It is important to be bored!

How fancy- ever been bored, so bored that you have nothing to do.

Funny but I personally think that these are the moments which are perfect for some thinking and may be getting in touch with ourselves. Once in a while (like this weekend), I delibertely didn't keep any plans and tried to keep myself away from the laptop.

So, now without having anything else to do, I tried watching TV and flip through some Project Management journals. At the end of it, I ended up thinking about things I can change, improvements- some work related issues and the rest mostly about me.

The way I should think, how my way of working might effect others, being more positive, putting in half an hour more for exercise. Simple things which are just about life.

Focussing so much on work, I have realised that I was getting out of touch with myself. I haven't written a poem in a while now, I haven't loitered around in a park just for the sake of walking. I havent even tried cooking new dishes.

Being bored helps I guess. At the end of it, I am refreshed because I havent stressed about deadlines any more and kept my brain as blank as possible.

By the way, I got my first independent project- very excited. I guess all the hard work has finally paid off.

(Picture- Google Images)

Project Management in Politics

The Obama win was historic and wonderful and as i was going through some articles today, I just had to share it here.

It was one of those perfect plans which was executed almost flawlessly. It was a more than a project, something to learn from- a team work that made the impossible possible. It was instance of perfect Project Management strategies that delivered the BIG CHANGE.

The NY Times talked about the campaign and its execution, the management and strategies involved which I thought was fascinating and had to share. Read this here and indulge in some more fasinating reading about the PM strategies used by the Obama campaign and how the project was handled here .

The website, the interactive web 2.0 features, the full proof planning could be all, but nothing would have been possible if he didnt look like a winner. He was confident, smart, well spoken individual and a leader people could trust.
(Image- Google Images)

PMBOK 4th edition

If you are one of those who are planning for the exams by PMI, the 4 edition of the PMBOK is going to be out soon.
If you already have the 3 edition like me, theres a deadline to take the exam, unless you want to take the exam with the latest edition of the book.
PMP® Prior to 30 June 2009 PMBOK® Guide—Third Edition
PMP® After 30 June 2009 PMBOK® Guide—Fourth Edition
CAPM® Prior to 31 July 2009 PMBOK® Guide—Third Edition
CAPM® After 31 July 2009 PMBOK® Guide—Fourth Edition

To know more about the issue, you can click here .

Monday Blues

So, its almost nearing Monday and I decided to skip my association with the treadmill right now and talk about how I have been changing my morning schedule a bit these days , hopefully all for the good.

I switch on my computer in the morning most days, when I am expecting a feedback or email/s for the ongoing project while sipping on my coffee. This is how it helps me-

• I know my days work, before I step into the office and I plan it while on my way to work.
• I know the areas and issues I or the team has to work on and I can send emails when I know them or let me know as soon as I get into the office. Gives the assigned person more time and less excuses for not getting the job on time.
• My Project Manager (the one I work with and a great mentor) has all the answers to the questions when he walks in and I am ready (because I have already checked my email and have my day's plan done ahead).
• It doesn't take more than 15 minutes and I am more prepared and better informed than everybody else every single day.
• The new girl ( am not the newbie anymore), who I am mentoring should have the best possible example of work ethics and how things can be done. Even when you don't spell it out you are always watched. More so by the person under your wings. I think she deserves it, because I have learnt a lot from my mentors.

So, I have to sign off, but if you have your own plans of getting things done on Monday and every other day- do let me know. It will not only be a learning experience for me but for all the others who would like to improve every single day.

(Picture: Google images)

Resources

My current project has been one eye opening experience about managing resources.

Generally, everyone has the tendency to slack on work unless supervised. So, I decided to take on a different route to make sure that the work was being done on time and that Friday's shouldn't be a 8pm issue.

Here are the changes which actually worked-

• Provide with plenty of work which is feasible for the day.
• Make sure the designated works comes with the exact timeline.
• Let everyone know why we are working on strict deadlines (everyone gets to go home on time).
• Appreciate the hardwork of the team.
• Build more team style working than individual basis.
• Everyone is inspired when deadlines met.

Work should be done in a way that everybody sees how it can help them, their resumes, their learning, their growth. If they get it, work will be done much more easily.

Picture- Google Images

What does a PM actually do?

The last week was crazy, we had a deliverable for a project and days seemed much longer than usual. The deadline meant, more quality assurance, last minute check lists and keeping the team calmer.

I have found my strengths in the last few months and had some tough time with my weaknesses. To have any sucessful project , team handling is required. As easy it may sound, it was more than tough. A team has different kinds of people (read personality) which is great, but here's what I found-

Group A- Team players, who are more likely to like the people they work with and have affinity for their job. Easier for the PM to handle. They abide by the rules and have a clear vision, polite and professional in most cases- they are a PM's dream come true of a perfect team.

