Shows
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 469 | Four Simple Shifts To Unleash Your Team (and Avoid Your Mount Stupid Moment), with author Phil WilsonSummary In this episode, Andy talks with leadership coach Phil Wilson, author of The Leader-Shift Playbook: 4 Simple Changes to Score Big and Unleash Your Team's Potential. Phil shares his own “Mount Stupid” moment, when he realized the biggest obstacle to his team’s success was actually himself, and how that wake-up call led to powerful changes in his leadership approach. The conversation dives into the four core shifts from his book, covering topics like the power of belief (in yourself and others), and how seemingly small habits shape team culture. Phil and Andy explore how frontline leaders can cr...2025-07-1044 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 462 | From Playing It Safe to Speaking Up, with author Dr. Margie WarrellSummary In this episode, Andy welcomes Dr. Margie Warrell, bestselling author and global leadership expert, to talk about her latest book, The Courage Gap: 5 Steps to Braver Action. Drawing from her deeply personal experiences and decades of coaching and research, Margie shares how courage isn't about eliminating fear—it's about regulating it and acting anyway. Margie and Andy explore the hidden ways fear shapes our decisions at work and at home, how overachievers can unknowingly be held back by fear, and why rescripting the stories we tell ourselves is essential to growth. You'll learn about the “courage musc...2025-06-0254 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 460 | AI, Data, and Decision-Making: What Every Project Manager Needs to Know, with Dr. Joe SutherlandSummary In this episode, Andy talks with Dr. Joe Sutherland, co-author of the new book Analytics the Right Way: A Business Leader's Guide to Putting Data to Productive Use. Joe is a leader in AI policy and practice, serving as the founding director of the Emory Center for AI Learning and lead principal investigator for the U.S. AI Safety Institute Consortium. Andy and Joe explore what it really takes to make better decisions in a world drowning in data and exploding with AI hype. They discuss the myths of data collection, how randomized controlled trials and...2025-05-1747 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 455 | The #1 Mistake That Holds Leaders Back (And How to Fix It), with Janet PolachSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Janet Polach, author of The Strategic Leader's Mindset: Unlocking the Keys to Success They discuss the struggles that come with the journey of transitioning from tactical to strategic roles. Janet shares insights from her book on how to develop a strategic mindset, work through people, and stay authentic. The conversation covers key challenges in leadership, such as delegation, decision-making under ambiguity, and the importance of authentic communication. Janet highlights the benefits of structured thinking time and the potential pitfalls of empowerment. The episode provides practical advice for new and experienced leaders...2025-04-1636 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 454 | How AI is Changing Leadership (And What You Must Do Now), with Dr. Christie SmithSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Dr. Christie Smith, a visionary leader and author, about her new book Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts Are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership. They discuss the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence and automation on various industries and how leaders can prepare for these changes. Christie shares insights on the unique challenges of modern leadership, as well as the importance of human-powered approaches. She emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptability, especially in a world increasingly reliant on technology. The conversation also touches on the concept of the Power...2025-04-1145 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 453 | How to Actually Look Forward to Mondays, with Corinna FreitagSummary In this episode, Andy welcomes Corinna Freitag, a coach and project practitioner, to discuss the importance of interpersonal skills in project management. They explore how to navigate workplace conflicts, the significance of understanding others, and the role of Lean Six Sigma in project management. Corinna shares her experiences and insights on coaching STEM professionals, particularly those who may struggle with communication and conflict resolution. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence and adaptability in leadership roles. Andy and Corinna delve into the significance of breathing techniques for mental well-being, the importance of understanding cultural differences...2025-04-0539 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 452 | How to Build Bridges Across Divides at Work and Beyond, with Juliana TafurSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Juliana Tafur, the inaugural director of the Bridging Differences Program at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. The conversation explores practical strategies for bridging divides in a polarized world, both in personal and professional contexts. Juliana shares insights from her experiences growing up in a divided Colombia, her work in the U.S. post-9/11, and research on bridging differences. The episode also covers the psychological roots of 'othering' and offers practical advice for fostering connections despite differences. Additionally, resources like the seven-day Campaign for Connection Challenge and the Bridging Differences Pl...2025-04-0341 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 451 | Why We’re Still Bad at Listening (And How to Get Better), with Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Robert Biswas-DienerSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Robert Biswas-Diener, authors of the book Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection. The discussion explores the concept of radical listening, distinguishing it from active listening and emphasizing the importance of creating genuine connections through intent, curiosity, and acknowledgment. Christian and Robert share personal anecdotes and practical applications of their listening framework, both in professional settings and personal relationships. They also address the impact of cultural differences on listening practices and provide tips for parents to improve communication with their children. The conversation culminates in an insightful look at...2025-03-1854 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 450 | Why Most Leaders Fail—And How to Avoid Their Mistakes, with Mark MillerSummary In this episode, Andy talks with Mark Miller about his book Uncommon Greatness: Five Fundamentals to Transform Your Leadership. They discuss the importance of having leaders who believe in and invest in their teams, contrasting common leaders with those who strive for uncommon greatness. The conversation explores Mark’s journey from a vocational track student to a senior leader at Chick-fil-A, highlighting lessons from his childhood and career. Key topics include seeing the future, engaging and developing others, the power of community in teams, and the importance of lifelong learning. If you're looking to le...2025-03-1042 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 449 | Beyond Scope, Time, and Cost: Rethinking Project Success, with Dave GarrettSummary In this conversation, Andy interviews Dave Garrett, a senior advisor to the CEO at Project Management Institute (PMI). They discuss the evolving definitions of project success, emphasizing the need to go beyond traditional metrics of scope, time, and cost to include value and customer-centric outcomes. Dave shares insights from his extensive experience and PMI's research, introducing the Net Project Success Score (NPSS) and strategies to enhance project success. Topics include the importance of managing perceptions, owning project success beyond metrics, relentlessly reassessing project parameters, and expanding perspectives. The conversation also explores the impact of AI on...2025-03-0341 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 448 | Drifting Toward Burnout? How to Thrive When Demands Pile Up, with Marie-Helene PelletierSummary In this conversation, Andy and Marie-Helene Pelletier explore the concept of resilience, particularly in the context of workplace challenges and personal well-being. They discuss the importance of understanding resilience as a state that can fluctuate rather than a fixed personality trait. Marie shares insights from her book, The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health. She emphasizes the need for strategic planning to enhance resilience and manage burnout. The discussion also covers cognitive patterns that can hinder resilience, the balance of life's demands and supplies, and practical steps to create...2025-02-2237 