The communication challenges described in this question’s scenario are reflective of challenges within the culture of the company, or lack thereof.  A good HR business partner will be a solid remedy to provide influence external to the project.  Therefore, the…   Read more»

For all the clichés regarding how important it is to plan, perhaps the most famous being: “Measure twice and cut once”, I cannot recall the cliché that says be ready for the surprise.  Actually, it may be Murphy’s Law.  Hence…   Read more»

Upon graduating from college, my first professional job was working in a project-based organization.  I had one main boss, and a second leader who wanted to be both my boss and everyone else’s.  In hindsight, the two of them served…   Read more»

Competency is completely different from personality.  Competency can be taught.  Personality is innate.  In fact, approximately 15 years ago I sold personality assessment tools as a part of a larger solution.  Hence I’m not surprised to hear many organizations still…   Read more»

Typically, the overlap between the product and project lifecycle is the development phase of the product.  Within the development phase of the product, which is generally followed by the introduction, growth, maturity, and decline phases, you can have the full…   Read more»

Thanks wms7 for this explanation.  I’m new to the project management of a medical device.  The office of combination products seems makes so much sense.  As proper assignment seems to be hardest question to answer for a combination device.  I’m…   Read more»

For a new PM, my advice is to plan around other stakeholder’s ideas when feasible – especially when they are the customer.  Specifically, go beyond a conversation and request stakeholders to write-up their expectations.  PM’s should include stakeholders ideas in…   Read more»

The impact of an organization type on efficiency of a project is highly dictated by organization culture and size.  We are all familiar with the phrase: “we’ll it’s always been that way,” and generally this is the case because of…   Read more»

I believe that consistency is the most important soft skill that a project manager needs.  Consistency is so important because it stretches a variety of domains.  From the day-to-day work product employees must deliver to the necessity of management to…   Read more»

I am a 6’4” Athletically built African American man, and as such, I must constantly evaluate my emotional intelligence during project management engagements.  Job #1 is often ensuring “others” are comfortable by my presence – for all those reasons citizens…   Read more»

Let us be clear, management at your company is not hiring more employees because it 1.) will increase cost, and 2.) negatively impact their bonuses.  Management bonuses are the reason that your team is being over-worked.  It is the reason…   Read more»