Caught My Eye
As always there's a lot going on in the project management world.
6 Changes Project Managers Need to Make Right Now
On APM Blog, the ever engaging Edward Obeng has shared 6 simple changes PMs need to make right now:
We’ve cracked the process – we need to master the human side,
Remove the ‘fear’ factor,
Don’t lose sight of the objectives,
When defining benefits, ask the right people the right questions,
Coordinate all agendas, and
Deliver benefits throughout the life of the project.
Two observations:
I'm not sure that HS2 or the major projects authority would agree that the HS2 project doesn't have a business case!
I totally agree with the principle of point 6, but I feel that projects create deliverables, from which the organisation (the sponsor is accountable) realises benefits. This is a subtle but important difference. I think that deliverables should be created through the life of the project so that the organisation can start to realise those benefits as early as possible.
OKR (Objectives & Key Results) Software
People Managing People have listed their top 10 OKR software tools for jump starting your business. We all know that for projects to succeed and get the necessary support they should support organisational strategic goals. OKR software is one way of aligning an organisation, it's people and it's projects for best effect. The 10 tools recommended are:
Koan,
Yaguara,
Kazoo,
Timely,
Peoplegoal,
Heartpace,
Engagedly,
Simple okr,
Betterworks, and
Ally.
Would you recommend anything else? If so please comment or get in touch. In the article Alyson Taylor also gives a great introduction to OKR for anyone who's not thought of super-charging their KPI work.
Good Project Manager Vs. Bad Project Manager
On Forbes, Jahn Karsybaev gives a thought provoking analysis of the characteristics of a good and a bad project manager. I especially agree with his view that "a good project manager is ultimately the CEO of their project and they run it as a mini-company". Certainly when I'm helping clients with their recruitment this is a trait that I'm keen top find, along with others identified in the article.
I do however struggle with Jahn's view that good project managers MUST know their market and industry. Granted it helps, but a good project manager will be a good project manager wherever they work. As long as the PM has enough domain knowledge to know when they're having the wool pulled over their eyes, there's a lot to be said for having a broader perspective, and fresh ideas. In my experience, being able to focus on managing the project rather than being sucked into the technical detail can be a real benefit.
APM responds to IPA’S National Infrastructure and Construction Procurement Pipeline
APM have quite rightly welcomed the update on the Government’s project pipeline, which identifies up to £37 billion of procurement opportunities in projects. The pipeline document can be downloaded here.