journey continues”. One of the reasons is doing that is I am not a newbie any more but I started out as one and I understand how it is. So, this blog is more about continuing my journey in the world of project management now and sharing it with you.
•If you haven’t noticed the SIPM has updates too, there’s a new forum to talk, share and brainstorm ideas with the SIPM community. Anyone can read, to comment you have to be registered and you can do it here for free http://beta.steppingintopm.com/.
Want to have fun and learn more from real life Project Managers, check out here.
You are more than your job
Which translates: you are not defined and limited by your job responsibilities.
You are more than what you are chained to do with your job. You or your personal brand is not a myth any more, your worth is all about what you have to offer.
The elevator speech rules have changed, you don’t say anymore what your job position is with a xyz company- you say what you are and who you are (that is not your job description anymore).
Most people while working decide to start on their own business, some like Steve Pavlina talks about how one should never get a job because it limits you. It’s very true, because jobs allow us to become complacent and not push ourselves anymore. By the time, we have been in jobs more than 5 years, we have changed, don’t have the fire in us what we had when we started and have come to an agreement with ourselves that we will let others (boss, organizations, future job titles, corner office) run us; than us running our own lives.
While job has its benefits, don’t let the job title be your only motivation factor, because there is more to you than you know. A job is the stability we have asked for perhaps, but its not the end all.
Don’t let your dream die just because your job says so. Infact having multiple skills might come in handy someday, so if you like to dance take classes and keep on doing it. Don’t give up because it doesn’t help your career in project management or you can’t do it professionally any more.
Happiness and inner peace is always an integral factor in life and in finding meaning to life and vocation. Choose to be happy, choose to do what you like to do along with your job description.
Look out for more, listen more, interact with interesting people, see how people are changing their lives everyday.
Don’t be complacent, just because you are a newbie (or whatever your role is) today, doesn’t mean you will be one for the rest of your life. Start getting ready now for the next position you are aiming at. So, when you are ready, you will be more prepared to look around and get that position and tell people that it’s time.
The highest reward for a man’s toil is not what he gets from it but what he becomes by it- Ruskin.
Unlike the picture here, I would think get the salary, job title and whatever comes with it but at the same time make sure you are still walking the path of your dream! If you are not, find a way to do it- be creative! Contact great minds or people whom you like to follow through twitter, see what they have to say, find similar groups or go to meet ups.
The winner of PM-Prepcast is Jeremiah Jessel (will contact you with details).
For the rest of you thank you for participating and better luck next time!
(Pic Courtesy)
Will be back on August 10
Taking a few weeks off from blogging to enjoy the summer and brainstorm new ideas.
I'll see you back here on August 10 and announce the lucky winner of the PM-Prepcast.
I'll see you back here on August 10 and announce the lucky winner of the PM-Prepcast.
Giveaway- worth $99.97
I am giving away one PM Prepcast worth $99.97. Send me an email (see email info on the right panel of the blog) and include "I want the PM Prepcast" in the subject line. Thats it.
You can email me within July 31, the winner will be announced in August.
What makes you happy PM's?
This post is not about project management.
This is about happiness, so this Monday you are ready for the week and smiling!
So, I asked you What makes you happy PM's? Other than meeting deadlines...a good book n coffee/movie/ close grp brunch/sunday newspaper makes me smile.
Yes, it does.
The job, blogging, keeping up with my reading list, SIPM all keeps me busy and to the point that sometimes I don’t feel very inspired in my everyday life. When things just become items in my schedule and happiness seems far away, I try something new to bring it back.
Talking to the people I respect and being sincere about the problems I am facing I think automatically brings in a new perspective for me, calling up my friends and talking silly and nothing about project management is relaxing, going out for a walk and enjoying it, listening to good music, having a chocolate or a cup of tea and a good book that inspires is nice. I also like visiting grocery stores for inspiration to whip up a new dish or go completely crazy and color my hair a brownish red.
I always don’t plan out everything when I take a break; I think randomness brings out a different side to everyone.
PM Prepcast- why should you take it?