Group B- The loners, they like working on their own and having control. A nightmare to handle and if they have the added syndrome which says- if you are not a developer (or hard core technical), what do you do actually. You can loose some sleep over it, its hard trying to get the person understand, because he/she doesnt want to understand.

I personally think, its a common problem and just because I don't code and not in my 40's (or 30's) and I'm a woman doesnt mean I am stupid. I make mistakes, learn and grow with them and treat people with lot of respect and not merely resources who have a list of deliverables to follow. I think its basically hard for people to understand what a PM is about and why the person is in charge?

I had my share of bad days. When the Group B person likes the idea of the project being organized and easy to work and yet will not thank you for anything. Instead, it's the almighty mood that has the drivers seat. Very hard to work with. I had my days, when a 5 minute meeting ended up with me taking another 15 minutes pacing up and down; so that I could stay cool and not loose my temper. Who says being a PM is easy?

I have had people telling me; its wonderful that you want to become a PM because the pay's really good and its easy- after all its the team that does the work. Ok, so what am I getting paid for if I am not working? Most people are far behind in understanding what the PM really does and how it helps? May be I didnt understand a lot about it, till I wanted to be one and started working towards it.

It's (being a PM) more work that it shows. So, every PM should perhaps educate a few more about what the person does and why it's important? If you think it's easy, trying being one even if it's just for a day. How about that?

(Picture: Google images)

PMI Global Congress

The PMI Global Congress just got over and if you are curious on what happened at Denver- here's the insiders take on it. To read about the New Media Council of PMI, click here.

While you enjoy the video and the blog, I am going to leave it here for today.

The weather's perfect, so I am just going to curl up in my couch with some good reads, a cup of hot chocolate and listen to Kenny G- saxophone (my latest buy) for a good old Sunday.

(Picture: Google Images)

Ever Heard About Documentation?

Documentation may refer to the process of providing evidence ("to document something") or to the communicable material used to provide such documentation.

One of the first few basics that you need to learn. You don’t have to be Shakespeare or his sister for that matter to write the documents, however a good writing skill is necessary.

How do you document?
-Every document has a requirement (why you need to document?)
-Understand the requirement very well.
-Read the materials/files given carefully. Ask for help if you need directions and are doing it for the first time. I remember when I joined work; my first deliverable was a power point presentation of a client requirement. My mentor 1 (remember?) made sure I understood it and took the time graciously to chalk out the flow in pencil and paper. I delivered it by evening and was approved with a nod and a smile.
-Analyze and plan your document well before you start writing.
-Ask for samples if available to get a better idea (some companies have templates or you can research it over the web)
-Keep your thoughts calm and organized and just focus on your writing.
-Read through when you feel stuck.
-Everybody has their first day at work or documentation, so don’t panic you will get ample help.

What do you document?
- It could be about anything, here are a few possibilities:
-Requirements
-Meeting minutes
-Analysis documents
-Change request
-Version management
-Proposals
-Statement of work
-Software requirement specifications
-Closing document

You and documentation
Once you get the hang of it, it’s not that hard. It might get a bit boring, so invent yourself and the document. Find ways to make it interesting, so your readers don’t fall asleep as well while reading it. Use your creativity when allowed within your company policy.

I remember in school, we had a project about a hypothetical corporation and we had to write the entire business strategy and communication details in the project, it also included the employee manual and we were given enough freedom to use our creativity. So, I created the manual and along with other the last page of the binder had audio CD attached to it. The CD contained a few relaxation and meditation music and I mentioned in bold letters- “We at the XYZ Corporation want you to enjoy your work. So, here’s a CD, please enjoy the music and relax when everything else seems crazy. Thank you for working with us!” It got me an A, just because reading the manual was “very interesting”.

Documentation it is!

(Picture: Google Courtesy)

Guest Blogger at pmstudent

gThe other day I received an email from Josh Nankivel from pmstudent to become a guest blogger.

I love writing blogs, however to cope with 3-4 posting a week is not very easy. I try to be consistent. So, when Josh emailed me I wasn't really sure if I can pull off a few more for his blog. I was thrilled to get his invitation nevertheless! Who wouldnt.

Since he was so nice about it, I accepted it happily. He just made it sound so easy. So, I could write a new posting for him or simply post any article from my blog . Thats being super nice!

So, I posted my first article and you can read it here. Its an article from my blog, however I intend to post a new one every month along with an existing article on pmstudent.

So, till then happy blogging!

(Picture:Google Images)

Intellectual PM- call for papers

The third UT Dallas Project Management Symposium will be held onAugust 13-14, 2009 at the University of Texas at Dallas and they have asked for papers.

So, if you are the intellectually inclined one, here are the topics. If you are a to-be-PM, its always a great experience to tag along someone who will be writing the paper. The abstracts are required by February 6, 2009, so you have ample time to prepare.

Writing anyone?

(Picture: Google Images)