jim@millikenproject.com

207-808-8878 Our book "Life is a Project: How are you managing?" is available!


Monday, May 11, 2009

Managing People Who Resist Process

This is about what really goes on in effective management.

Very few managers actually have a process devoid of people. A process is a defined set of sequentially dependent steps that produce a predictable outcome. Process improvement is making the steps clearer and more efficient, thereby making the result more predictable with less input of time, effort and resources.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Building Alliances

Every "transaction" with another human being either improves or reduces the productivity of your relationship with that person.

You build by investing attention. You graciously comply with requests. You listen carefully, and respond respectfully. You cheerfully help find solutions rather than dwelling on mistakes.

So people LIKE working with you, being around you. And they feel obligated, in a pleasant sort of way, to go out of their way to help you. When you truly are too busy, they understand and feel not the slightest irritation with you. They waste less of your time.

RIP

Maine PMI's Project of the Year competition died a quiet, unattended death on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at the age of 7. There were no survivors, no mourners and no entries. May it rest in peace.