Its unusual, effective and loaded with information that can be used for and beyond exams.
It’s the PM Prepcast I am talking about and I think the concept is superb. Cornelius has brought in the perfect combination of audio and video to make sure the every single point is communicated.
The prepcast consists of episode lists that can be downloaded to your computer and syched with your ipod. It’s a great resource to understand everything you need to know about exams (both CAPM and PMP by PMI) including what happens if you don’t make it in your first attempt, how you should retest etc.
Each lesson/podcast is around 25 minutes which comes with very clear and to the point graphics done in a way that helps you understand, remember and sort of reaffirms the audio. By using the dual methods you can remember them easily without having to get back to the podcast over and over again.
Who can use the podcast?
Certification takers- if you are planning to take your PMP or CAPM its perfect for you. The podcast fits your purse and goal and is a great way to start your preparation. Listen to the tips he has to share on how to use the resource and get through the exam. By the way, he also sends lessons and reminds you through email.
Newbies in project management- A great way to zoom ahead of the other newbies. By listening to these podcast you not only understand project management better but your are aware of the much needed terminology and the intricacies.
Interview preparation for project management- if you are lining for an interview next week or getting ready for a job search, this podcast will make it a little easier for you. You can brush on the PMBOK knowledge along with other skills and stay head in the game by downloading some free flash cards.
Take your next step- interview help
Looking for a job? Wake up this Monday to update your resume and get some amazing tips from the experts.
Browse these links below for some resume tips:
To nail your next interview in project management, try these great links whether its your first project management job or you are a seasoned project manager trying to get to your next job I can only hope these links are helpful :
- Interview Sample 1
- Interview Sample 2
- Interview Sample 3
- Interview Sample 4
- Interview Sample 5
- Interview Sample 6
- Interview Sample 7
- Interview Sample 8
- Interview Sample 9
- Interview Sample 10
- Interview Sample 11
- Interview Sample 12
- Interview Sample 13
- Interview Sample 14
- Interview Sample 15
- Interview Sample 16
- Interview Sample 17
- Interview Sample 18
- Interview Sample 19
Good Luck!
Looking towards taking the next step in your career and want to try Project Management, learn from the seasoned PM's here for no charge.
The 10,000 Hour Rule
There will always be moments when you need the extra push in your life to get to your next milestone. Everytime I have pushed myself I end up surprising me. It's true for most people I know.
This long weekend, I ended up watching the triathlon in television and heard the narrators talk about the winner and how she has been out of the sports for a year and came back better than ever- and won!
It made me think, how I get too comfortable or even complacent sometimes and don't do what I can do or should do. There are times, when you just know it is the right time for you to take action or make he next move. If you have always wanted to become a project manager, may be this is the time to look for a new opportunity or simply learn a new skill.
So, July is my month to do everything I'm not comfortable doing and trust me it's a long list.
So, I took a break. I thought about it while I roamed the isles of the Japanese grocery and filled in my cart with steamed buns, dumplings, sea weed, bean sprouts and a beautiful tea set.
By the time I came back home after an entire day spent outside- shopping and watching people in the mall; I read this piece (see below). It struck me as just the perfect thing I should have read. So - why not share?
Given below are some paragraphs that really touched me, however you can read the entire article here.
The author Malcolm Gladwell in his book Outliers described the 10,000 Hour Rule as a reason why some people become successful. This rule is based on a study that was conducted by Anders Ericsson.
In this study, it was discovered that those who became successful in their given field had practiced it for a total of 10,000 hours prior to being discovered. InGladwell’s book, he uses the example of the Beatles and how they practiced for 10,000 hours prior to becoming famous.
Every spare moment I had, I was reading or talking to someone who was doing what I wanted to do. I also began to apply the theories to my life and started living what I studied.
When Charlie Rose asked Steve Martin about what advice would he give to others starting out in the acting business, Martin said the following: “Be so good at what you do that they cannot ignore you.
A guy dressed in sweat pants may seem like a no body to you but for all you know, he may be the person that has the ability to help you achieve a certain goal.
