Begin by thinking creatively about the problem
When you’re faced with a problem in day-to-day business life, what is your strategy for getting it resolved? All too often, business professionals make problems more difficult by jumping to conclusions and implementing “solutions” before the problem is fully understood. …
March 22, 2017 |
Knowledge
Assess the situation to see if negotiating makes sense
We negotiate all the time. Any time you want something that another person has, or that person wants something that you have, you’re in a potential negotiation. Should you negotiate? That depends. You’ll want to size up the situation and …
Build value with your customers by understanding their business concerns
What keeps your customer up at night? What is he or she most worried about? One of the best ways to build value with your customers is through a deep understanding of their business concerns. Too often, salespeople lead with …
February 15, 2017 |
Knowledge
These simple, effective techniques will improve your listening skills in no time
One of the most important skills in communication — and in business — is the ability to listen. Listening is critical because, after all, if you can’t listen, how can you respond in any meaningful way? Listening involves not just …
October 31, 2016 |
Knowledge
Tips for project managers
Many project management professionals lead stress-filled lives, work long hours on projects and still keep home and family together using their project management skills. Most workers respond to rising demands in their workplace by working longer hours, pushing themselves to …
Projects revolve around stakeholders
Projects stakeholders have an interest in the outcomes of your project. Some are more important to the life of the project, such as the sponsor, steering committee, or project team members. Others are no less important but are involved only …
April 14, 2016 |
Knowledge
Why risk management must be part of your project plan
As we said in Part 1, the first phase of managing a project is Project Initiation. Early in the project, you define the project’s product or end point in sufficient detail that you can both satisfy the customer’s view of …
March 4, 2016 |
Knowledge
Your job search is a project
(Part 3 in a series of 3 posts on how to project manage your job search. Read Part 1 and Part 2.) What’s On Your Plate? You have a new project to manage: a job search. Don’t get out the …
February 14, 2016 |
Knowledge
Focus on cost efficiency
Now that your project is well scoped (in part 1), and you can define success, it’s time to consider cost efficiency and the timing for major expenses. It’s important to remember that shaping quality at the beginning of a project …
January 24, 2016 |
Knowledge
Use Project Management to Deliver Quality
You’ve started a new project. Your objective is to successfully create and internationally launch a new high-quality product for your company. But, you’re stuck, because you are not sure you know how to ensure success across countries or how to …
January 20, 2016 |
Knowledge
How to begin your job search
(Part 2 in a series of 3 posts on how to project manage your job search. Read Part 1 here.) Once you have decided to treat your job search as a project, you have begun “Project Initiation.” The things you …
January 18, 2016 |
Knowledge
How to project manage a successful job change
Your job search is a project; how to use project management skills to help find a new job.