Projects Pivot

Hi Reader, These are lean times. Even with limited resources, such as reduced staff due to layoffs or other reasons, projects can still be managed effectively. Although it may require a different approach than usual, success is possible. Critical resource crunch I’ve participated in many projects where it’s been challenging to pull together the stakeholders. There was one project that stands out. In the beginning, we lost key stakeholders because of a conflict between the company and its...

Hi Reader, Last week, I wrote about how onboarding differs from implementation. Onboarding ensures seamless product integration, laying the foundation for long-term, positive client relationships. But what about onboarding our people? Where do they fit? When onboarding people goes wrong We've all been there: a new team member is set to join, and we've known about their arrival for weeks. We're happy for them to come on board because they possess the exact skillsets we need. Upon arrival, we...

Hi Reader, Why do products perform flawlessly internally yet have challenges when deployed to clients? It's all about the delivery. Recently, I spoke with a colleague who owns a tech company specializing in digital solutions. They mentioned that when they deploy one of their AI solutions to a large long-standing client for a single department, the process goes smoothly. However, when the client requests the same AI solution is implemented across multiple departments, the deployment quickly...

Hi Reader, I'm a fan of playing pinball. As a child growing up on a Northern Ontario island in Canada during the summer, there weren't many pinball machines around, and boredom often inspired creativity. On one rainy day, I decided to make my own pinball machine. I used an old box as the base, curled up wires for springs, cardboard pieces for the bumpers, and gumballs for the balls. To attach the springs to the toggles, I used partially chewed Bubblicious chewing gum. As the summer went on, I...

Hi Reader, Many project managers can face challenges as soon as they start a project. Projects in a coffee shop Recently, while stopping for coffee at Tim Hortons, or "Timmy’s" as we affectionately call it here in Canada, I overheard three individuals ahead of me in line discussing their work. Wearing hardhats and safety vests, it was obvious they worked in construction. One of them was carrying a couple rolls of architectural blueprints. They talked about their newest project manager's slow...