Years ago, I read a biography on the life of the singer Madonna. Many people recounted how when Madonna was just a club act, she handled every show as if it were a concert in a huge arena. The general conclusion was that she was acting like a superstar even before she became one.
Visualization is a tool that I use frequently because I have seen it work. Many times in my life, I visualized achieving certain goals or having certain funds. And every single time without fail, each item that I visualized became a reality. Sometimes it took hours and other times it took years.
101 votes- thank you
Thank you everyone for their support and the encouragement.
The blog would have never happened if it wasn't for the crisis I was in. I thought my job profile was getting stagnated and I needed something to keep me going. A commitment to myself that was getting hard to keep everyday.
Finally, in desperation I decided to put it in writing and started the blog. When Elizabeth Harrin spotted my blog for the first time; it gave me the unreal motivation to write regularly. I have never stopped since that day.
There has been good times and bad times and I have kept the blog consistent (at least tried to); so getting the votes in the PPM Community was big deal for me. I am so humbled, grateful and happy.
There are lots of good blogs out there in Project Management and I voted for all the blogs I read, please vote for the blogs because a little inspiration goes a long way for all the bloggers who take the time out of their busy life to do so.
Thank you again everyone for the votes!
The E-book that is real and good
I don't like flooding my inbox with junk mails and subscriptions.
Wait till this one, I signed up at Geoff Crane's subscription so I can get the free e-book. I like what he writes and how he writes it- so I figured out this one has to be really good.
I had the e-book few minutes later called "Nine Destructive Behaviors".
It talks about different types of project managers and yeah- it is good!Very good.
It's injected with Geoff humor and is a good read not only for the sake of some good weekend reading but simply for the seriousness of the matter. You can really learn from this and to the extent you wont mind paying for the book if you had to do so.
Simple, powerful and full of observation- it tracks down traits, their behavioral characteristic and the remedies. Good way to know your project manager or even find the kind you are and how you can improve.
By the way- the email's that you get from him in your inbox are actually similarly interesting- I'm not a big fan of inbox emails from websites, but from Geoff I differ.
So, to get the book you have to sign up here and to get in touch with the master himself, click this.
Want to have fun and learn more from real life Project Managers, check out http://beta.steppingintopm.com/
Does rigid timelines help creativity?
Timeline rules us.
Deadlines, projects schedules, invoices and regular business days all revolve around timeline. We remind ourselves through calendar, blackberry applications, and sticky notes.
But does chasing time help us? Help our work, help creativity? Let’s walk through some scenarios:
Regular Office- The pressure of timeline doesn't enhance creativity in most cases and leads us to “The Intrinsic Motivation Principle of Creativity. People will be most creative when they feel motivated primarily by the interest, enjoyment, satisfaction, and challenge of the work itself, and not by external pressures or inducements.” So, for those who like creativity and challenge in their work should sought out similar assignments. Look for more encouragement from your boss and find a mentor who knows how to match creativity with the end of the month salary scenario.
Bloggers/Entrepreneurs – It is said that time management skills contribute to creativity . It seems very true since most of the successful bloggers are multi tasking all the time. Look carefully at the project management bloggers- they know thing or two about maintaining schedules and some of them use it to their best. They blog, they run their own thing, work 9-5 job, write books, papers, participate in numerous profession related websites, network, are active participants of their community and perhaps even doting parents. They run their lives as they run their project. They plan, they schedule, they prioritize and get the work done. And to top it all they are creative – it takes some to manage time so effectively if nothing else.
Also, the most frequently mentioned contextual factor characterizing high-creativity events was freedom. Think about entrepreneurs, individuals who are self employed, people whose writings you bookmark and read everyday- think Seth Godin, think Chris Brogan, think Pamela Slim, think Tim Ferris, think Scott Berkun…..when the pressures off performance and delivery; people might come up with real creativity.
But can everyone be creative? Do you want to be creative? Anyone with the inclination to be one perhaps can find a way to be creative to an certain extent and how life changing it is
But then, there are people like J K Rowling who were creative under tremendous pressure initially and some more here.