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 447 | How to Speak So People Actually Listen, with Michael Chad HoeppnerSummary In this conversation, Andy talks with Michael Chad Hoeppner to discuss his new book Don't Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life. The book is packed with practical drills and insights to improve communication skills. Andy and Michael explore common misconceptions about public speaking, the importance of delivery over content, and practical exercises to enhance communication skills to help you become more confident and effective communicators at work and home. Michael emphasizes that everyone is a public speaker in their daily lives and that good communication is fundamentally about being...2025-02-1353 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 446 | Why Some Leaders Inspire--and Others Drain the Life Out of Their Teams, with Adam GalinskySummary In this conversation, Andy talks with Adam Galinsky about his new book Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others. Adam discusses the elements that make a leader truly inspiring, debunking the myth that inspirational qualities are innate rather than developed. The conversation covers Adam's Inspiring Trifecta (being visionary, an exemplar, and a mentor) along with the leader amplification effect. Additionally, they explore actionable strategies from Adam's research, including the importance of perspective-taking, the impact of the leader amplification commitment, and techniques for improving self-awareness and daily practices for sustained inspiration. Looking for practical advice...2025-01-3046 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 445 | Unlocking the Power of Productive Failure, with Manu KapurSummary In this conversation, Andy interviews Manu Kapur about his book Productive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning Through the Science of Failing. They explore the concept of learning through failure and how it can be intentionally designed to enhance understanding and retention. They discuss the importance of context in learning and the science behind memory. Manu and Andy discuss practical strategies for effective learning, particularly in relation to project management and certification exams. Manu introduces the notion of productive failure and its significance in the learning process. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with challenges, understanding the four A's of...2025-01-2340 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 444 | Negotiating Secrets for Project Managers, with Rick CzaplewskiSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Rick Czaplewski, who discusses the intersection of project management and negotiation. They explore the importance of negotiation skills for project managers, the significance of building strong relationships with stakeholders, and strategies for dealing with difficult stakeholders. Rick shares personal experiences, including lessons learned from being a cancer survivor, and emphasizes the importance of taking action when delivering bad news. The conversation concludes with advice on teaching negotiation skills to the next generation. Want to improve your ability to negotiate more confidently? This episode is for you! Sound...2025-01-1831 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 443 | Finding Mentors and Hidden Leadership Lessons, with Scott MillsonSummary In this conversation, Andy welcomes Scott Millson, author of Frequency of Excellence: Tuning in to Everyday Lessons of Life and Leadership. Scott and Andy discuss the importance of lifelong learning and mentorship, the difference between excellence and perfection, and practical strategies for overcoming challenges, such as public speaking anxiety. Scott shares his personal leadership lessons, including the notion of inattentional blindness and the power of a growth mindset. He emphasizes the value of recognizing learning opportunities in daily life and how mentors can shape our professional and personal growth. Sound Bites "At any...2025-01-0441 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 442 | The Coaching Shortcut That Transforms Teams, with Dominic Ashley-TimmsSummary In this episode, Andy discusses the challenges and benefits of being a project manager or team leader with guest Dominic Ashley-Timms, co-author of the book The Answer is a Question: The Missing Superpower that Changes Everything and Will Transform Your Impact as a Manager and Leader. Dominic introduces the STAR model, a framework designed to enhance management effectiveness through operational coaching, and explains the concept of Frankenstein managers. They also delve into the importance of triggers, anchors, and asking better questions to foster growth and problem-solving within teams. The discussion highlights practical applications of the STAR model and...2024-12-3137 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 440 | Imposter Syndrome: Moving Beyond Self-Doubt, with Kelli ThompsonSummary In this discussion, Andy welcomes leadership coach and author Kelli Thompson to discuss her book Closing the Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential, and Your Paycheck. The conversation explores topics such as the imposter syndrome, the importance of taking action despite self-doubt, and differentiating confidence from arrogance. Kelli shares practical strategies for building confidence by aligning decisions with personal values and eliminating elements that cause resentment. The discussion delves into the concept of 'expensive thoughts' and ways to transform them into freeing actions, with a focus on overcoming procrastination and self-doubt. If you'd like some...2024-10-2543 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 439 | The Win-Win of Volunteering: How Giving Back Benefits Your Career, with Yasmina Khelifi and Mayte Mata SiveraSummary In this episode, Andy talks with Yasmina Khelifi and Mayte Mata Sivera, co-authors of The Volunteering Journey to Project Leadership.. Ever feel like you don't have time to volunteer? Yasmina and Mayte share compelling reasons why giving back ends up being a win-win for you and those you are serving. Through personal anecdotes, Yasmina and Mayte illustrate how volunteering can open doors and provide meaningful experiences, such as transitioning from managers to leaders and collaborating on impactful projects like their book. They also offer practical advice on starting small in volunteering, choosing opportunities that bring joy...2024-10-1736 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 438 | Think Like a Customer: Delivering Value Through OKRs, with Jeff GothelfSummary In this episode, Andy talks with Jeff Gothelf about the importance of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) as a customer-centric goal-setting framework. Based on insights from Jeff's book Who Does What By How Much?: A Practical Guide to Customer-Centric OKRs, they explore the challenges leaders face in ensuring their teams work on the right priorities, the misconceptions surrounding OKRs, and the significance of measuring outcomes and value. Jeff emphasizes the need for organizations to focus on customer needs and behavior changes rather than just task completion. The discussion also covers how to implement OKRs effectively, starting small, and t...2024-10-0732 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 437 | Future-Prepping Your Career in the Age of AI, with Dr. Nada SandersSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Dr. Nada Sanders, co-author of The Humachine: AI, Human Virtues, and the Super Intelligent Enterprise. They delve into the current state and future of human-technology integration, discussing key concepts from the book, such as Kasparov's Law and Moravec's Paradox. Andy and Dr. Sanders explore practical implications for leaders, project managers, and parents in preparing for a future where AI and human skills are intertwined. The conversation touches on the importance of maintaining human skills, creativity, and adaptability in the age of AI. If you want to stay relevant and prepared for...2024-10-0143 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 436 | Breaking the PMO Failure Cycle: Strategies to Thrive, with Laura BarnardSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Laura Barnard about her book, The Impact Engine: Accelerating Strategy Delivery for PMO and Transformation Leaders. They discuss Laura's journey in setting up PMOs, the common mistakes and resistance faced, and the importance of change management and mindset in driving success. Laura introduces the Impact Engine system, a framework she developed to help organizations deliver sustainable value. The conversation also covers how project managers can become strategy navigators and effectively communicate with stakeholders. It's a fun, practical discussion that will help improve your ability to lead teams and deliver...2024-09-1850 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 435 | The Power of Gracious Assertiveness, with Yasmin DaviddsSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Dr. Yasmin Davidds about her book Graciously Assertive: How Becoming a Better Human Makes You a Better Leader. They discuss the importance of assertiveness in leadership, particularly in multicultural environments, and the need for leaders to benefit from diverse perspectives and promote a sense of belonging. Dr. Davidds shares insights on what she calls gracious assertiveness, including her personal journey and the pillars of gracious assertive leadership. She also addresses common themes in diversity and inclusion, the concept of holding space, and the impact of these ideas on both professional and personal relationships.2024-09-1042 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 434 | The Surprising Benefits of Bad English in Leadership, with Valerie FridlandSummary In this episode, Andy welcomes sociolinguist Valerie Fridland to discuss her new book Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English. They explore the significance of language use in leadership, including the use of filler words, intensifiers, and vocal fry. She challenges the notion that filler words should be eliminated, highlighting their cognitive and communicative benefits. