Miscellaneous

By Daisie Hobson • May 20th, 2013

In keeping with the topic of back to the basics, lets talk about Communication.  In my previous post I mentioned implementing weekly status meetings at my research center.  I bet as you read that you cringed a little.  No one likes more meetings…especially me!  In my case though it wasn’t “more” meetings…they didn’t have ANY! [...]

Managing Projects Overseas – Part III – Simplify the Process We just spoke of global perspective of managing projects overseas, followed with how PMs can minimize culture gaps in these situations. We now conclude with a value-based sequel relating to simplifying the process as we successfully manage our project (s) overseas. Meeting Your Timeline Objective: [...]

Managing Overseas Projects – Part II – Minimizing the “Culture” Gaps The “Culture” gaps is not something that one would face when they work projects overseas. We can and are facing culture gaps here in our own nation. So what is this culture gap we refer to all the time? Are we referring to the [...]

Managing Overseas Projects – Part I – A Global Perspective All of us have had a fair share of success in managing projects either in our own cities and/or across our country. While some of us on a few occasions have had the fortune of also engaging in projects that are overseas (the meaning of [...]

Don’t just do something, stop and think!” Probably haven’t heard that one recently, have we? I do an exercise with PM students – both experienced and just starting – the topic is about project problems and I give them a set of instructions.  When asked, “Are you ready to start?” there is a resounding, “YES!” [...]

Is Project Management a creative process? Full disclosure: I believe it is. I’ve had some colleagues vigorously take the opposing view.  Those holding this view came from many fields and disciplines – including a few working as project managers. At first, I didn’t think too much about it.  I understood that what I did as [...]

Over the last year, I’ve learned a lot about communicating with the human voice. How did I do this? By hosting an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio. Prior to the Internet radio experience, I was asleep at the vocal chord wheel, so to speak.  I used my voice each day, took it for granted, and didn’t [...]

The best advice I’ve received about dealing with criticism was delivered by my mother. I was about twelve-years-old and my feelings were hurt. After listening to my story of woe, she said three words that caught my attention, spun me around, and changed my life. Her words were: “Consider the source.” Since then, this simple phrase, [...]

I’ve never had a problem accepting a compliment, so it came as a surprise to discover that many people find this basic interpersonal skill challenging and uncomfortable. After a bit of reflection, I decided that cultural orientation aside, accepting compliments is second nature to me. Why? Because I don’t try to figure out the reason [...]

Great customer service isn’t rocket science.  Customer service isn’t a department.  It is a simple philosophy that should be practiced by everyone in an organization, regardless of their position and/or title, and it can be broken down into four basic parts.  While volumes of books have been written about great service, these four points could [...]

In 1986 Jan Carlzon, the former president of Scandinavian Airlines wrote a book, Moments of Truth.  In his book, Carlzon defines the moment of truth in business as this: “Anytime a customer comes into contact with any aspect of a business, however remote, is an opportunity to form an impression.” From this simple concept, Jan [...]

Some people feel that customers are the lifeblood of our businesses.  They even say that the customer may be the most important part of a business.  There are some of us that would argue that their employees are the lifeblood of their business.  For the record, I could argue for both sides.  After all, you [...]

It’s impossible not to judge. Telling someone else “not to judge” — shows you have made the judgment that they are judging. Most opinions, descriptions, decisions, views, rulings, and critiques are judgments.

I know this sounds strange, but I used a diet tip that I read from Micheal Thurmond’s “6 Day Body Makeover” – to accomplish career critical tasks.

I received the below great question a few days after my Art of War for Product Managers and High-Performing Professionals.  I thought you might be interested in the answer as well. Q: Many senior employees work under my lead. In this case, many other senior employees think that what a lucky me. Jealousy is coming [...]

If you know how to drive, you already understand project management. You may still not want to be a project manager, but at least you understand better their function and value. In fact, project management and defensive driving have much in common.

Most everyone is familiar with Pro and Con lists to help make a decision. Often times the Pro and Con List does very little to clarify the decision – because – well – the reason you are creating the Pro/Con list is because it was a ‘close call’ to begin with. We don’t go to the trouble of making a Pro and Con list on ‘no-brainers’. Often times the pro and cons are pretty equal – making the decision still difficult. Our mistake is that we stop at this point. We don’t take the next step to reduce the impact of the “Cons”.

Dealing the Hand – Should we always be closing? By Dr. Shree Nanguneri on March 22nd, 2013 “Is it true that we should always be closing?” Should we be so focused on current project execution and revenue or should we leave it to someone else as their deliverable? Yes and No, as I recall the [...]

Delivering Your 4th Dimension – Value Based Reporting By Dr. Shree Nanguneri on March 20th, 2013 “Guys, our reports are due this Friday to our client!” This rings a loud bell in our ears as project managers. While you compile those reports, you might find some that are excessively detailed; others that are not written [...]

Delighting Your Customers! By Dr. Shree Nanguneri Ever thought about a time when a salesman, provider or a vendor asked you if you were delighted with their product and/or services?  Probably, much less often than you wished.  By the same token, do you recall your customer or manager complaining about a Defective product or a [...]

I am the oldest of three, by two minutes.  My twin brother, my sister and I could not be more different.  My brother is a Blues musician; he lives in New Orleans and travels the world playing the harmonica with The Little Freddie King Band.  My younger sister started her career as a stand-up comic, [...]