I was proud as a pup with a new collar to learn that my book Strategic Project Management Made Simple was named one of the eight best project management books on the market! I’m delighted to be included with other management experts I greatly admire who have developed systems, concepts, and tools that truly help …
You may already know Gary Vaynerchuck’s story. I didn’t until he spoke at the Infusionsoft 2016 conference. Until he stepped on stage, I had no idea that this brilliant, fast-talking, colorful, storytelling hustler with a heart would stimulate me so much. This 40-year-old Russian immigrant started working in his dad’s liquor store from age …
When NASA’s $125 million Mars Orbiter crashed during the landing phase, a later analysis showed that the spacecraft builders worked in the metric system. NASA assumed, but for some reason failed to verify, that the builders were using the English measurement system of feet and inches. Thus, the Orbiter’s computer contained bogus data and the …
The following story, once shared on PBS by the Car Talk brothers Click and Clack, turned out to be an urban legend. But I’ve rewritten the story to engage you in solving the puzzle and offering a valuable lesson in strategic thinking. The story supposedly involves “Fred” complaining to Ford Headquarters that his car won’t …
During the winter of 1986, I attended a personal transformation program called The Wall in a remote forest campground near Seattle. That experience changed my life. Two dozen inner-explorers gathered for deep discussion and reflection, then each crafted their life mission statement. Later I had mine engraved onto a bronze plaque that hung on my office wall for …
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to appreciate NASA Rule #15! “A review of most failed projects and project problems indicates that the disasters were well-planned to happen from the start. The seeds of problems are laid down early. Initial planning is the most vital part of any project.” – NASA Rule #15 …
Recently I delivered the opening keynote at the 91st UCLA Extension Technical Management Program (TMP), a unique one-week learning experience for mid-career leaders in technology and business occurring each March and September. This was my 62nd time teaching in this program over the last three decades. This is my favorite ongoing gig because participants select …
Your organization may have a great strategy on paper, but can’t make it work in the real world. If so, you are not alone. In fact, Fortune magazine notes that 70% of all strategies fail, largely because of the inability to execute. It’s tough to turn strategic intent and goals into executable project plans that …
This is my first post on this new blog, which still has the new car smell. My commitment is to share my best management insights, lessons learned, strategies for personal excellence, quirky humor, and more. I realize that your most important resource is time, so will do my very best to honor you as a reader by …
