Lessons Learnt in 2008

The year 2008 has been extremely special to me. I started my blog, started writing extensively about PM, prepared for the exams (certifications) and was determined that this is what I really want to do for the rest of my life. 

I have learnt more than I imagined, have got some great advises  from amazing Project Managers and connected with them whose sites and blogs have helped me learn the trade.

I have learnt some lessons the hard way and I want to share it with all of you here-

• Being smart isn’t enough, having the right attitude is.
• Be very clear about your goals.
• Build your credibility, it takes time
• Learn from the experts.
• Be humble.
• Enjoy your work, it shows.
• Resource management is the toughest.
• Make your everyday work life creative, find out ways/things that interest you.
• A blog helps to seal your point of view and show your genuine interest for the profession.
• Project Manager’s are nice people, helpful and genuine- perhaps it comes with the profession.

So, this Christmas I ask Santa that all of you (Aspiring Project Managers) should have the blessings that I have had through my blog, meet some incredible people and realise that your dreams can come true.

Thank you for all your support and as a token I have a special post coming up on December 31. I ask 5 Project Managers about the three things all aspiring PM's must do and they have all graciously agreed to talk about it. 

I'm thankful to all of them for agreeing to do this on such a short notice. It's such an honor to have Alec Satin, Baas De Baar, Elizabeth Harrin , Josh Nankivel and Raven Young in a single post. All of them have been extremely kind to me, very helpful  and such an inspiration. Above all, they have made me realise that Project Managers are supposed to be good people. Always.

Merry Christmas everyone, I will be back with the special post on Dec 31!

(Picture:Google Images)

Check List for the Holidays

It’s Holiday season and if you have some time to spare here are a 5 things you should concentrate on right away. 

• Read - It’s time to do some extra reading, learn as much as you can.
• Overcome Obstacles- If you know something you should overcome, start prepping for it. If you want to be a better speaker, try picking up a subject and work on it. Ask your friends to hear you out and take their feedback seriously.  
• Work Out- It’s important to be healthy, make sure you are making the right choices when eating out or indulging in the holiday treats. Simply schedule an exercise routine you can maintain. You will have more energy and determination than before.
• Make New Friends- We all know it when we have struck the right note. It’s important to find friends who have similar goals, going through the same struggle or people whom you admire- it just makes it easier to bond and connect. A good supportive circle of friends can get you through anything and help you reach your goal. If you have wanted to thank your team, friends, family or mentor- it’s not late. Do it today, send an email or a e-card or just call them up.
• Enjoy- This holiday season, help out someone else in fulfilling their dreams and hope. I’m sure all of us have been inspired or helped by some one else at some point, make this Holiday Season a time to reach out to others.

Happy Holidays everyone!

(Picture:Google Images)

New Web Tool- Zapproved

If you are following the new web 2.0 tools and how office life is supposed to be easy, here's another for you.

To read more about Zaaproved, read the special review by Elizabeth Harrin here. It's a cloud application, yes CLOUD. Just incase you have been hearing about it and don't know exactly what it means, you can try out Wikipedia. 

(Picture: Google Images)

Who is a PM?

A Warrior and a Healer. 

Says John Caroll in his Blog. For so many of us, who want to be full fledged PM, it's a great lesson. To know how to act, when to act and to find the perfect timing to retreat back and let the rest just happen.

Easier said than done, I know it is really hard. This is exactly where the experience comes in. Your action speaks of your ability as a PM and I have faltered at it so many times and then regretted later about my actions. 

As John Caroll says - 

"The project manager can act as a warrior or as a healer. As a warrior, showing power and decision, he displays the Yang or masculine aspect of leadership. But most of the time the project manager acts as a healer in an open, receptive and nourishing way. Providing help and assistance to the team members and encouraging them to do their work for the benefit of the project. This is the feminine or Yin aspect of leadership. This mixture of doing and being can be very productive.

The third aspect of leadership is the Tao. From time to time the project manager needs to withdraw from the team and return to silence. Be there, do it and then withdraw to replenish the spirit, which is the way of the project manager. Knowing when to act, when to listen and when to withdraw is the way. I know this for this is the way of the project manager."

Finally, the Lao Tsu saying:

Know the strength of man,
But keep a woman’s care!
Be the stream of the universe!
Being the stream of the universe,
Ever true and unswerving,
Become as a little child once more.

Know the white,
But keep the black!
Be an example to the world!
Being an example to the world,
Ever true and unswerving,
Return to the infinite.

Know honour,
Yet keep humility.
Be the valley of the universe!
Being the valley of the universe,
Ever true and resourceful,
Return to the state of the uncarved block.

When the block is carved, it becomes useful.
When the sage uses it, he becomes the ruler.
Thus “A great tailor cuts little.”

I think I'm just going to print this out and pin it on my board. Thanks John for the great posting!

My Work Space

Any work space whether in office or home in most cases is the reflection of your image. Your work style can easily be  evaluated by simply visiting your cubicle or desk. 

Here is my list of desk accessories at work:  

• A calendar
• A pen holder that says- share a smile
• A quotation by Patt Summit pinned on my board, says “You can choose to settle down for mediocrity, never venturing forth much effort or feeling very much or you can commit. If you commit, I guarantee you that, for every pain, you will experience an equal or surpassing pleasure.”
• A white board with projects names and the to-do list for the day/week.
• Artificial plant in a glass tumbler filled with multicolored beads
• A coaster (with an orange and steel color theme)
• My blackberry
• PM process chart
  
• Couple of coffee and subway menu/s in a see through folder 

(Picture: google images)