Tag: Project Management

  • Unmasking the Hidden Dynamics: Decoding the Political Landscape of Project Recovery

    Okay, imagine you’re called in to rescue a project that’s gone off the rails. You might be tempted to dive straight into the technical weeds, dissecting code, scrutinising schedules, and hunting for bugs. But hold on! Before you get lost in the technical maze, there’s a crucial layer you need to uncover: the political landscape…

  • Empowering Action: Decentralizing Decision-Making in Project Recovery

    Imagine you’re leading a team of firefighters battling a raging inferno. In that critical situation, every second counts. You wouldn’t want your firefighters to stop and radio in for permission every time they need to adjust their strategy, would you? That delay could be disastrous. Similarly, in a Program Recovery, speed and agility are crucial.…

  • 90-day onboarding plan

    90-day onboarding plan

    I created a 90-day onboarding plan to set my new ICT project manager up for success, and here’s why you should too. Bringing a new project manager onto your ICT team is an investment. You want them to hit the ground running, integrate seamlessly, and quickly become a valuable contributor. That’s where a well-structured 90-day…

  • The Collaborative Approach: A Case Study in Agile Adaptability

    (A scenario for a project management training session) The Challenge: A major Australian insurance company, “AusInsure,” is implementing a new claims processing system using an agile methodology. However, the project is facing challenges: The Solution: Recognizing these issues, AusInsure brings in a new project leader, Emily, who advocates for a more collaborative and pragmatic approach…

  • Confronting the Crystal Ball: The Art of Accurate Estimation in Project Recovery

    Okay, imagine you’re a Program Recovery Manager stepping into a project that’s gone off the rails. The client is breathing down your neck, the team is demoralized, and the deadline is a distant memory. Your mission: to develop a recovery plan, complete with realistic dates, and convince everyone that you can actually pull it off.…

  • Unpacking the Russian Doll: Managing Sub-Tasks in Project Recovery

    Alright, imagine you’re facing a massive task, like “Fix the Website” or “Upgrade the System.” It seems overwhelming, right? Like one giant, monolithic block of work. But here’s the secret: these big tasks are often like Russian dolls, containing smaller, more manageable tasks nested inside. Think of it this way: “Fix the Website” might involve…

  • Personal and strong story telling

    Let’s say I need to fire up a room full of C-suite execs at a mining company about the importance of embracing innovation. Here’s how I’d deliver that message, inspired by the “Inch by Inch” speech: (Stands confidently centre stage, scans the room, making eye contact with individuals) “Alright, listen up! We’re in a fight.…

  • Unlocking Clarity: A Guide to Effective Leadership Communication

    Tired of leaving your team members lost in a fog of ambiguity? Transform your leadership with these clear communication strategies. Imagine this: You’ve just stepped out of a meeting with your boss, Sarah. She’s enthusiastically outlined a new project, but you’re left with more questions than answers. What exactly needs to be done? Who’s responsible?…

  • Winning by Inches: The Power of Miniature Milestones in Project Recovery

    Imagine you’re coaching a football team that’s losing badly. Would you wait until half-time to make adjustments, or would you call a time-out and make changes on the fly? In project recovery, waiting for major milestones to course-correct can be disastrous. That’s where the magic of “miniature milestones” comes in. Think of miniature milestones as…

  • Don’t Forget Your Keys! The Undervalued Power of Admin in Project Recovery

    Okay, imagine this: you’re a seasoned Program Recovery Manager, parachuting into a troubled project. You’re ready to roll up your sleeves, rally the troops, and steer the project back on course. But there’s a catch: you can’t get into the building because your security pass hasn’t been issued. You have no desk, no phone, no…