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the complexities of language and its role in effective communication. It's a fun discussion about language that will have you laughing, for sure, but also leaving the conversation with insights...2024-09-0557 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 433 | The Power of Curiosity and Learning with Michelle LaBrosseSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Michelle Labrosse, the founder and Chief Cheetah of Cheetah Learning. They discuss Michelle's career journey, the importance of learning and focus, and her approach to accelerated learning. Michelle shares insights on removing hurdles in learning, dealing with information overload and distractions, and achieving mastery. She emphasizes the importance of thorough project assessment and planning, as well as the need for continuous learning and curiosity. Throughout the discussion, she shares personal anecdotes and practical tips for effective project management. Sound Bites "I was thrown from the car. So I...2024-08-3051 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 432 | Why Projects Fail: Ross Garland on Avoiding Common PitfallsSummary In this episode, Andy talks with one of the gurus of governance, Ross Garland, co-author of the Project, Program, and Portfolio Governance Guide. They discuss the importance of governance in project management and how it differs from technical aspects like scope and risk management. Ross explains Cobb's paradox and why projects still fail despite knowing how to prevent their failure. They also delve into the principles of governance, such as treating change differently from business as usual and ensuring a single point of accountability for each project or program. The guide provides practical tools and templates for implementing...2024-08-2938 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 431 | Leadership Secrets: From Self-Doubt to Confidence, with Dr. Sam AdeyemiSummary In this episode, Andy talks with Dr. Sam Adeyemi, an influential leader and author of Dear Leader: Your Flagship Guide to Successful Leadership. They discuss the impact of personal backstories on leadership, the importance of principles and values, dealing with self-doubt, and managing multi-generational teams. Dr. Sam shares insights from his personal journey, providing practical advice on leading with empathy, authenticity, and intentional personal branding. This is a great opportunity to be exposed to a globally influential voice on leadership who will inspire you to go from self-doubt to confidence. Sound Bites "Leadership is first...2024-08-2339 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 430 | How to Talk With a Stakeholder (or That Relative) You Don't Agree With--Without Starting a Fight, with Steven T. CollisSummary In this episode, Andy talks with Steven T. Collis, a law professor and author of Habits of a Peacemaker: 10 Habits to Change Our Potentially Toxic Conversations into Healthy Dialogues.' They discuss the increasing polarization in society, and challenges in having healthy dialogues at work and in personal life. Steven introduces ten habits from his book aimed at transforming potentially toxic conversations into healthy dialogues. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of intellectual humility, seeking real learning, assuming the best about others, and practical strategies for engaging in productive discourse. Steven also shares personal...2024-08-1643 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 429 | Signs That Your PMO is Going to Fail: Insights from World PMO Influencer Bill DowSummary In this episode, Andy talks with Bill Dow, the Director of Enterprise PMO at University of Washington Medicine and author of multiple project management books. Bill shares his extensive journey in project management, from starting as a data entry clerk in 1989 to leading PMOs in various organizations. The discussion covers the evolution of project management offices (PMOs), key lessons in leadership, and the significant impact of AI on project management. Bill emphasizes the importance of executive support for PMOs' success and explores future trends like increased automation and the integration of AI into project...2024-08-0841 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 428 | How a Navy SEAL Commander Can Help You Unlock Optimal Team Performance, with Rich DivineySummary In this episode, Andy talks with Rich Diviney, a retired Navy SEAL commander, about his book, The Attributes: 25 Drivers of Optimal Performance. Rich shares his insights on the difference between attributes and skills, the concept of optimal performance, and how understanding these attributes can help build high-performing teams. They also talk about the importance of dynamic subordination, the relevance of attributes in hiring processes, and how parents can help their children develop these essential traits. The conversation highlights the need to look beyond resumes and skills when evaluating team members and the value of understanding and...2024-08-0243 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 427 | Why Attachment Theory is a Game-Changer for Leading Teams and Projects, with Dr. Judy HoSummary In this episode, Andy speaks with Dr. Judy Ho, a clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, about her new book, The New Rules of Attachment: How to Heal Your Relationships, Reparent Your Inner Child, and Secure Your Life Vision . Seriously? Attachment theory? Reparenting your inner child? What does this have to do with leading teams and projects? You'll find out in this episode! Andy and Judy delve into the importance of attachment in leadership and how understanding attachment styles can impact leadership and team dynamics. Dr. Ho discusses the different attachment styles: avoidant, anxious...2024-07-2636 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 426 | Sal Khan on AI’s Role in Education and Project ManagementSummary In this episode, Andy talks with Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, about his new book 2024-07-2328 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 425 | Achieving Low-Stress Success in Project Management, with author James LouttitSummary In this conversation, Andy interviews James Louttit about his book Leading Impactful Teams: Achieving Low-Stress Success in Project Management. They discuss the challenges of leading projects and teams and what it means to be an impactful project manager. James introduces the SAVE meeting facilitation technique and discusses prioritizing value and effort and the importance of transparency, prioritization, and humanity in project management. You'll also learn how Baloo the Bear from the Jungle Book movie was a project management philosopher! If you are responsible for leading teams and projects, this is the perfect episode for you!...2024-07-1839 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 424 | Project Management Trends You Can't Ignore, with Karla EidemSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Karla Eidem, the Managing Director of North America region at Project Management Institute (PMI). The discussion focuses on the latest trends and developments in project management. They explore the evolution of project managers from executing technical aspects to becoming strategic partners in organizations. They also discuss the shift towards hybrid and agile approaches in project management and the impact of different work arrangements on team collaboration and project performance. Finally, they also touch on the role of AI in project management and the resources offered by PMI to support project professionals. ...2024-07-1235 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 423 | The Hidden Cost of Bad Team Habits and How to Fix Them, with author Charlie GilkeySummary In this episode, Andy talks with Charlie Gilkey, author of Team Habits: How Small Actions Lead to Extraordinary Results. They discuss how small, often overlooked habits shape team culture and performance. The conversation explores practical approaches for enhancing team dynamics, instilling a sense of belonging, improving decision-making, and addressing everyday 'broken printers' in both professional and familial settings. Charlie shares personal insights from his military upbringing and passion for team-based success, emphasizing that effective change and leadership start at the local team level. This is a practical and engaging discussion that will help you lead your...2024-07-0956 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 422 | Project Manager Productivity Hacks, with Nigel CreaserSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Nigel Creaser, an active project professional and author of the book Project Manager Productivity Hacks. Nigel shares insights from his career and discusses strategies for managing interruptions and improving productivity. They also touch on the use of mobile devices and AI tools in project management. