Agile Leadership
As with everything in life, there is never a one-size fits-all solution. When it comes time to apply the ‘right” leadership style, simply remember this – there are advantages and disadvantages to each of the three styles previously introduced: Transactional, …
Is That Really Necessary?
It’s difficult to feel excited about change if we can’t see the point of it. Change that appears to be happening simply for change’s sake does not motivate. And if we want people to engage in a change program, we …
Creative or Uncreative?
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 …
Can You Color?
Today, it’s all about doing things differently and doing different things. Did you know Google runs 50 to 200 search experiments at any given time? Innovation and creativity is the lifeblood of growth – organizations who think differently and act …
It’s Tradition
The Pilgrims held their second Thanksgiving celebration in 1623 to mark the end of a long drought that had threatened the year’s harvest and prompted Governor Bradford to call for a religious fast. George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation …
Be Pilgrim-like
The Pilgrims, who set sail from Plymouth, England on a ship called the Mayflower on September 6, 1620, were bound for the resourceful ‘New World’. Aboard were passengers comprising of the ‘separatists’, who called themselves the “Saints”, and the others, …
Be Thankful
In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. The celebratory feast acknowledged the power of collaboration and partnerships between the Abenaki …
How to Fish, Part 3
I had the great fortune of growing up in a small coastal town located in New England. In the summer, we would fish on the ocean, in the spring and fall we would head to the pond. In winter, we …
The Fish That Got Away
The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope. ~John Buchan Probably the biggest challenge associated with launching and maintaining a successful PMO is having the …
Be Heard
According to Marshall Goldsmith, leadership expert and best-selling author, “80 percent of our success in learning from other people is based upon how well we listen”. We know it’s the “right” thing to do, yet we are continually challenged to …
Public Consumption
Earlier today I headed to the airport to catch a flight. While navigating the Southeast Expressway to reach Boston’s Logan International Airport, I narrowly averted a car accident when the car traveling in the high-speed lane came within millimeters of …
The Myth About Project Managers
Let’s get out of the dark ages and admit what we know. Project manager is a misnomer. We don’t manage projects, we drive change. Set aside the process and tactics associated with projects and you will easily separate those who …
Pay it Forward
I recently had the opportunity to speak to an audience of PMO leaders. The event is designed to support PMO leaders through the exchange of best practices and expert advice. Interestingly, the majority of attendees this year were quite novice …
Walk Left, Stand Right
I recently landed at Boston’s Logan Airport in the wee hours of the morning. I collected my luggage and boarded the escalator to reach my car. A business man hopped on the escalator behind me and sighed in a loud, …