Category: Uncategorized

As modern management progressed, it progressed as a command-and-control structure. Probably inherited from the military. The boss said what to do and when to do it and even how to do it. The worker complied with what the boss said – or likely had to find another job. That is still likely the best idea…

“There are many types and kinds of vocation, but the core of the experience is always the same: the soul is awakened by it, transformed or exalted, so that instead of dreams and presentiments from within a summons comes from without. A portion of reality presents itself and makes its claim.” Hesse, HermanThe Glass Bead…

Weather predictions I’m not sure what the weather will be in 10 days. I can check the forecast online, but it will only be a forecast. Weather predictors have gotten better, with better information and technology, but they still can’t avoid the unforeseen events that can affect the weather – a low pressure cell stalls…

An interesting question. Of the three – Why, What, or How – which matters most? What we do or what our Project will do is important. But, there are many more people or companies who can do the What. How is more critical. Not everyone on every Project will accomplish things in the same way….

With the many possible iterations of interlinked activities in a complex Project (okay, I used that wording to make the Project sound more complex), how can we keep up with all of it? How can we, as Project leaders, both lead and “manage” our Project to success when it involves so many complications? Choose a…

We have different concepts of complexity. For someone who says “I’m not good with math!”, finding the area of a simple, right triangle is complex. Sometimes complexity is about viewpoint (“I’m not good with math!”). Sometimes complexity is about your personal stress level (what causes you to experience stress). So what is Project complexity?  A…

To hear the general press these days, it seems everyone who is anyone is in favor of alternative energy generation. Even many of the traditional utilities are developing alternative energy sources and forming divisions or separate companies to focus on it. But, even when “everyone is pro alternative energy”, some are still against it when…

You’ve probably seen the intense flooding that Nashville and much of Tennessee have experienced recently. First, it was amazing to actually watch nearby as a “normal” creek filled an entire flood plain. As I watched, you could see debris and miscellaneous things floating by in the water. Some neighbors became concerned as the water covered…

If you’ve read Hugh’s book Ignore Everybody or read some of the cards on his site gapingvoid, you know that he is not conventional. Sometimes he may be hard to interpret. The card above can be about Project work. How it should be. It should MATTER. Even the sometimes mundane and seemingly boring parts that…

When we start a Project, we’re usually interested and excited and focused. When the Project is wrapping up, we often have the same intensity – “we’re close to the finish – keep at it!”. But, sometimes the middle can seem different. Things are going as planned. We are on budget. There are no recurring problems….