February 25, 2020 |
Insights |
Helen S. Cooke
understanding value is one of the most important parts of the job
One key aspect of project management is assessing the value of a project—but unfortunately, value assessment doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. As project managers, we all know it to be true: the definition of project success belongs in …
automation and what it can mean for workers
Discussions of how artificial intelligence will impact the workforce often focus on the potential for mass unemployment, the increases in productivity, and the ways in which dull, menial tasks can be shirked off to computers. We consider less often the …
How to optimize success for your projects and business
A few months ago, my wife and I were on a sunrise game drive in South Africa. None of the animals seemed to be awake yet, and all was quiet. I sat on the edge of the vehicle, my camera …
6 questions would-be solopreneurs must ask themselves
Recent business trends have made it possible to start independent work more easily, and with more possibilities, than ever before. There is strong support in the business world for hiring expertise on an as-needed basis, and as a result, the …
The future of work is about integrating technology—not being replaced by it
These days, there are many dire predictions about artificial intelligence replacing human workers. News specials and magazine articles speculate that no occupation is immune, or claim that whole fields of work, such as teaching or project management, might be replaced …
Since the dawn of time, mankind has used myths to make sense of the uncertainty that surrounds us. More recently, in the world of business and projects, risk management has performed the same role. Unfortunately, myths have also grown up …
November 28, 2018 |
Insights |
Helen S. Cooke
be ready to welcome change and continuously innovate
Change has always been a part of our society and economy, but during the past several decades, the rate of change accelerated and continues to accelerate. Looking back on the past forty years alone, the changes were seismic. Companies that …
opportunities are important and need to be captured where possible
Current risk management standards and guidelines use broad definitions of “risk” that encompass both threat and opportunity, but many people still find it difficult to understand why “opportunity” is included in the definition. And without understanding the reasons, there is …
September 12, 2018 |
Insights |
Helen S. Cooke
End products are important, but so is your team’s health and happiness
Business projects are seldom discussed from the point of view of the “happiness” of their team members. Projects are recognized for getting things done, and projects are resourced for overall effectiveness. Sponsors, customers, and society at large look for valued …
the key to repeated success is an openness to learn from mistakes
Serial entrepreneurs repeatedly begin new companies and are willing to take on the risk of new ventures. They are often thought of as successful, but just because they have a history of startups, does that really improve their chance of …
6 surprising similarities between project management and art
Sometimes people assume a project manager is simply an administrator who tracks the progress of a project team’s work against an established schedule. But that’s the role of a schedule administrator, not a project manager. Project management is actually, in …
specialization paired with brand identity will help you compete
If you had just a few minutes to convince a potential customer that you’re the perfect person for their freelance opportunity, what would you say? Which skills make you unique? Do you know your own value, and can you express …