Here’s an interesting aspect of creativity- giving time to think might just be the answer you are looking for.
Edison spent a good deal of time just thinking. He fished off the end of his dock for an hour almost everyday of his life. He always fished by himself but he never caught any fish. Observers always thought it was strange that Edison would spend so much time fishing when he really wasn't that good at it.
Late in life, he was asked about his obsession with fishing even though he was probably the worst angler anyone had ever seen. His answer was, “I really never caught any fish because I have never used any bait.” Most people were shocked and thought he was crazy so they asked, “Why in the world would you fish without bait?”
His answer? “Because when you fish without bait, people don’t bother you and neither do the fish. It provides me my best time to think.” (Source)
Science of Creativity- Tim Ferris has written about his own creativity and I find it quite interesting.
I think creativity is as complicated as it seems. Here’s another of my favorites from Elizabeth Gilbert who practices creativity.
I like being creative and for most part want to be considered as one, so if wrote poetry when I was 21; now I try to bring creativity in my work I do- in my blog, my website, food or simply my everyday life.
SIPM updates and press release
- Post login (if you are a registered user), the "network updates" will now display updates from your own network, which is either a newbie or an expert. This allow you to get to know your peers and network among yourselves.
- System emails- All emails including welcome emails after registration or forgot password emails, sometimes go to your "spam" folder, please make sure you check it if you are expecting any emails from SIPM. We are working on it.
Thank you everyone who has signed up and all the encouragement through emails and twitter. To know more click here.
Interview with Susan de Sousa (My PM Expert)
Susan is dynamic and fun- see her portfolio here and you know she is way more than some boring project manager who does one project after another.
She has delivered complex high profile cutting edge projects and managed numerous large infrastructure and software development programs and projects successfully to budget and deadlines. She has also consulted in the UK, Europe, US and Dubai.
I interview Susan as she talks about how she got into project management and the willingness to achieve can be the driving force to pick up the phone and cold call to get the dream job. Wow!
How did you get into project management?
Well having been a derivatives trader, freelance journalist, freelance TV producer and entrepreneur (before 26) I landed up doing an HTML course. Not my idea of fun but by doing it I would be guaranteed a place on the Photoshop course. I was really clueless, but then the tutor mentioned how much you could earn for being able to code an HTML table in notepad, and I suddenly got very interested.
Of course it didn't take me long to realize that I was undoubtedly the world’s worst programmer, (I wasn't even sure how to turn the PC on!) And that if I wanted to succeed I would need to move into project management fast. So when I saw a PM contract advertised I went for it bagged the interview and landed the role at MTV. I've always been really delivery focused and up for a challenge so took to project management like a duck to water. And the rest as they would say is history!
In your span of being a project manager, has there been an incident where you wanted to give up project management?
On every single engagement usually in the first week when I discover just what a huge horror story I've walked into, and just how much work it will take to put it right and get it delivered. Sadly I'm really competitive and hate to lose so I don't do the smart thing and walk away. Instead I get stuck in and get it delivered on time and to the right quality. It's a bit like childbirth. After the event you only remember the great result, which is why you keep going back for more!
As an Interim I move around a lot as my specialty is turning around high profile troubled programs and delivering the undeliverable. At each engagement I always need to quickly bring the project teams up to speed as well as ensure they begin delivering the way I want. As you can imagine it quickly gets boring having to say the same thing over and over again. So it occurred to me that setting up a project management website would deal with this, as well as allowing me to pass my "wisdom" onto others.
Plus I had a spare 30 minutes a day on the train each day commuting to work and instead of daydreaming this seemed a rather more productive use of time!
I’d like to know more about the programs have you managed?
Well I've done a lot, which makes me sound really old (and I'm only 21, really!). But I've delivered everything from Interactive TV for BBC, the IT Platform for the global launch of 3, the Hallmark HiYa cards globally, live TV to a mobile / cell phone for BSkyB (the first time done outside South Korea) and of course most recently the re launch of Euro Millions in the UK and creation of the Millionaire Raffle, amongst others. The latter is now taking an additional 9 figures in sales a year, but sadly no, I don’t get a percentage as my commission otherwise I'd be retired on a beach in Barbados.