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for project managers to go beyond technical skills and prioritize the human aspect of their work. Sound Bites "Productivity isn't about winning. It's not like a sport... It's more like yoga and that you can...2024-07-0557 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 421 | A Leader's Guide to More and Better Sleep, with sleep specialist Dr. Bijoy JohnSummary In this episode, Andy dives deep into the world of sleep with Dr. Bijoy John, author of Nobody's Sleeping: Seven Proven Sleep Strategies for Better Health. Dr. John shares his personal journey with sleep issues, discusses the widespread impact of poor sleep on health and performance, and offers practical advice for improving sleep quality. Do you have trouble getting to sleep? Or wake up in the night have trouble getting back to sleep? From the importance of naps to the dangers of screen time before bed, this episode covers a wide range of sleep-related topics relevant...2024-07-0237 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 420 | Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager, with FranklinCovey's Kory KogonSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Kory Kogon, FranklinCovey’s Vice President of Content Development, about her updated book, Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager. They discuss the prevalence of unofficial project managers in various industries, especially post-pandemic, and the unique challenges they face. Kory shares insights on foundational behaviors, clarifying expectations, stakeholder management, and risk management. The conversation also delves into the significance of accountability and performance discussions, particularly for those leading without formal authority. If you lead projects, regardless of your title, this discussion is for you! Sound Bites "We often fi...2024-06-2853 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 419 | How to Fix Your Boss (and Your Team), with Molly McGrathSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Molly McGrath, author of the book Fix My Boss: A Simple Plan to Cultivate Respect, Risk Courageous Conversations, and Increase The Bottom Line. They discuss practical ways to improve the relationship between bosses and employees, including having courageous conversations, setting clear expectations, and implementing accountability measures. Molly emphasizes the importance of focus management and prioritization to combat the feeling of being busy. She also shares insights on empowering women in the workplace and applying project management principles to family life. Overall, the conversation provides actionable strategies for both managers and employees...2024-06-2539 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 418 | How to Be Unoffendable, and Other Leadership Lessons About Excellence, with Randy FoxSummary In this episode, Andy Kaufman interviews his friend Randy Fox about his book The Call to Excellence: Influential Leadership for Impactful Results. Randy shares the backstory of his signature story, the Silver Platter Service, and how it can apply to leadership. They discuss the pursuit of excellence and the difference between being perfect and pursuing our highest and best. They also talk about the importance of being unoffendable and open to feedback, as well as the basics of leadership, such as kindness, communication, and consistency. Randy emphasizes the need for intentional self-improvement and even how these principles apply...2024-06-1839 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 417 | Secrets to Building Your Character (and the Character of Your Team), with Mary Crossan and Bill FurlongSummary In this episode, Andy talks with Dr. Mary Crossan and Bill Furlong to discuss their book, The Character Compass. They explore the concept of character and its importance in leadership. Mary and Bill debunk myths and misconceptions about character and highlight the interconnected nature of its dimensions. The framework they introduce consists of 11 dimensions of character, including integrity, courage, humility, and temperance. They emphasize the importance of developing these dimensions to enhance leadership effectiveness and well-being. The conversation also touches on the role of character in decision-making and the need for character development in organizations. The...2024-06-1356 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 415 | AI Tools in Project Management: Myths vs. Reality, with Keto SoftwareSummary In this episode, Andy is joined by Veijo Hytti and Timothy Bull from Keto Software. They explore the impact of AI on project management and the integration of AI into enterprise software. The discussion addresses the hype and misconceptions surrounding AI, as well as the practical applications and benefits of AI in project management. The discussion also delves into the capabilities of Keto Software and the ways in which AI is seamlessly integrates into their strategic portfolio management software. The conversation explores the challenges, benefits, and ethical considerations of AI integration, as well as the impact of AI...2024-06-0548 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 416 | Timeless Lessons About Why People Follow You as a Leader, with Jim KouzesSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Jim Kouzes about the Seventh Edition of the classic book The Leadership Challenge (7th Edition): How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations. They discuss the fundamentals of leadership, the impact of the global pandemic on leadership, leading across generations, and more. Jim shares practical insights and emphasizes the importance of deliberate practice in leadership development. It's an insightful conversation about timeless leadership principles with one of the most respected voices in the leadership field over the decades. Sound Bites "Leadership is a relationship and listening is fundamental to building a positive r...2024-05-3145 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 414 | The 12 Biggest Presentation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them, with Terri SjodinSummary In this episode, Andy is joined by Terri Sjodin, author of Presentation Ready. They discuss strategies to improve presentation outcomes and avoid common mistakes. Terri shares her research, based on a multi-year study, identifying the 12 most common presentation errors. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, understanding the audience, and developing persuasive communication skills. Practical insights include the use of Monroe's Motivated Sequence and the effective phrase 'what this means to you.' The episode also covers tips to handle nerves and the role of dressing for success in both virtual and in-person presentations. Additionally, the conversation...2024-05-2241 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 413 | Meeting Goblins and How to Deal With Them, with Rich Maltzman and Jim StewartSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Rich Maltzman and Jim Stewart about their book Great Meetings Build Great Teams: A Guide for Project Leaders and Agilists. They discuss the common reasons why people dislike meetings, such as lack of purpose and poor facilitation. They introduce the concept of 'meeting goblins,' which are negative personalities that emerge during meetings, and provide strategies for dealing with them. The conversation also covers the challenges and best practices of virtual meetings, as well as the benefits and potential pitfalls of agile ceremonies like daily standups. The conversation focuses...2024-05-1155 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 412 | What A Hostage Negotiator Can Teach You About Influencing Stakeholders, with Scotland Yard detective Scott WalkerSummary In this episode, Andy talks with Scott Walker who spent 16 years as a Scotland Yard detective. Scott and Andy delve into lessons on emotional intelligence and negotiation skills gleaned from Scott's new book Order out of Chaos: Win Every Negotiation, Thrive in Adversity, and Become a World-Class Communicator. Key takeaways include seeking to understand before being understood, managing emotional states, and using empathy to build trust. Walker also discusses the importance of buying time and, interestingly, feeding egos in negotiations. It's an engaging discussion with one of the world's most experienced kidnap-for-ransom negotiators. Sound Bites "...2024-05-0343 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 411 | Google’s Top Productivity Expert on Boosting Your Productivity and Well-Being, with Laura Mae MartinSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Laura Mae Martin, Google's productivity expert and author of the book Uptime: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing. They discuss the concept of productivity and how it is often misunderstood. Laura shares her perspective on productivity, emphasizing the importance of intention and execution. She introduces the five C's of productivity and explains the concept of the list funnel. They also discuss the challenges of procrastination and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say no. Throughout the conversation, Laura provides practical tips and strategies for improving personal productivity. Sound...2024-04-1939 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 410 | How to Grow Excellence In Yourself and Those You Lead, with Ryan HawkSummary In this episode, Andy Kaufman interviews Ryan Hawk, host of the Learning Leader podcast and author of the book The Score That Matters: Growing Excellence in Yourself and Those You Lead. They discuss the importance of valuing excellence and pursuing personal growth, as well as the dangers of comparing oneself to others and keeping score based on external metrics. They also explore the role of self-awareness and fear in leadership, and the importance of surrounding oneself with people who provide honest feedback. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to lead themselves first and develop transformational relationships....2024-04-1348 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 409 | Beyond Blaming and Cutting Corners: The Leader's Guide to Managing Risk, with author K. Scott GriffithSummary In this episode, Andy talks with K. Scott Griffith about his new book, The Leader's Guide to Managing Risk. The book explores the importance of building resilience and reliability in projects, teams, and life. The conversation delves into the social and technical aspects of producing results, the need for human-resilient systems, and the impact of at-risk choices and cutting corners. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing risks, as well as creating a culture of safety and employee engagement. In this conversation, Scott discusses the importance of managing risks in projects and organizations. H...2024-03-2853 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 407 | How to Get Your Message Read, Understood, and Acted Upon, with author Ben GuttmannSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Ben Guttmann about his book, Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win and How to Design Them. They discuss how to design and deliver messages that not only capture attention but also evoke meaningful responses. They delve into concepts like simplicity, fluency, and minimal messaging. Ben demonstrates how linguistic complexity can impact a message's success. Additionally, he shares practical examples, shedding light on how to make your communication more effective, regardless of your role in a project. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of clear and effective communication in all aspects of life and...2024-03-0537 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 406 | How to Successfully Lead Teams and Deliver Projects: Career Lessons from Tara MillerSummary In this episode, Andy interviews Tara Miller, a successful project manager and the founder of Artemis, a management consulting business. Tara shares her journey into project management and highlights the misconceptions about the role. She also discusses important lessons she has learned about leading people and delivering projects. Tara emphasizes the significance of building strong team dynamics and fostering individual connections. She provides practical management practices for leading and delivering projects, such as getting to know team members individually, creating team dynamics, and establishing a shared purpose. She also reflects on her personal journey to success...2024-02-2445 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 405 | How to Deliver Better Results, with Gil BrozaSummary In this episode, Andy Kaufman interviews Gil Broza about his new book, Deliver Better Results: How to Unlock Your Organization's Potential. They discuss the importance of systems thinking in value delivery and the six aspects of system fitness. Gil shares practical strategies for improving value delivery and emphasizes the significance of mindset over tactics. He also provides examples of successful transformations and offers resources available on the book's website. Takeaways Value delivery should be viewed as a system, not a collection of practices. Systems thinking helps identify the cause and effect relationships within a value delivery system...2024-02-1746 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 404 | How Project Managers Can Move Fast and FIX Things, with Anne MorrissSummary In this episode, Andy interviews author Anne Morris about key concepts from her book Move Fast and Fix Things: The Trusted Leader's Guide to Solving Hard Problems. She emphasizes the importance of building trust and moving fast in change initiatives. Morris introduces the FIX Map, which illustrates the relationship between trust and speed. She also explores the significance of inclusion and the power of storytelling in driving successful change. Additionally, Morris addresses common misconceptions about speed and shares insights on applying Agile principles to change management. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:25 Start of Interview 02:44 Discussion on...2024-02-0143 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 403 | The Project Manager's Path to Freelancing Success, with Kayla McGuireSummary In this episode, Andy Kaufman interviews Kayla McGuire, a seasoned project manager and coach who runs a boot camp to help people learn and prepare for becoming a freelancer. They discuss Kayla's journey to project management and freelancing, lessons in leading projects, practical tips for running projects, reasons for pursuing freelancing, common mistakes in freelancing, and the importance of mentors. Kayla also shares insights on using LinkedIn effectively and the value of continual learning and personal development. The episode concludes with information about Kayla's freelancer boot camp. Takeaways Consider the possibility of freelancing or becoming an entrepreneur...2024-01-2033 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 402 | Surprising Insights About the Growth Mindset that Project Managers Need to Know, with Eduardo BriceñoSummary In this in-depth discussion, Andy is joined by Eduardo Briceño, author of The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset Into Action, to delve into the concepts of a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset. The conversation covers how these mindsets are not as binary or mutually exclusive as we may think, but rather can be found within us at different times and in different contexts. The theme of maintaining a balance between having a growth mindset, which holds the belief in the potential for change and improvement, and knowing when to lean into a fixed mindset, i...2024-01-1241 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 401 | Customer Service Secrets Every Project Manager Must Know, with Micah SolomonSummary In this conversation, Andy Kaufman interviews Micah Solomon, author of the book Can Your Customer Service Do This? Create an Anticipatory Customer Experience that Builds Loyalty Forever. They discuss the importance of customer service and how it applies to project managers and leaders, not just people in hospitality or retail. They explore examples of good and bad customer service experiences, debunk myths about customer service, and provide strategies for improving customer service. They also discuss the concept of gold touch customer service and how it can be applied to internal customer service. The conversation concludes with insights on...2024-01-0636 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 400 | Celebrating Episode 400 with Adam GrantSummary In