BradEgeland.com #PMP #ProjectManagement #AI #Agile #IoT #cyber #security #machinelearning #cloud #tech #mobile #tech #lead #PMBOK #scrum
  • Welcome
  • Contact
  • Expertise
  • Blog
  • Software / Service Reviews
  • This Week in PM
  • PM Video Series
  • Webinars / training / demos
  • Clients
  • Professional Services
  • PM Forum
  • Books
  • Awards/Recognition
  • White Papers
  • Templates & Downloads
  • Past Survey Results

Great Project Decision Making - Consider, Collaborate and Communicate

6/29/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
By Mark Engelberg
CEO, TimeLinx Software, Inc.
Project & Service Automation


Decision making is something every project manager faces daily throughout project engagement. It can be difficult and time-critical, especially more complex projects. There is never as much information available as would be ideal, and there is rarely an obvious best choice. You make do. For critical issues, the decisions you make and the response paths you choose may mean the difference between project success or failure. You have to think about impacts on timeline, budget, customer confidence, and project performance while also considering team skill sets and ability to respond correctly.

If you have any time at all to run through a bit of response planning and evaluation of alternatives, then it's good to have a decision-making process ready to use. For me, it's what I call the “three “C”s of great decision making: consider, collaborate and communicate.” Let's discuss...

Consider. What is the real problem or situation? Consider the information at hand. Gather as much information as possible about the problem or issue. Begin to think about the possible causes, assumptions, alternatives, technical workarounds, symptoms, and risks as you prepare for the next step. All these things are likely going through you head as you start to assemble the team to discuss. Write things down... document what you know so you can move on to discuss it with your team.

Collaborate. Next, collaborate with your team—even when you are solely responsible for the ultimate decision. Different perspectives always improve results. Utilizing the information you've gathered, solicit ideas on the variables, assumptions and risks and determine possible mitigation, work-around, or corrective responses. Would including other stakeholders in the decision-making process be helpful? Who else can contribute information, assistance and good decision-making skills in the timely manner that is necessary for the problem or issue scenario at hand? Which response is the best? You may need to make the decision now based on time or client availability or you may need to move on to the next step before making a final decision.

Communicate. Finally, communicate your findings. It is best to work with the customer to make the best project choice when time allows. It's their money and presenting them with a few expertly chosen options makes sure they feel in control. If your message is post-decision because of time constraints, then communicate the decision made, why that particular decision was chosen and how the issue resolution is responding so far.

Even though this process is described in three steps, that doesn't necessarily mean it happened over a few days or a week. It all may happen within hours or minutes, with all three “C’s” blending into a single event. Timing will be driven by circumstances, but your decision will benefit from including all three factors in every instance.

Summary / call for input

Good decision making in pressure situations often may come down to one person making the call because of time constraints. If you are the project manager, that's going to be you or possibly your business analyst in most cases. Do your best to consider, collaborate and communicate. Use all your resources helps you make the best decision possible for the project, team and ultimately the project client.

Readers – what are your thoughts? When you've had tough issues come up on projects... tech or otherwise... what are the steps you go through to fight through the haze and come up with the best decision or solution possible given the project situation and constraints? Please share and discuss.

0 Comments

How to Make it Your Habit to Finish What You Start

6/29/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
When you practice finishing EVERYTHING you start,  a couple things happen:

  1. This will become your habit.
  2. You will be far less stressed as you won't have so many things you must do hanging over your head.
  3. You will get super efficient.
  4. You will pursue much better opportunities. 
  5. You will become more confident in your ability to achieve your goals.
  6. You will get a reputation as the "get 'er done" Gal or Guy.
  7. You won't start as many things.

Prior to starting Cheetah Learning in 1999, founder and CEO Michelle LaBrosse was a Research Scientist in Aerospace Engineering.  Her colleagues referred to her as a "Completion Nut" for this habit she had of finishing what she started, and FAST. 

When the company disbanded her department, she was the only one they kept on staff because of this habit of finishing what I started, FAST.  

Michelle had this ingrained in her when she was very young by her father who used to say - "when you procrastinate you are robbing yourself of the value of that which you started."

In case you're wondering why she feels you need this encouragement.......  