Nor do I know the winning numbers in case you were wondering!
What do you think is the best way to get into project management?
I get asked this a lot. The reality is that project management has become a very sexy profession. It's also extremely lucrative and there is a huge demand for the top people who have the right experience.
As someone who likes going places fast, thinking about how I would get into the profession if I were starting out now, well it would be simple. I wouldn't bother with getting PM qualifications, I would simply approach people direct using LinkedIn. Yes it takes guts, but I’ve never been one to put my future in someone else's hands. I like to make things happen myself.
So when I wanted to become an investment banker I knew no-one in the profession and didn't have the right qualifications or experience. I sent out about 4,000 resumes in 6 months and cold called loads of people. I even offered to work for free and you know what? After 6 months I was in at a top investment bank as an equity derivatives trader. People were just so stunned at my chutzpah and passion for the role they were willing to overlook the fact I didn't fit their entry criteria.
So it can be done. One simply needs to be persistent and determined. So spend the time on the phone pitching yourself and less time gaining qualifications or hoping someone will notice you. Do that consistently over a period and time, remembering to sound totally confident and You’ll get into project management.
So since you are working in the project management , what keeps you coming back to the profession?
Oh yes. Each time I think I'm leaving it for good I get offered something really interesting which entices me back in!
You see I'm an interim project management troubleshooter. I get brought in to either turnaround troubled high profile programs or projects, or else to manage deliveries which are hugely complex but which must be delivered on time. I've recently just started an engagement as the Interim Project Director managing the global delivery of a new server based gaming platform as part of a recent JV between Scientific Games and Playtech. So I now have a large team of PM's in the US, UK and Estonia to manage and a delivery date which must be met. So no pressure!
Why do you think social media has become so popular with the Project Managers?
I'm not sure Face book and Twitter are that popular but really where would we be without LinkedIn? As an Interim I find it invaluable for serious networking.
Three things you wished you knew when you started out in your career.
1. Knowing how to manage expectations successfully
2. Knowing how to manage expectations successfully
3. Knowing how to manage expectations successfully
Susan- thank you for your time and the invaluable tips. You brought in something amazing here today-the focus, the determination and the fact that anyone willing to walk the extra mile can do it. You can find Susan, also in twitter here.
Delivering Happiness - Book Review
"Wow" has never been so perfectly expressed as it has in the new book by the Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh.
I love business books and they have a way to influence me even in my sleep. Its funny, witty and interlaced with moments of inspiration like how he wrote a sonnet in school with morse code.
The book is about his life, inspiration, struggle and the pressures of dealing with Asian parents. What I like the most is the fact that it is written so simply and yet is so powerful. It’s real- there are no theories, no rules, no charts and diagrams that you have to follow. It’s simply the passion and the belief that it will happen.
I think the book is amazing because the passion comes through.
I couldn’t stop reading it and as a way to spread the happiness ended up giving away one of my copies hoping that it will change them too, the way it did to me (Yeah, I have more than 1 copy because I applied as a blogger and got 2 copies and the wow factor came in yesterday, when I had the hard bound final book mailed again).Wow!
I have always been a fan of Zappos, I like how they do things and it got me into buying a shoe from them (see picture).
So, if you are bored with your job or need something inspiring to read or is witness to your organization falling apart- read the book it might change you forever.
If you are a project manager- you will pick up some amazing team building tips and learn the importance of building the team culture and how it can affect productivity. Dreams do come true; with a lot of passion, hard work and the right group of friends (or team)!
Happy reading everyone! To know more about the book, you can follow at @DHBOOK
Welcome to SIPM
Today is special, very special.
This is my day to let you in my life and share the opportunities, laughter and blessing. Today, I give back what I have always received from so many of you. Welcome to SIPM.
SIPM is a simple way to connect, share your expertise with others, your knowledge, your support and have some fun on the way.
You can be new to project management; you can be a graduating student or someone who wants to climb the ladder and see what project management is all about – you are welcome to the SIPM family!
