Sometimes skills and achievements on paper may seem impressive. However, in reality what is actually required from a great project sponsor is a much more unique set of skills and behaviours. Without such, it could be very difficult for any organisation to deliver a...
According to PMI’s 2018 Pulse of the Profession Report one of the pivotal reasons that projects fail, is because of the lack or inadequacy of support from the project sponsors. This is the case for a staggering 26% of all organisations, and 41% of organisations with a...
Hidden issues will rot a project from within. Lying just below the surface, a hidden issue can’t be magicked away. Instead it sits quietly, festering away, waiting to erupt and leave your project in shreds. Undermining a project through hidden issues Here’s the real...
The project timeline is hallowed turf for an experienced project manager. More than a North Star, the project timeline is their statement of intent, their public line in the sand, and the starting point for external evaluations of their project. On time? There’s a...
The challenge of optimism bias Parent teacher nights are a PM’s nightmare. On the upside, everyone loves to hear how well the kids are doing. But my inner PM is never far from the surface… so I’m not the guy who turns up late. In fact, my organised self is always...
What’s the best way to evaluate a project’s success? Your usual touch points are an on time delivery, within budget and to the original scope. But the reality is few projects meet all these targets. And every one missed is a hammer blow to what really counts -...
Reading The Tea Leaves is about smart sponsorship, looking for the first shoots of trouble and moving quickly to flush out the problem before it can take root.
Spotting a great project manager is easier than you think. Some businesses take a relaxed approach to the role. It’s not unusual for resident subject matter experts to find themselves project managing, or for someone with excess capacity to find themselves shoehorned...
Sponsor behaviour is a huge driver in project success. An indecisive sponsor, reliant on a weak team, or unsure of their preferred direction will drag a project down. Conversely, active and decisive sponsorship creates passionate leadership and proactive thinking, and...
Knowing the early signs your project’s in trouble can save you a lot of time and money. Most projects fail through poor project management or poor sponsorship. If you’re a project sponsor this one’s for you… and if you’re project’s struggling, this might just save...