She saw that you clicked on the Cheetah Certified Project Manager program - yet you still have not registered.   

You obviously are interested in this - but what is holding you back from going for it at Cheetah speed and creating the life of your dreams?   

Is it the cost?  If so, you do have the wherewithal to afford this. Improving takes stretching yourself. You, after all, are using a computer, have the intelligence to read this email and engage with your technology.  This program has a financial aid option for easy monthly payments that someone at your station in life can easily swing.

Yes, it is an investment, in yourself.  It's not in your budget?  But it's not like being over budget is a life-threatening illness. This investment gives you both an immediate and a lifetime ROI.  Whatever your hesitation, do it anyway.  Do it for your family, do it for your future self. 

Don't penalize yourself today for decisions you made yesterday that got you to this place where you feel like you can't afford something as important as this now.  

When you complete the Cheetah Certified Project Manager program in just 60 hours, you will say "WOW - why did I wait?"  

This is a common sentiment Cheetah hears.  And then we hear - "thank you for encouraging me to do this."

Is it the time?  If so, well when you complete the Cheetah Certified Project Manager program in just 60 hours, you are going to be in charge of time rather than the other way around.  This is actually one of the main reasons to become a Cheetah Certified Project Manager - to make the best use of your time. 

Is it the fit?  Maybe, you're not sure this is the "right" program for you.  First off, you were interested enough to click on the link for this article which brings you to this information about becoming a Cheetah Certified Project Manager. There is something inside of you that wants to do this.   

Lots of people make excuses for not taking action in the direction of their dreams.  You know what they are called  - "dreamers." 

Becoming a Cheetah Certified Project Manager moves you into the 1% camp of doers - those movers and shakers who can and are actually changing the world. 

You know this is where you want to head AND what you need to do to get there.   

You and Cheetah were brought together for some pretty amazing reasons and you are being called to do something bigger with your life.

Is it your self-confidence?  Again another GREAT reason to register for this program sooner rather than later.  When you become a Cheetah Certified Project Manager - you develop this deep inner knowing of your personal calling, an unshakeable confidence in what you are here to do, and best of all, the skills to pull it off.

Is it the risk?  Well, Michelle doesn't see the risk as you see it because she knows what is involved in becoming a Cheetah Certified Project Manager.  This is why they offer a comprehensive guarantee.  If after you complete this course and test out this new version of you for three months if you are not 100% satisfied with not just the program, but also your results, we completely refund your money. 

Do you need to think about it?  The reality is if you think about this for the next two days, two weeks, two months, or two years,  you will have the same decision to make.  They understand this as you likely make decisions in a rational, deliberate, and logical way.

As they hear from many of the  Cheetah Certified Project Managers, "this is the best decision I've ever made."  Time waits for no one - register for this now.

Believe me, whatever is your very valid reason for NOT registering for the Cheetah Certified Project Manager program, NOW,  it is far less important than you becoming the best version of you and making a bigger difference in the world.

The world NEEDS you becoming the best version of who you are, going for it and making the difference that is yours to do.

They know what the Cheetah Certified Project Manager program can do for you. This is why they so persistent with encouraging you to just DO IT.   

The Cheetah Certified Project Manager is a crucial step on your path to creating the impact that only you can create.  ​

Note: Using code BRADCCPM will make you 10% richer... or get you 10% off the price of the training and certification - the lesser of the two I think.

0 Comments

Project Help is on the Way - Read These Offerings on Project Times and BA Times

6/28/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Are you stuck on a project with a failing budget, a conflict ridden team, a non-participant project client, lessons learned with no hope to learn them - or possibly some other issue or issues?  Are you a business analyst or project manager in need of some great insight or just some "misery loves company" type reading? 

If you are - I have what you need... and the list goes on and on.  Please check out these latest offerings of mine on BATimes.com and ProjectTimes.com... your source for the best project management content available (except for my blog).  Read these and there are many more like these that can help you through project related issues.  And contact me directly if you need some assistance... it's what I do!