this episode, Andy Kaufman celebrates the 400th episode of the People in Projects Podcast with special guest Adam Grant. They discuss Adam's new book, Hidden Potential, and the importance of assessing and unlocking potential in individuals. The conversation covers various topics, including keeping projects on track, the truth about hiring based on experience, a lesson Adam learned about feedback that he's a terrible writer, and overcoming criticism. Adam reflects on the past and future, including what he misses (and doesn't miss) about being Adam Grant in 2010 (when Andy and Adam first talked). Takeaways Assessing a...2023-12-3022 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 386 | AI Insights From A CEO (Andy Tryba) And A Friend (John Chmela)Introducing Andy Tryba and John Chmela When you think of artificial intelligence and tools like ChatGPT, what comes to mind? Do you find it intriguing for how it can help us as people who are focused on leading teams and projects? Or maybe you think it’s overly hyped—entertaining for writing haikus and silly stories but not even close to being at a place where it can help us with our jobs. Or, maybe you’re concerned that it’s a threat to our jobs someday. I know people in each group, leading...2023-07-2852 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 314 | How Men Can Be Better Allies for Women in the Workplace, with authors David Smith and Brad JohnsonBeing Allies for Women in Project Management Project management is a fantastic career path for us all, and especially women. As much progress as women have made in the workplace, there remain many barriers that, quite frankly, many men are blind to. In this episode, we’re going to focus on this in a way that I hope you will find empowering, encouraging, and actionable. It’s not a discussion that is blaming or shaming men. It’s about helping us see that there’s work to do, and I think both men and women are goin...2021-01-211h 03
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 313 | How to Prepare for the Future Like a Project Manager, with futurist Brian David JohnsonProject Managers Are Futurists My guest in this episode is the former Chief Futurist of Intel: Brian David Johnson. Brian joins us to talk about his book The Future You: Break Through the Fear and Build the Life You Want. Brian is going to help you see that project managers are perfectly positioned to benefit from thinking like a futurist. Learn more about Brian at threatcasting.asu.edu/. Have Andy Speak at Your Company Whether live in-person or virtually, contact us about having Andy speak at your company. Our p...2021-01-1442 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 310 | How to Let Your Next Job Find You, with author Jeff GothelfWhat If Your Next Job Could Find You? My guest in this episode is Jeff Gothelf. He woke up on his 35th birthday in a cold sweat about his career. He hadn't been laid off (yet), but he realized that the future wasn't as bright as it might seem. Jeff joins us to talk about his book Forever Employable: How to Stop Looking for Work and Let Your Next Job Find You. Whether you're currently looking for a job or want to future-prep your career, this is an episode you'll want to catch. ...2020-12-2143 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 309 | Reclaiming Time From Your Crazy Schedule, with behavioral scientist Ashley WhillansHelp for Busy Leaders A common theme I hear from listeners is how overwhelmed many of us feel. Between the demands of your projects and stakeholders, demands at home, the stress of all that’s going on in culture, it’s just an overwhelming time for so many people. That's why I invited Harvard professor Ashley Whillans to join us in episode 309 to talk about her new book Time Smart: How to Reclaim Your Time and Live a Happier Life. She shares some perspectives and tips that will help you reclaim some time from your crazy schedule. 2020-11-2040 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 308 | You Need This More Than Ever—And Why You Feel Like You Don’t Have Time for It, with Harvard professor Joe BadaraccoStepping Back to Reflect Perhaps more than ever, we need to find ways to reflect. Yet how do we do that in the hectic pace we're living? Harvard professor Joe Badaracco joins us in episode 308 to talk about his insightful book Step Back: How to Bring the Art of Reflection into Your Busy Life. Joe shares practical insights that make reflection possible (and you don't have to book a meditation retreat!). Have Andy Speak at Your Company Whether live in-person or virtually, contact us about having Andy speak at your company. O...2020-11-1346 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 307 | Want to Take On More Responsibility? Listen to This FirstRising to Power The good news? You're getting opportunities for more responsibility. The bad news? It might just be more painful than you think. Ron Carucci joins us for episode 307 to talk about his insightful book Rising to Power: The Journey of Exceptional Executives. Ron shares insights to help you prepare for increasing levels of responsibility that will both inspire and challenge you. And he shares some insights about his upcoming book about honesty. I can't wait to share this episode with you! Learn more about Ron at navalent.com/. After you listen...2020-11-0749 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 244 | (Video) How Do You Deal With Endings?How do you deal with endings? This was a week of endings for me. We moved my dad into assisted living. He's excited about the change. For anyone who has had to go through this with an unwilling parent, I can only imagine how much more trying that is. But endings are not easy, right? He moved out of the house he built. He lived in it for over 50 years. It's the home we grew up in, soon to be refurbished and lived in by someone we've never met. They'll never know the memories that were made...2019-02-0203 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 179 | Tough Conversations, Uncomfortable Challenges, Delivering Bad News: How Successful Leaders Reach Outside Their Comfort ZonesJust Take the Leap? It can be uncomfortable to confront a team member or a peer. We can face demanding challenges, wondering if we have what it takes, hesitating to go "all in" because of the risk of failure. Delivering bad news is something leaders have to do, but rarely do we look forward to it. These are just a few of the challenges we face as leaders--each requiring us to reach beyond our comfort zone. It's one thing to know that good things are on the other side of our comfort zone. But just...2017-06-1655 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 137 | How Project Managers Can Invest Their Time Like Money, with Elizabeth Grace SaundersAspire to be Time Wealthy Can you relate to the feeling of being overwhelmed, with more commitments at work and home than you have time to handle? Many project managers tell me that's a rather normal existence for them. Elizabeth Grace Saunders calls that being time impoverished. We are spending more than we've earned. It's part of her analogy in her new book How to Invest Your Time Like Money To learn more about Elizabeth and the work of her organization, visit http://reallifee.com/. Join My Periscopes This Month! 2015-10-1742 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 136 | What Science Says About the Happy Project Manager, with Michelle GielenThe Happy Project Manager Most people who know me would say I'm generally a happy guy--rather optimistic by nature. I've always been a bit skeptical about books on the subject of happiness. My concern is that they would be filled with shallow platitudes, assuming that the ultimate goal for ourselves is self-focused pleasure. Thankfully, that bias didn't keep me from agreeing to read Michelle Gielan's new book Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of Igniting and Sustaining Positive Change. To learn more about Michelle and the work of her organization, visit http://BroadcastingHappiness.com/. 2015-10-0141 minPeople and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 120 | Mentoring for Project Managers, with Mark GoulstonTotal Duration 34:17 Download episode 120 Who is an example of someone that has significantly impacted who you are today? Whether they were a formal mentor or not, who is someone that has notably contributed to the person you are and the success you enjoy today? My guest today is Dr. Mark Goulston. You may recognize Mark as the author of a very special book entitled Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone. With the recent death of one of his mentors, the concept of mentoring is top of...2014-08-2251 minPeople and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 116 | Why Projects Fail (and How We Can Fix That), with Jim Johnson from The Standish GroupTotal Duration 27:05 Download episode 116 Never Had a Failed Project? Have you ever had a project that failed? Be careful--this is a truth test! If someone tells you they always deliver on time, on budget, with all the specified scope, be wary! Delivering projects successfully every time sounds great in an interview but a challenge in the real world. My guest today is Jim Johnson, Founder and Chairman of The Standish Group. Jim has a passion to understand why things break and how to fix them. In this discussion we...2014-07-1027 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 109 | The Funny Thing About Project ManagementLaugh While Learning I love to laugh. Whether it's a podcast episode, a keynote presentation, or an e-learning workshop, I like to keep it light-hearted. I've just found that it's easier to learn when we're enjoying the experience. Yet though I share the name of the famous, albeit dead, comedian Andy Kaufman, I'm not really that funny! I have to work at it. And because of that, there are times when a joke not only isn't particularly funny--it's counter-productive. Perhaps someone is the butt of the joke, so to speak, and they don't...2014-04-0245 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 108 | How Project Managers Can Deal With Stupid Feedback"Feedback is a Gift?" Our guest for this episode is Doug Stone. Doug and his co-author Sheila Heen teach negotiation and conflict negotiation at Harvard Law School and they've written a terrific new book entitled Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well. They were also co-authors of a previous best-seller entitled Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most Learn more about Doug and Sheila and their company by visiting http://triadconsultinggroup.com. I Want to Hear From You! Speaking of feedback, I'd love t...2014-03-0540 minPeople and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 074.1 | Premium Follow-up on the Andy Crowe Interview So have you spent some time trying to better understand agile project management? I know some of our premium subscribers are avid agile practitioners, so good for you. But for many people, it's a topic that you know you should be looking into more but have been standing on the sidelines for too long. In this premium episode I follow-up on some points from my discussion with Andy Crowe about agile project management. Thank you for being a premium subscriber to The People and Projects Podcast! Total Duration 7:48 Download the premium...2012-05-1607 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastPPP 074 | How Agile Are You? An interview with author Andy Crowe, PMP, PgMP, PMI-ACP Agile is getting plenty of attention these days and for good reasons. When done well on aligned projects, great customer value can be delivered. Many people who listen to this podcast are certified PMP’s or are at least considering certification in the future. You may be aware that Project Management Institute has a relatively new agile certification: the PMI-ACP℠. One of the best new books available to help people pass the ACP exam is from Andy Crowe. You likely know Andy as the author of the popular book entitled The PMP®Exam: How to Pass...2012-05-1623 min
Free Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPWork Breakdown Structure: DemonstrationSometimes it’s easier to understand how to facilitate a WBS exercise if you can see one in action. In this video, Andy Kaufman shows you how to facilitate one. Don’t miss his very insightful helpers! 🙂
By the way, this video is part of Andy’s e-learning program entitled “Essentials of Project Management“. Learn more at http://courses.i-leadonline.com/courses/essentials-of-pm. [...]2012-03-0813 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPActivity Sequencing: DemonstrationThe guys at the Manager Tools podcast talk about Horstman’s Law of Project Management, which is “Who Does What By When”. That’s not a bad summary, all things considered.
Activity sequencing has an element of that law. What is the order of the activities to most efficiently complete this project? In this video, Andy Kaufman, PMP demonstrates [...]2012-03-0313 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastDelivering Projects Through People, with author Dave Po-Chedley, PMPIf you've followed this podcast or attended one of my keynotes on project management or leadership, you've likely caught onto my bias that the biggest successes, the biggest joys, the biggest failures, and the biggest stresses often come down to the same thing: people. Project management is ultimately people management.
Success with people management--and thus project management--can significantly depend on our effectiveness in areas such as communication, influence, and building relationships. One of the freshest voices on the people side of project management is consultant Dave Po-Chedley, PMP, author of Client Relationship Management: How to Turn Client...2010-08-2832 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPLeading Cause of Project Failure: Denial of RiskRisk. It can be a four-letter word in some organizations! Bring up a risk and you could be viewed as not being a team player or as being negative.
There’s a difference between being risk averse and denial of risk. In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast discusses how denial of risk can be deadly to projects.
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2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPLeading Cause of Project Failure: Unrealistic TimeframesEver been given a timeframe that seems impossible to hit? If you’ve managed projects for any length of time, you know what I mean. Your boss or customer thinks it can be done in a certain timeframe and you think it’s going to take longer.
Rock. Hard place. And you seem to be stuck.
How you handle that situation can be the difference between delivering your project successfully or not. In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast shares insights to help you success...2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPLeading Cause of Project Failure: Inappropriate ExperienceHey, I’m pretty good at the game “Flight Simulator” on the computer! Want to hop on a real flight with me at the stick?
I’m guessing not!
There’s a difference between knowledge and skills. And there’s a difference between someone being available to join your team and whether or not they’re a good fit for the role.
In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast discusses why projects fail when leaders or team members with inappropriate experience are involved with...2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPLeading Cause of Project Failure: Continual & Unregulated ChangeWe can reasonably argue that continual change is not a problem with projects.
It is, of course, but it’s not worth complaining about because it’s just the nature of the game. The problem is how we respond to change. It’s not a matter of if change will happen on your project. It’s only a matter of when.
This is where project managers really earn their pay. In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast shares critical lessons about dealing with changes when del...2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPLeading Cause of Project Failure: No Clear ObjectivesThink of the last project that you delivered…. How do you know whether or not it was considered to be a success?
I get to ask that question to people all over the world. More often than not, the responses people provide tend to be subjective. For example, “No one was yelling at me so it must have been good!”
It’s a question we need to ask up front, more often: “What does success look like?”
In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Pod...2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPLeading Cause of Project Failure: Poor Project ManagementHow would you describe your project management culture? I have the privilege of intersecting with hundreds of organizations and many effectively describe their culture as “Ready, Fire, Aim!” There may be some plan, but when it comes to planning vs. action, action wins every time.
Successful project organizations invest in their project management competencies. We have workshops and coaching that can help you raise the bar of your team’s ability to deliver projects.
In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast discusses what project managem...2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPLeading Cause of Project Failure: Difficulty Defining Work in DetailFrom 30,000 feet, every project is pretty easy!
Same with projects. From a high-level it can be easy to think, “Hey, how tough can this be?”
But we need to get out of the clouds and get our arms around our projects as early as possible. In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast discusses ideas on how to avoid the trap of staying at a high-level for too long.
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2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPLeading Cause of Project Failure: Insufficient InvolvementI’m amazed at what you can get away with if you manage expectations.
You can deliver late. You can over-spend. But only if you manage expectations along the way. Not manage those expectations and I’m equally amazed at how even one stakeholder can inflict serious pain on your project!
How do you manage expectations? Involvement. Stephen Covey has said, “No involvement, no commitment.” Wise words for project managers.
In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast explains why involvement of stakeholders is so cr...2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPLeading Cause of Project Failure: Lack of Formal MethodologyPop quiz for you and your team: How would you describe your project management methodology?
I’ve been to many organizations where, if the question was asked to five people, I could easily get 3-5 different answers.
The key is not to come up with the thickest methodology binder! In fact, over-encumbering your team with too much methodology is not what we’re talking about here.
But a well-thought out, consistently used methodology can help project teams deliver. In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and...2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPLeading Cause of Project Failure: Lack of Executive SupportOne of the single most important indicators of whether you will deliver successfully or not comes down to the support you’re getting from your sponsor.
Having support doesn’t mean you get everything you ask for (including doubling your pay)! What does it mean? How do you get it?
In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast discusses why executive support is so important, and how to get it.
By the way, you may find this project management podcast interview with Alfonso Buce...2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPImproving Your Ability to Deliver: The Triple ConstraintAs we discussed in the video on Continual and Unregulated Change, it’s not a matter of if change will occur on your project–it’s only a matter of when.
So how can you improve your ability to deliver projects despite the changes?
Managing constraints is key, and in this video, Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast will show you how to use the concept of The Triple Constraint (or Project Management Triangle) to your favor.
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2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPImproving Your Ability to Deliver: Develop a Project CharterA basic practice that has proven to help project success is to develop a Project Charter.
You’ve heard that, right? But who likes to create more paperwork? Isn’t this just an academic issue that over-encumbers project teams with more administrivia?
In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast explains how a project charter can improve your ability to successfully deliver projects (without overwhelming you with additional work).
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2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPImproving Your Ability to Deliver: Identify All StakeholdersIn previous videos we’ve talked about the importance of managing stakeholder expectations. It’s critical.
The first key to managing stakeholder expectations is to identify who they are. Of course this seems obvious but the Project Management Institute does a great job of helping us get a better understanding of who are stakeholders are.
Hint: there are more than you think!
In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast helps you undertand who your stakeholders are and how to better manage them to h...2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPImproving Your Ability to Deliver: Identify Assumptions Every project has assumptions–things we don’t know whether they are true, real, or certain. Yet we often don’t sufficiently document those assumptions.
How does it help a project to more thoroughly document assumptions? What’s the benefit for the extra work?
In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast shares key lessons about why documenting assumptions is critical and how to do it well.
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2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPImproving Your Ability to Deliver: Define SuccessIn a previous video we discussed how unclear objectives lead to project failure.
So, how do we go about creating measurable objectives? In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast shares key lessons about answering the question: “How do we know what success looks like?”
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2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPImproving Your Ability to Deliver: Create a Work Breakdown StructureCreate a WBS? Can anything with the letters “BS” be a good idea?
From the standpoint of the Project Management Institute (PMI), the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is the center of the universe! You wouldn’t think of doing a project without having a WBS.
In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast shares insights on why the WBS is actually a good thing, and how use it to help you deliver your projects.
By the way, Andy has a video that demonstrates facili...2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPImproving Your Ability to Deliver: The Delphi TechniqueGroup-think. We’ve all experienced it. Maybe it’s when a problem is being talked about and you don’t feel comfortable bucking the discussion trend. Or maybe you have someone on your team who is very opinionated and overly dominates discussions.
A little known but powerful technique for soliciting input from a group of people during a project (or any other type of) meeting is The Delphi Technique.
In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast shares insights on what the Delphi technique is and ho...2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPImproving Your Ability to Deliver: SequencingEventually project management comes down to “who does what by when,” and that’s what sequencing is.
It’s easy to talk about the concept of sequencing, but in practice, it can be a challenge to do it well. But a well thought-out sequence of activities can make the difference between time constraints that seem unrealistic and those that are do-able.
In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast shares insights on how a well sequenced project can radically improve your ability to successfully deliver.
To...2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPImproving Your Ability to Deliver: Influence TechniquesWhat do you do when you’re being asked to deliver scope in a timeframe that just isn’t doable? Some project managers just give in. Others become the “no guy”, who essentially pushes back and is known to be more of an obstacle than part of the solution.
What are some good practices when it comes to influencing sponsors, customers, and other stakeholders?
In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast shares some easy-to-use ideas for influencing stakeholders.
Download this video2010-08-0100 minFree Project Management Videos from Andy Kaufman, PMPImproving Your Ability to Deliver: Risk ManagementIn a previous video we discussed the dangers of “denial of risk”.
A solid risk management process can significantly improve your ability to successfully deliver projects. But how do you do it? Do you need a PhD in risk management?
In this video Andy Kaufman, PMP, host of the project management podcast entitled The People and Projects Podcast shares practical ideas on how to reap the benefits of risk management.
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2010-08-0100 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastSteve Martin and Andy Kaufman on InfluenceHere's the situation... you're responsible for delivering a project. Your boss comes in today and announces that senior management has decided that you must deliver your project 4 weeks earlier than originally planned.You know that the project is already carrying a lot of risk, and cutting 4 more weeks seems completely unrealistic, at least from your perspective. Yet it also appears, from your perspective, that speaking up or pushing back could be job risking. They aren't looking for your input--they're looking for you to deliver on the demand.Sound familiar?Whether you are a project manager or responsible for leading...2010-02-1744 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastWho's Got Your Back? An interview with bestselling author Keith Ferrazzi
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I got a call this morning from a former coaching client. Two years ago when I was working with Jerry he expressed interest in writing a book, which I enthusiastically encouraged he pursue. Two years later hes made significant progress and now had questions about the publishing process. In roughly 20 minutes I happily downloaded lessons that were learned since I published my first book 8 years ago.{loadposition content_amazonGotYourBack}Why do I share this story? What if Jerry hadn't surrounded himself with someone who cared enough to help him out? I don't want to...2010-02-0225 min
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management PodcastHow Engaged Are Your Teams? Got Conflict? A conversation with Kenneth W. Thomas, author of "Intrinsic Motivation at Work"
So take a look around you. How engaged would you say the people are in your organization?Each workplace is unique but here's a dose of reality: Some research shows only 29% of North American employees are fully engaged. That's a lot of productivity being left on the table.Particularly during challenging economic times, it's essential for our teams to be fully engaged and committed to project and organizational success. But how are they going to go the extra mile if they aren't engaged?One of my heroes in business over the y...2009-04-0232 min