Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Why project management is important?
This link shows why project management methodology is important. It also leads to the complete methodology of Tasmanian State Government.
Good Lessons Learned from Apperentice 2 and 3
Good Lessons Learned from Apprentice 2 and Apperentice 3.
Project Tolerance
Ultimately, the tolerance level that determines whether a project is a success or failure. Each project should be given tolerance level for the variances on scope, time and budget. All plans are based on the best estimation. There is no perfect plan. Based on actual measurement or feedback from execution, the plans have to be changed to reflect the actual situation and what to be done next. However, changes should not be taken for granted. All measurements must have baselines. By comparing the baselines to the actuals we got the variances.
If there is no tolerance level set, we can not know what is acceptable or what is not. The tolerance level is how the project determined for effectiveness, efficiency and economical. The tolerance level on any of these is strongly influenced by how good is the stakeholder relationship. No mater how good is the product or work done, if the stakeholder relationship is bad, the tolerance level will not be high -- so, that means the project is already half way dying .... So, start from now, pay more attention to stakeholder relationship management!
If there is no tolerance level set, we can not know what is acceptable or what is not. The tolerance level is how the project determined for effectiveness, efficiency and economical. The tolerance level on any of these is strongly influenced by how good is the stakeholder relationship. No mater how good is the product or work done, if the stakeholder relationship is bad, the tolerance level will not be high -- so, that means the project is already half way dying .... So, start from now, pay more attention to stakeholder relationship management!
Book References Recommendation
Crucial Confrontations (Paperback)
ISBN: 0071446524
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High (Paperback)
ISBN: 0071401946
As most project managers know, communication is critical as part of their work. Dealing with people is always a dynamic challange considering everyone they need to deal with will have different attitude, mindset, perspective, expectation, characteristic, etc.
I haven't gotten these two books yet, but planning to get a copy of them soon. Based on the feedback and review comment from those who own them, these two books will definitely add to your PM Tool Box :-)
Project Management Practices
Core Concepts: Project Management in Practice (with CD) (Paperback)
by Samuel J., Jr. Mantel (Author), Jack R. Meredith (Author), Scott M. Shafer (Author), Margaret M. Sutton (Author) "Once upon a time there was a heroine project manager..." (more)
ISBN: 0071446524
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High (Paperback)
ISBN: 0071401946
As most project managers know, communication is critical as part of their work. Dealing with people is always a dynamic challange considering everyone they need to deal with will have different attitude, mindset, perspective, expectation, characteristic, etc.
I haven't gotten these two books yet, but planning to get a copy of them soon. Based on the feedback and review comment from those who own them, these two books will definitely add to your PM Tool Box :-)
Project Management Practices
Core Concepts: Project Management in Practice (with CD) (Paperback)
by Samuel J., Jr. Mantel (Author), Jack R. Meredith (Author), Scott M. Shafer (Author), Margaret M. Sutton (Author) "Once upon a time there was a heroine project manager..." (more)
Monday, January 23, 2006
Dealing with People You Can't Stand: How to Bring Out the Best in People at Their Worst
Another good book recommendation for you! It is about how to deal with the 10 types of most difficult people that can be in your office, home or anywhere ...
Although it may not address all the people that you may have difficult situation with, but at least, with this guide and practical advices, you can react differently, at least, be a more healthier victim :-)
Although it may not address all the people that you may have difficult situation with, but at least, with this guide and practical advices, you can react differently, at least, be a more healthier victim :-)
Don't react too fast!
I have personally seen and been involved in highly emotional, personal, stressful situation in communication in projects.
When there is verbal attact, usually the person who is receiving the attact will be fighting back by instinct ... and the instinct is always telling us to do something silly ...
To communicate properly under stressful verbal attact, we need to put the personal emotion aside. Look at the real substance of the things being talked about. Not the choices of words being used. For example, "It sound stupid to me that this thing is to be done in this way ..."
Usually, we will automatically respond to the word "stupid" with anger. No, we should look at the substance: " ... for this thing to be done this way ..."
We can ask, "yeah, this way seems not so good AND I am open for suggestion. Your input is very much valuable for helping me ..." If you say in this way, the other party will have to be involved.
If this guy says "no, you are the consultant, you should know the best ..." Then, you can say, "I have tried my best to obtain the point of view of most of the key stakeholders on my (best) solution ... and so far they have given favourable replies ..."
We need to focus on the fact and the reason to support what you say. It is not emotion that supports us. But the real reasons will back us up.
The objectives is to get what we want in "good terms". Don't react too fast! :)
When there is verbal attact, usually the person who is receiving the attact will be fighting back by instinct ... and the instinct is always telling us to do something silly ...
To communicate properly under stressful verbal attact, we need to put the personal emotion aside. Look at the real substance of the things being talked about. Not the choices of words being used. For example, "It sound stupid to me that this thing is to be done in this way ..."
Usually, we will automatically respond to the word "stupid" with anger. No, we should look at the substance: " ... for this thing to be done this way ..."
We can ask, "yeah, this way seems not so good AND I am open for suggestion. Your input is very much valuable for helping me ..." If you say in this way, the other party will have to be involved.
If this guy says "no, you are the consultant, you should know the best ..." Then, you can say, "I have tried my best to obtain the point of view of most of the key stakeholders on my (best) solution ... and so far they have given favourable replies ..."
We need to focus on the fact and the reason to support what you say. It is not emotion that supports us. But the real reasons will back us up.
The objectives is to get what we want in "good terms". Don't react too fast! :)
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Soft buttons ...
Everyone has "soft buttons". Including myself. I am aware of emotion effects when someone presses my soft buttons. I am "allergic" to some words... I will clench my fist ... my body will be shaking ... my voice will be raised ...
But, I always regret after I release my "anger" ... Now, I tell myself, "wait! Cool down!!""Dear Mr. A, I am sorry, could you please repeat your question? I can't understand what you mean ..." This will make the speaker to have a chance to "rephrase" the question or accusation, then you can have some time to take a deep breath and reevaluate what is the real problems, then only react to the right problem ....
Shit ... I hope I don't regret too often ...
But, I always regret after I release my "anger" ... Now, I tell myself, "wait! Cool down!!""Dear Mr. A, I am sorry, could you please repeat your question? I can't understand what you mean ..." This will make the speaker to have a chance to "rephrase" the question or accusation, then you can have some time to take a deep breath and reevaluate what is the real problems, then only react to the right problem ....
Shit ... I hope I don't regret too often ...
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