Thursday, 07 June 2018 07:14
5 More Tough Questions Business Analysts Face On Tech Projects
Wednesday, 16 May 2018 07:22
5 Steps To High Customer Approval Ratings
Wednesday, 18 April 2018 06:57
4 Tactics Business Analysts Can Employ To Keep The Project On Track
Tuesday, 03 April 2018 06:53
Two Business Analysts Are Not Necessarily Better Than One
Thursday, 08 February 2018 06:52
Key Variables To Remember When Planning Projects
Tuesday, 19 December 2017 08:21
Why Wait For Project Kickoff - Let's Go!
Wednesday, 06 June 2018 13:50
Do These Pants Make My Project Look Fat
Wednesday, 09 May 2018 07:50
7 Big Tech Project Advances We Should See In Our Lifetime
Wednesday, 02 May 2018 07:24
The Best Damn Project Management Software
Wednesday, 25 April 2018 07:32
Doing What You Have To Do For Project Success – It's Not Textbook
Monday, 09 April 2018 09:25
Making The Most Of Bad Requirements On A Project
Monday, 19 March 2018 07:34
3 Options For Dealing With The Frequent Facebook-Er On The Project Team
Monday, 05 March 2018 08:54
5 Steps To Replacing The Project Manager On A Failing Project
Tuesday, 13 February 2018 07:29
When The Successful Project Is Ending
Monday, 05 February 2018 07:18
3D Project Management- The Near Future Of Real Project Management
Tuesday, 23 January 2018 07:25
Ai Is Saving Lives - Surely It Can Save A Project
​

As always you can also check out my blog, PM videos or software and service reviews for more help.

0 Comments

Become a Cheetah Certified Project Manager

6/27/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
CCPM. CCPM? A what?!? A CCPM - a Cheetah Certified Project Manager. Is that a real thing? Yes, and it is awesome. Cheetah Learning - a 17 year leaders worldwide in project management education, training and certification - is offering their own certification in addition to PMI's Project Management Professional (PMP) training and certification.  And the training is life changing. In fact, train your entire group and create a PM infrastructure of excellence and excellent people.

Course Overview

Is it possible that there could be a different “right” path for you?

Activate your Innate Genius and better leverage your Innate Strengths to find the right path for you where you:
  • Can learn faster and achieve your goals quicker.
  • Pick better projects and finish them faster.
  • Negotiate in ways that are best for your natural skills.
  • Better leverage the Innate Strengths of other as well
  • Create the career opportunities that best leverage your natural strengths
You can complete this 60 hour online program in as quick as ten days, but they give you three months.
​

Become a Cheetah Certified Project Manager

Program Details

Credits: 60 Cheetah Spots/PDUs – The Cheetah Certified Project Manager courses online are designed for you to integrate the skills you learn into your day to day life by doing five to ten hours of skill based activities per week.  You can finish this program in as quick as six weeks, however they recognize that you may be juggling a career and family so they give you up to twelve weeks from the date you register to complete all the activities. If you want to register but wait a few weeks to start, just let them know as soon as you register.

Note: If you choose to investigate this further with Cheetah and even proceed with the training and certification, be sure to use "BRADCCPM" for 10% off.  WIn-win!

Bonus - Download this excellent and FREE Fast Track Guide to becoming the best project manager and leader you can be...

Picture
0 Comments

100 Project Management, Cybersecurity and SEO Reviews Featured

6/26/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Over the past couple of years I have done both individual reviews and overviews of over 100 of the top and emerging Project Management, Cybersecurity and SEO related software tools and services as well as group features of usually 4-7 vendor offerings in a similar genre. These features often have screenshots, elaborate product descriptions with embedded links for demos and free trials and have been widely applauded and utilized by organizations and individuals looking to make the right choice for their project management, cybersecurity and SEO needs.

Some of my most recent group features are:

5 Project Management Tools and Services to Check Out in June 2018

6 SEO Tools Social Media Marketers Must Try

Four Top Project Management Tools and Services to Check Out in May 2018

14 Project Management Tools You May Not Know About


12 Project Management Related Tools to Consider for 2016

Project Management Related Tools And Services To Consider For 2016 And Beyond
​

5 Cybersecurity Tools and Services to Consider for 2016 and Beyond

All 100 group and individual reviews and overviews are listed here:

​Project Management, Cybersecurity and SEO Tools and Services

Please contact me through my online site form or email me if you have any questions or have a favorite software tool or service that you would like to have reviewed or featured. I will fit your request in ASAP... thanks!

