People and Projects

“Every single day, you are actively sabotaging your wellness, your performance and your relationships.” Shirzad Chamine, Author Pretty strong words, right? But many of us are sabotaging ourselves without even realizing it. Why? Because instead of running our own minds, we let our minds run us. I often have a little voice in my head…

Every project team has its cast of characters. Some are quiet thinkers, others are natural cheerleaders, a few can switch personalities depending on the day, and at least one person seems to love poking holes in every idea. The fun part is when you stop seeing those differences as clashes and start seeing them as…

I once had a colleague who was always contrary in team meetings. She would constantly bring up potential problems and issues with whatever we talked about.  Yet, she did it with a smile and a mischievous glint in her eye.  At first I thought she just liked being difficult, but over time I realized she…

Over this past weekend, my city hosted more than 175 live music acts. How’s anyone supposed to choose? We finally picked one of the bands playing an acoustic set. But instead of just relaxing and enjoying the music, I strangely found myself studying how they worked together on stage. The soloist took the lead, and…

Today, we’re talking about people. And how much they actually talk… or don’t talk at all. Who’s doing most of the talking in your work meetings? And at home, who can’t stop chatting at the dinner table?   What about that quiet observer who is watching everything unfold without saying much? Then there are those who…

I recently came across a post from business owner Andrew Amann that hit home. He said hiring a big firm like Deloitte to develop your strategy is like “paying someone to teach you to swim by showing you pictures of water.” And, he’s right.  You don’t learn to swim by studying pictures. You learn by…

Have you ever heard of a deputy project manager? When I first heard of this role, it sounded like someone the sheriff of an old gold rush town would hire to tidy up Main Street. The person who told me about it does just that – keeping Main Street running smoothly at their company. An…

When I was 18, I dreamed of delivering sailboats for a living.  Raised on the northern Great Lakes of Canada, I was a sailing enthusiast who never wanted to be away from water. So, naturally, I decided to become a professional boat-deliverer.  Spoiler alert: it didn’t pan out. I didn’t even get to deliver one…

Many leaders wrestle with the timing and importance of bringing the right people onto a project. Which roles are truly necessary? When should they join? What title will they give them? It all comes down to the art of effective resourcing—or, as I like to call it, “rocking the role.” In other words, shaping the…

Are you a planner? If not, no worries—we’ve got your back. I’m always amazed by how many people struggle with planning. It’s not a bad thing—thinking ahead just isn’t everyone’s superpower. A Good Project Manager Friend I have a new-ish friend who can barely keep track of what she needs to do in the next…