So, you were once upon a time newbie and have struggled, had your share of your disappointment and life has brightened up for you- you a are Project Manager now! Have 5 minutes to spare? Share it with others, sign up here. Looking for an intern to help up lighten your schedule a little, let SIPM know. Or how about inviting a newbie to your office and let them Shadow you for a day- show them the real world far away from the texts and papers.
The SIPM beta version has a long way to go and we have just started. So stay around while we fix up the site and bring out new features in the coming weeks. The website is open for US and UK for now, however we will open it up to more countries in the coming weeks.
If you find bugs or have suggestions or want to say “hi”, find me here. To know more about the site click here.
SIPM doesn’t take any responsibility for false information provided by registered users or lack of communication among members. This is a site that provides a platform for newbies to meet experts only.
(Pic Courtesy: SIPM)
Are you Lazy enough?
The lazy project manager has taken it up a notch by introducing the new program on how you can become one. Check out and be lazy and twice as productive.
Be served with the science of productive laziness and get your work- life balance better for your and your team.
“I started the eLearning program because a number of people wanted more information about productive laziness. More beyond the book and more beyond the presentations I have delivered around the world on being ‘lazy’ and being a better project manager.
Since I do have a full time job with Siemens PLM heading up a PMO, and even taking in to account that I am incredibly productively lazy, I did not personally have the bandwidth to offer actual consultancy or classroom style training. The solution seemed to be eLearning.
With The Lazy Project Manager eLearning experience students get to learn more about being a ‘lazy’ project manager through audio visual lessons, get to complete some supporting workshops and even get to take a ‘productive lazy test’. All in the fun manner that you come to expect from The Lazy Project Manager.”
Sounds wonderful, so if this is what you like check out the site.
What are you learning from project management?
Self discipline processes, team building, logical thinking, more certifications and perhaps a little extra money.Yep, we all learn that.
What are the things that you are un-learning by being in the profession?
•Risk taking- Obviously in your personal /professional life because we are so attuned to seeing them ahead of time and getting rid of it.
•Creativity- The logic, the process, the flow, the bugs and codes can take us far away from the creative self. Try writing a piece of prose that is not related to project management and notice if you have to think. Its different from what you think tied up in your PM chair every day. And it feels nice, doesn’t it?
•Not having fun- we always wait for the right moment, that’s how we trained ourselves- the right moment to inform the team, the right timing to convey it to stakeholders, the timeline and the deadlines run us. The stress and the phones and our validation through overflowing inboxes is what fun is for us. Remember- what did you want to be when you grow up? When was the last time you tried it?
•Working like machines- We love automation. The work we just do everyday- get the coffee, look at emails, write back and forth, browse through proposals, look into excel sheets and more emails and meetings and drive back home. Have you tried to change anything in the last 15 days or ways you been in automation? Are you mindful?
•Giving up- On everything you love to get that extra pat from your boss by overworking yourself and convincing yourself that I will have more time to be happy when I have this project in my bag.
•Being numb- even when you know it’s not the right thing to do. You come back from work to flop in front of the TV and just keep your mind numb, so you can tell your brain to stop thinking of the things that comes naturally to you. We shut them up, even when we know you should pay more attention to what you want.
•Need more, need better mindset- More projects, higher budgets, more certificates, PDU’s, more authority, better team- that’s we think. Less is more- is not very aptly though out concept for project managers. Do you think what you need or do you just need more because that’s what you are unconsciously being trained to ask for?
If you are a Project Manager and think out of the box or within the box- share your thoughts please.
The point being is be true to yourself and don't get trapped into the system. Watch this TED video for some mind numbing data.
P.S. I think only in bullet points these days- scary!
(Pic Courtesy)
How can you keep everyone happy?
Chances are you cannot.
However with a few carefully thought out lists you can keep some of them happy:
•Ask questions- don’t assume anything in a project if you are not sure about it. Repeat what you understood to keep things clear.
•When doing any project documentation, maintain the versioning system and track all change requests. If you are responsible for keeping tracks, make sure you date them correctly and mention why a new version is being done. It solves a lot of disputes later.
