The dream of being a project manager
Who dreams in their youth of becoming a project manager? Really! It seems most project managers are an accidental project manager. Or they come to project management through another profession. As an example, someone studied accounting and then works in an accounting...
The thin line between projects and operations
What is a project? The Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK, 5th Edition) gives the following definition: “A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. The temporary nature of projects indicates that a...
From Malmö to Montréal
This morning, I had a nice surprise in the newspapers. First, let me give you a bit of context. It is one of my personal goal to know 4 languages. I already know very well English and French, and I also have been studying Spanish for a while. Early in 2013, I...
Get an edge as a parent
Many project managers have to try to reconcile their life as a project manager and being a parent. I am one of them living this challenge, having two kids. And I am inspired today by one of my friend, a project manager who just had his second child. How can we live...
Favorite challenge in project management
A friend of mine asked a few project managers this interesting question: “What problems and challenges do you look forward to most, while working in project management?” I was asked the question, and have been thinking about this during my morning public...
Sleep is a key success factor
Sleep: the disposable hero As project managers, we often have very busy and chaotic schedules, blitz to reach milestones, fast pace projects, and everything else possible that can happen to ensure we work hard for the success of our projects. There is a bit of a glory...
Inbox Zero
Here’s a post on the infamous concept of Inbox zero. I am talking here about email inbox. Some of the logic here could also be applied to a physical inbox. I recently read again the book Getting Things Done, from David Allen. While still...
On project success
As project manager, we offer a professional service to help organization successfully completing projects and thus helping organizations achieve their objectives. Well, at least, we hope so. Let’s hope we do not do successfully do projects that do not help...
Podcast : Guerilla Project Management
I have been discovering lately podcasts. It is an interesting format, and let me maximize my time by listening to something when I am in transit, running, training, or other activities like that. My first podcast on project management was the PM for the...
PRINCE2
Let’s start by saying this: I must admit that I am far more familiar with the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. I am actually in the process of obtaining my PMP certification, enjoying all the...
Reading PMBOK
As part of my plan to obtain my PMP certification, I started reading the 5th edition of PMBOK a while ago. Finally, I have read all chapters and am now reading the annexes! I have been a bit delayed in my study plan (isn’t obtaining a certification a...
Book : The Lazy Project Manager
I love productivity. It always has been one of my quest, to perform work in the most efficient way. That is why I love computer tools, and learned some database programming. It was to save me and be able to do some analysis in the shortest time possible. I had...
Time is precious. Manage it (part 2)!
To continue on the yesterday’s theme of time management, here is part 2 to Time is precious. Manage it! Here is a good article called Seven Essential Time Management Strategies, from Susanne Madsen. If you like project management, she is a good person to follow...
Time is precious. Manage it!
What is the most precious asset? I say it is time. Any job in professional services is based on usage of time, and that, of course, includes project management. Time is the ultimate equalizer. We all have 24 hours in a day, and it is what we do with those 24 hours...
Discovering podcast
I must say that I never really discovered podcast. I never integrated them in my schedule. I tried a few but never really subscribe to and routinely listen to all podcasts of a specific publisher. Yes, I have been using the internet since 1989, and yes I am an...
Our mind
This is a slightly different kind of article. As project manager, we know that we have to deal with many stakeholders, many with different priorities and views on the project. We also know that we need to have a good communication plan, tailored to the needs...
Career quotes
Here are 21 inspirational career quotes, courtesy of Careerealism.com. Motivational Monday: 21 Inspirational Career Quotes Inspiration lacking this Monday morning? You’re not alone. Grab a nice, warm cup of coffee and let us help you out. On the job...
PMBOK 5th edition
Here we go. I have started the project to obtain my PMP. My first big task is to read PMBOK, 5th edition. I think continuous development and acquiring new knowledge are essential to enhance your career. On this subject, see Continuous Learning. It is also very...
Taking care of yourself
A successful career is often symbolized by having an excellent resume, which list your positions, accomplishments, and education. In professional services, such as project management, it is important to have a larger view of your career, and take care and...
Do you like your job?
This is a popular subject, that can lead to much debate. Some say that we should strive to work for something that we are passionate about, and that is the only way to go. There is some logic to that. To succeed, you must put a lot of energy into your work. And it...
Enjoy vacation
As a follow-up to my article Back from vacation, here’s a good article on the importance of having real vacation. It is focussed on business owners, but I think the key messages applies to professional, consultants, and project managers. For business owners,...
Productivity and email
I like to develop efficient routine. You can work hard or work smart. And being busy does not mean that you are productive. As this article for the Time Management Ninja says: You Were Busy Yesterday, But Were You Productive? The article lists 5 Signs...
Back from vacation
Yes, it is true. I have not written much since mid-July. My apologies for that. That is the result of going away on vacation. But I am still there and dedicated to Project-Aria. I guess I could (or should) have written a note about that. Anyway, I am back,...GetResponse
