Control or Results? How to Manage the Paradox and Achieve Greater Project Results

One critical choice project managers face is between control and results.  Managers say they want results but actions speak even louder to say they want control.  Do onerous controls inhibit achieving the very results they were intended to produce?  Is control an illusion?   Is it possible for managers to pursue both control and results—up to the point where the two actually conflict?

Managers want control AND results, but therein lays a paradox:  (more…)

How Good Are Virtual Team Relationships?

In my many years working virtually, I’ve come to realize that business relationships with virtual colleagues can be every bit as strong as those with colleagues in a traditional office setting. I’ve had many people tell me that face-to-face is the only way to build teamwork. Until fairly recently, however, I had no concrete examples to prove these people wrong.  (more…)

Dealing with Change

Image by Łukasz Strachanowski via FlickrOur theme of this week was “living life smarter”. We started with defining SMART goals and reflecting on where we are now. Then we looked at setting priorities so we use our limited time and finances wisely. Focusing on the highest priority items that give us the most value for our time and money will move us from where we are now to where we want to be. (more…)

Setting priorities

Image by hockadilly via Flickr

We discussed how to set SMART goals and define where we are today. Now we can focus on how we get from where we are now to where we want to be. I don’t know about you, but I have way more interests than time available to pursue them. My biggest passion is scuba diving, however, I would also like to learn Aikido, learn how to sail, go climbing, ride my motor cycle, study Spanish and psychology, and on, and on. That made me think, like our projects our lives are also bound by the triple constraint: time, budget, and scope. (more…)