Category: Uncategorised

  • Program Management: Steering the Ship, Not Just Navigating the Waves

    In the complex world of IT, delivering successful solutions requires more than just managing individual projects. It demands a higher level of strategic oversight, a holistic approach that aligns multiple initiatives with overarching business goals. This is where program management comes into play.    While project management focuses on the tactical execution of specific tasks, program management takes…

  • Recognizing and Addressing Patterns in Troubled Projects

    Troubled projects are an unfortunate reality in any industry. While each project has its unique challenges, there are recurring patterns and common pitfalls that often lead to trouble. Recognizing these patterns early on is crucial for mitigating risks and steering projects back on track. Here are some common patterns to watch out for: 1. Unclear…

  • Minecraft for Managers: Serious Leadership Skills from a Virtual World

    While Winter Morgan’s “Trapped in the Overworld” and “Attack on Minecrafters Academy” are fictional adventures aimed at young Minecraft enthusiasts, they surprisingly offer valuable lessons that can be applied to leadership development. These seemingly simple stories provide a unique lens through which to explore essential leadership qualities in an engaging and accessible way. How Minecraft…

  • More Than Just Blocks: What Minecraft Teaches Us About Leadership (with a Book Review)

    Minecraft, the seemingly simple game of blocky landscapes and endless possibilities, has captivated millions worldwide. But beyond its entertainment value, Minecraft offers a surprisingly rich environment for developing essential leadership skills. It’s a world where players aren’t just passive consumers, but active creators, problem-solvers, and collaborators. This “sandbox” freedom fosters a unique learning experience with…

  • Walking into the War Zone: The Program Recovery Manager as a Peacemaker

    Imagine this: you step into a project that resembles a battlefield. The client and the project team are entrenched in their positions, each side armed with accusations and blame. It’s a war of words, with volleys of “he said, she said” flying back and forth. There’s a lot of noise and movement, but no real…

  • Beyond Skillsets: The X-Factors of High-Performing Teams

    While technical skills and experience are essential, they’re only part of the equation when building a high-performing team. To truly excel, teams need individuals who bring a unique blend of personality traits and cognitive abilities to the table. Here are four key indicators to assess when evaluating prospective team members: 1. Curiosity: 2. Insight: 3.…

  • Leading with a Voice: Mastering Communication Styles in Project Management

    The ability to communicate effectively is the cornerstone of successful project management. It’s more than just exchanging information; it’s about fostering understanding, building trust, and inspiring your team to achieve common goals. But what happens when your team members have different communication styles? How do you navigate the nuances of passive, aggressive, and assertive personalities,…

  • Beyond Persuasion: Storytelling for Impact

    Beyond Persuasion: Storytelling for Impact

    Here’s how I’d approach these three stories to truly connect with a client: 1. The Story of Self: This is about your own conviction, your “why”. It’s about sharing your personal journey and how it led you to believe in this vision for your client. Key elements: 2. The Story of Us: This is where…

  • Unleash Your Team’s Problem-Solving Superpowers

    We’ve all been there. A project hits a snag, a deadline looms, and suddenly, it feels like you’re facing a mountain. But what if I told you that within your team lies a hidden superpower, a force capable of conquering any challenge? As project managers, we’re not just organizers and planners; we’re also problem-solvers. And…

  • Leading with Trust: The Key to Unlocking Your Team’s Potential

    Have you ever felt like you were leading a team of talented individuals, but something was holding them back? Like a car with a powerful engine but a faulty gearbox, the potential is there, but it’s not translating into the speed and performance you know is possible. The missing ingredient? Trust. Think about your own…