•Keep your project manager in the loop, if you report to one. Don’t hand out final documents at the last moment and no have time to tweak anything.
•Stop giving excuses. It doesn’t help your credibility. Be accountable and just go head and do it.
•Speak up for yourself. Don’t be rude to your team, however don’t let anyone else take advantage of the fact that you never speak up. If someone else is blaming you for something you didn’t do, be polite, clarify and then offer to help.
•Be honest- it shows in your work and management gets it.
•Ask for advice, talk to people and then take your own decision. If you want a raise, promotion make sure you are not randomly talking about it and wasting someone s time. Getting ready for it takes time and make sure you out the effort. Keep an excel sheet of your contribution to the team, or time you have taken initiative and you were appreciated, brought in business or client liked your work. More the data, stronger your case. If possible, mention the dates, copies of emails along with or proof enough, so your boss doesn’t thing you are making it up.
•Show up with a smile and lot of positive attitude. Don’t always say- it cannot be done or it’s not time enough. If you think- the deadline doesn’t make sense, tell them you are trying your best and will keep them in the loop as the work progresses.
•Ask for help. Don’t be a slacker and get your work done by someone else. Just make sure don’t be shy if you need help with some calculation, need a peer review of your project or simply need to meet the deadline.
•Don’t be selfish- make sure your team gets the credit. They are the ones you spend 8 hours a day with. You downplay them or lie- it will come back to you the very next day.
Have a great Monday everyone!
Newbie Power- why you shouldn’t underestimate them?
Newbies may be taken for granted and be the go to person to get your paperwork faxed, photocopied and the runner for your three o clock latte fix.
They are new but they are smart.
Here’s why you might want to re-think:
•They lack the experience but boy they know how to communicate! Phone, twitter, gadgets they have it all and use it very successfully.
•If they seem lazy and not being upto the job, chances are you bore them and they have been secretly texting their friends about how their new office sucks.
•They are the decision makers- about their career. You control the project but if they don’t like what they see, they quit .
•Chances are they are a brand and know how to build one better than anyone else.
•They have age on their side- you don’t know what they will be 5 years later. So treat everyone the way you would like to be treated.
Interview with Jason Westland
I interview Jason Westland and how he started with the sites- his inspiration, insight and how one can know that your calling is to be a project manager.
Why did you decide to become a Project Manager?
After university, I secured a great job as a Project Manager for one of our leading banks. I've always enjoyed leading teams and I love the pressure of having an impossible deadline, so Project Management was perfect for me. I really like managing people, suppliers, equipment and customers to bring a project together. It's always a great challenge and very rewarding when you get it right.
Any experiences you might remember when you first started out and want to share here.
Sure. My first project was managing an IT deployment throughout the country. It was using leading edge technologies and was high risk. The first server we installed failed miserably, putting us off track. The suppliers didn’t know what they were doing and we were short on resource. The only way to delvier the project on time was to massively reduce the scope. So I presented to the Company Board (a group of really scary fellas at the time) and managed to get their approval. From there, I learned that you have to communicate with the Board constantly throughout the project, to get their support. With their support, you can achieve anything. We delivered the project on time and then kicked off another project to complete the remaining elements.
I've learned throughout the years, that the top 5 things you need to do to deliver a project successfully are 1) Spec it our properly at the outset; 2) Spend good quality time planning and don’t start execution until you know exactly what you're doing; 3) Monitor progress every week and keep the team informed as you go; 4) Communication among the project team is key and; 5) Always keep your Customer and Sponsor on side - get to know them and their business needs well. If you take those 5 tips, then you'll boost your chances of success.
How did the idea of starting these websites emerge?
I got tired of not having the right tools to manage projects. Firstly, I was always creating documents from scratch. So I built Method123. As I managed bigger projects I realized that everyone in my team needed to work in a more structured way, following a methodology as they went. So we built www.MPMM.com. Project tracking is critical to success and there were no tools available on the market that I was confident in, so we built www.ProjectManager.com. And finally, I needed MS Project for lots of users and it was way too expensive, therefore we built www.ProjectPlan.com. Basically every product came from a common problem that I know all project managers share.
Talk to me about the your site MPMM - how do you think it will help Project Managers?
Good question. Great Projet Managers use the same formula for success for every project they undertake. They manage projects in the same way every time, because they know that if they use the same process for delivering projects, then it will generate the same results. And that’s what MPM gives you. It offers you a proven, step-by-step process for delivering projects. It's aligned with Worldwide Standards PMI and Prince2 and hundreds of thousands of project managers have used it to help deliver projects on time.
If you follow the process that's included, then you'll improve your chances of success. It's that simple. Also, great Project Managers never start from scratch. They always use templates to get ahead. MPMM includes all of the templates you need to manage projects, and it comes with a suite of examples so you know exactly what you have to do to create project documents quickly and easily.
What’s your advice to newbies who are stepping into Project Management?
If you love to take on a challenge, you love managing people and you're goal orientated by nature, then Project Management is definitely for you. It will always keep you on your toes. It can be stressful at times, but the most important thing is every project will come down to your ability to coordinate and motivate a team of people, to achieve the desired results. It's people that really matter.
So learn everything you can about project management. Don’t get caught up in things like the technicalities of Critical Path Analysis or EVA, instead focus on the basics. Plan your projects well at the outset. Hire the most talented team you can find - I always try and hire smarter people than myself! - and then motivate them towards achieving the results. Monitor their progress carefully and tackle issues head on as soon as they arise. Keep your customer informed along the way and get their support and buy in. If you keep to these basics, then you'll be well on the road to success.
Stress at work has become such a major factor these days, so do you think by using your software's, the PMs will be able to do things more efficiently and save more time?
Yes definitely. The world is changing. Everything is going online and people are using the internet to connect and communicate more. By using online tools, people these days are able to share and collaborate to get things done. Everyone knows what's happening on the project because the dashboard and reports are right there in front of them, real time. There is no more waiting until the weekly or monthly reports have been produced, only to get an outdated view because something else came up in the meantime.
By using tools online, Project Managers and teams know what's happening as it happens. It's pretty exciting. These tools are evolving fast and adapting to the ways that people manage projects. The old days of using MS Project to plan the project and then nothing to track real progress are gone. Online tools these days allow you to track progress as you go, raise risks, issues and changes when they occur and collaborate to resolve them. People still use tools like Outlook and Skype to communicate, but in the next couple of years, these will all be integrated within online project management tools, so that you only need to go to one place to manage your day. It's an exciting world! To see what I mean, check out www.ProjectManager.com
Wow, that is exciting- a Project Manager turned entrepreneur! Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
The best part is you get 2 licenses free from http://mpmm.com/, you can tweet at @Soma_b or email and let me know why you think Project Management is important to you. Your email, tweets should reach me by May 23. Winners will be announced in the blog.
How do you know- Project management is for you?
Its simple- explore further.
Unveiling my secret project that I have been working on for a few months now- If you would like to try it out for me please, let me know. Just email me with the subject line: want to try out SIPM.
I will email you the details and how you can help out hundreds of newbies. Whether you are a project manager or not a project manager, thinking of being one or want to give it a shot- you are eligible to try it out and let me know the flaws/errors and thing I can improve upon.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Why you do- what you do?
Understanding your objective/goal/interest/ambition might give you answers to your own questions.If we all knew why we do what we do, the world would have been a different place. Getting to a point; any point is based on a lot of complex thinking- thinking about the goal, analyzing on how to get it, preparing for it and finally getting it done.
You cannot survive any profession unless you enjoy it and you cannot enjoy until it is something you really want to do. Your own personality should match with the requirements (read soft skill) of the job.
So, you have to know what why you are doing what you are doing. Once you are aware of that, rest is very simple.
So, how do you know if Project Management is right for you? How do you know if this is something you will like before you commit on getting the next certification and spend thousands of dollars on it? How will you know that you can rise up to the challenge and get it done?
If this is something that interests you, hold on……..more coming in the next post.
(Pic Courtesy)