Picture
0 Comments

4 Tactics Business Analysts Can Employ to Keep the Project on Track

6/26/2018

0 Comments

 
Who or what makes the big difference as to success or failure on a tech project? Is it the project manager?

Is it the business analyst? The tech lead? The customer? The budget? The timeline? Luck? The skill set of the project team? 3rd party vendors? Unknowns? Issues? Risks? Requirements? Good or bad communication?...
Picture
Read the full article...
0 Comments

Finish Projects 5x Faster - Here's How

6/22/2018

0 Comments

 
Keep reading... this isn't sales, this isn't my company... this is great people and great training making you even greater.  Read on...

The Gold Standard In Project Management Education

Cheetah Learning was the first company to offer Accelerated PMP Exam Prep over 17 years ago. They have a consistent 98% pass rate and 95% of their business is referrals from their large and very successful alumni base. Cheetah Learning students and the companies they serve become the top performers in their industries. We offer PMP, PMI-ACP, CAPM, and CCPM prep courses as well as continuing education classes in a variety of project management, negotiations, and accelerated learning topics.

Is it possible that there could be a different “right” path for you?

Activate your Innate Genius and better leverage your Innate Strengths to find the right path for you where you:

1. Can learn faster and achieve your goals quicker.
2. Pick better projects and finish them faster.
3. Negotiate in ways that are best for your natural skills.
4. Better leverage the Innate Strengths of other as well
5. Create the career opportunities that best leverage your natural strengths

You can complete this 60 hour online program in as quick as ten days, but Cheetah Learning gives you three months

Become a Cheetah Certified Project Manager
​

Don't forget to use code "BRADCCPM" for a 10% discount.
Picture
0 Comments

Project Negotiations - Exciting or Scary?

6/21/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
When you hear the word "Negotiations" - does it excite you or concern you?   

You're serious about being a successful Project Manager, so let  Cheetah Learning help you to upgrade your PM Skills.   Start negotiating!

This mind map that shows all the ways people who do projects negotiate on a day to day basis. The better you can negotiate in the way that works best for you, the more effective you are as a project manager.



​As part of the Cheetah Certified Project Manager program,  you will make significant upgrades to your negotiation skills based on your unique strengths.  It's a crucial part of finishing your projects cheetah fast.

Take your career to the next level.  You will create significantly better results faster, with far less effort when you upgrade your skills to the "Cheetah Way" by becoming a Cheetah Certified Project Manager.

Register today and get the two course texts at no cost.  At the registration, where it says purchase order - just put in Two Free Books.

Note: Group rates and payment plans are available so get the whole PM staff involved.  And use discount code "BRADCCPM" for an extra 10% off.

Picture
0 Comments

5 Ways for Handling Over-Privileged Network Accounts and Their Risks

6/18/2018

0 Comments

 
Network accounts that are over-privileged can create huge problems for organizations and network administrators, including unnecessary risks and vulnerabilities to network security.  From entitlement creep to non-human accounts, learn more about how to deal with this issue and mitigate the risks... 
Register for the webcast...
0 Comments

If Your Project Skills were like Software, What Version Upgrade are You Releasing?

6/18/2018

0 Comments

 
by Michelle LaBrosse, CCPM, CAL, CPD, PMP, RYD

What version upgrade are you releasing related to how you do projects? How long until the upgrade is fully uploaded to your operating system?
If your project skills were like software, what version upgrade are you releasing? When?
​
Yes, I say upgrade – because even if you’re already on version Project Skills 5.0, there are still ways you could create new experiences with how you do projects...
Picture
More...
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Search this entire blog:

    Authors:

    Picture

    Brad Egeland


    Brad Egeland has over 25 years of professional IT experience as a developer, manager, project manager, consultant and author.  He has written more than 6,000 expert online articles, eBooks, white papers and video articles for clients worldwide.  If you want Brad to write for your site, contact him.

    RSS Feed

    Picture
    Use code BRADCCPM for 10% off training
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    March 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010
    November 2009

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly