Simple Problems...

Simple problems can be made confusing, complex and insoluble if enough meetings are held to discuss.

Instant Destruction

Credibility and trust take a long time to develop; are destroyed in an instant.

Focus for Accountability

IT projects focused on implementing a system instead of a business goal lack accountability.

Change and Choice

The forces of change are constant. Helping make change occur in a positive manner is a choice.

Delivering Matters

When a project fails to deliver what it's supposed to deliver, little else about the thing will matter.

Complexity

Complexity is not sophistication - anything incomprehensible should cause suspicion rather than admiration.

First things first...

The ability to change yourself is a precursor to effectively changing others.

Organization change first

Using a methodology or approach unsupported by the current organizational culture will fail.

Goals and Clarity

The biggest obstacle to progress and primary time waster on projects is confusion about goals.

Priorities

Prioritize in this order: Goals, features, and then work items. A project can run on these 3 lists alone.

Looking for a silver bullet?

"Silver Bullets" are found in people, values, and communications not methodologies.

Complexity and Confusion

Complexity is not a cause of confusion. It is a result of it. ~Jeff Hawkins

Activity Sequencing

When walking single file, no one moves faster than the one ahead or slower than the one behind.

Stability

In the face of rampant technology, human systems (psychology, sociology, politics, economics) are amazingly stable.

Good Leadership is Obvious

Good leadership is an obvious trait from day one on the job. It's not a seminar or a book.

New Position

Signed a consulting deal with RenewData in Austin, TX last week as Senior Project Manager in their PMO (Program Management Office) starting Monday, October 5. We expect this to become a long-term position.

The position is similar to ones held in the past. Primary duties include process improvement initiatives, PMO governance, Portfolio, Program, and Project Management.

The interview process was intensive and exhaustive. At the end, we reached the mutual conclusion that this position is a good fit for myself and for RenewData. It is a very exciting opportunity with a growing company, in an expanding market, with excellent people on staff.

Posted by: William W. (Woody) Williams

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Right team, wrong problem?

If your team isn't experienced solving the type of problem presented, ask: Why this team? Why this problem?

Cost is important but...

If you spend all your time validating cost data you are blind to real risks and forgotten items.