Beyond Code- Reviewed

Small minds discuss people, average minds discuss events and great minds discuss ideas 

Discussing ideas is what Rajesh Setty has done so stylishly in his much coveted book BEYOND CODE. His e-book is 145 pages (has blank pages inserted) and before you think it would take too long to read, let me remind you- its one of the fascinating books we all look for. Once you start reading it, chances are you will finish it the very day. 

The review is my own understanding of the book and points that I would like to remember. Please note that this review is not in any way a replacement for the original book reading experience. 

Your ROI (return of investment) will be much higher than you expected. You have the book free (link given below), so all you invest is your time. The book is perfect if you are looking forward to imbibe some valuable changes into  your personal or professional life. The language is simple and straightforward with points and anecdotes and experiences shared from the authors own life.

 Three things to know when you start reading the book-

• Believe- Trust the author and the fact that you would like to bring in some change.
• Participate – You have “accountability forms” running throughout the book!
• Personalize the read- Take the lesson and use it your way.

In the various chapters, the author discusses various points of what the readers can do to bring about the changes. Given below are some random points taken from the book which I think were quite thought provoking-

• What can you (as an individual) bring that special You in the table?
• Know what you are doing and where you want to go (Be different)
• Path to success cannot be followed, create your own path- innovate
• Have clarity in what you communicate - understand others perspective
• Read well chosen matter- Setty talks about reading 1 book/week.
• Use accelerated learning techniques- music increases the effectiveness of learning and yes I have personally tried it in more than several occasions and it works.
• Use mindmapping as an effective tool
• Love and enjoy your work
• Go beyond the call of duty- take extra responsibility and people will take note.
• Have a great attitude- a sure one, it always get noticed.
• Find a mentor- no matter at what level you are this helps. I have written about it in more than several occasions. Never hesitate to make a connection.
• Let go the HULK complex- don’t hesitate taking help from others, if they are willing to. Trying to solve all issues by yourself doesn’t help. To know amore about the complex try answering the questionnaire in p.78.
• Make others feel good about themselves- so true
• Be genuinely interested in other people
• Be optimistic
• Keep an open mind- listen to other ideas and people even if you don’t agree to it.
• Prep yourself up for your next role- if you want to be team leader, try volunteering for some of the work and know what it is to be one.
• Be ready for your leadership moment 

Here’s what I consider the Take Home from the book:

• Create your own brand
• Maintain a relationship journal
• Your career is all about delivering the right ROI to your employer and yourself.
• Share the book with someone- you can download the e-book right here.

 (Picture:Google Images)

Project Management Presentations

Look no further. All you need is a simple idea and rest is history. 

It's not a big deal anymore since sharing has become over-simplified over the net. I have been eyeing the Slideshare feature for a while now (it's one of the new application added in Linkedin as well) and uploaded my first slide today.  

I have always been a huge fan of new technology and Slideshare seems very exciting. Here is how you can use Slideshare for your PM needs:

• Create power point presentation ahead of time and upload it in Slideshare
• While uploading your presentation you have the option to check/uncheck if you want the PPT to be downloadable.
• Having well thought out PPT  and access to it can be amazing for your team
• You can keep them all in one place and use it as required. 
• Of course you can browse through the presentation of others and add it to your favorites, great way to get in touch with new people and get some fresh idea.

You can view my presentation about Communication Skills necessary for aspiring Project Managers by simply clicking on the slideshare link. 

(Picture: http://www.slideshare.net)

Project Management Tool- twitter

When I first started my Twitter account, little did I know about it's advantages.

Frankly, two days later I thought I couldn't use it properly and perhaps was missing some information.

Thats when I found this article at Guy Kawasaki's blog. Its absolutely mind blowing and a must read for everyone who has a twitter account.

I am sure it's a great marketing tool if you are keen on building your brand or market your product (website or services). However, it can be turned into a great Project Management tool as well. Tweet with some PM experts and you can get solutions to your problems and even have some light moments communicating with your team. If your team's not techsavy, who else should be ?

Of course it also allows your team to be on the edge on emerging technologies and will encourage them to share new tools and technologies with all. Share the work list and team meetings in the twitter way and it could turn into a great tool for team building and sharing information.

Here's a tip if you are a new Twitter user- Install Google Desktop and then get the Twitter gadget from the site. You can update your tweets by this gadget alone and you dont need to login to the site everytime.

(Picture:Twitter.com)

Happy Thanksgiving

This week has primarily been about making my site more interactive and of course some postings.

I want to know more about the people who visit my blog and I decided to have some fun. The "meebo" IM application is my new addition along with the Twitter and the monthly poll. What do you think? Like it? I agree you can't see me online always but you can leave me a message at least. It's instant, so you dont have to take time to write a comment or even email me! How about that? When I login later, I get all my offline messages.

I have been a Meebo fan for a really long time and their idea of an organization is really cool. I love their concept- the fun, innovation and their work ethics, you can read up their blog right here.

Read the article for some serious tips for aspiring PM's this Thanksgiving .

Wishing all the blog readers a Very Happy Thanksgiving!

Twitter

I created my Twitter account a few days back and I like it!

So, I added it to my blog. You can open your own Twitter  account by clicking here.  Its fun and a great way to be in touch. 

I know my Book Reviews due and I will post it soon. I have just turned into a crazy reader these days, simply chasing one book after the other.

Blogs- Source of knowledge and more

If you have noticed, my list of blogs have increased over the days. I try to keep my blog as objective as possible. While I do have my personal favorites, I try to provide you readers (and me) with as much as information as possible by listing the blogs related to the field and which of course I think provides the information we can all learn from.

I have added a new list of blogs named "Powerful Reads" which I often read. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I do.

(Picture: Google Images)

Projects and code

I have another interesting read at hand and if you like to read- this just might interest you . Its a free download of the book "Beyond Code" from Rajesh Setty's blog.

I haven't finished reading it yet but promise to write a review once am done with it.

So, bookwormy....
(Picture: Google Images)

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 .