Watermark Learning
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman?

Not exactly.  It’s an agile project manager. They may not be superhuman, but they are super popular right now. Anything agile is hot, and although not the right fit for every project or every organization, its popularity is not likely to wane anytime soon. PMI is introducing an agile certification in the third quarter of 2011, and there’s an opportunity …

Toss Negativity into the Trash with Ritual Cleansing

Toss Negativity into the Trash with Ritual Cleansing

Do you remember the last time something bothered you so much that you couldn’t get it out of your head?  A troublesome thought can consume you and preclude you from thinking of anything else.  It becomes paralyzing. One way to resolve persistent, negative thoughts is to do something to symbolize the elimination of the source …

On day 1, we look great. It’s day 2 that kills us!

On day 1, we look great. It’s day 2 that kills us!

I heard this from a project team member in a training class recently.  He was referring to the schedules for the projects he works on.  What he was getting at was that the team really doesn’t have a chance from the get-go.  They are behind on projects before they even begin, and it doesn’t take …

Influencing takes Patience, Planning, and Perspective

Influencing takes Patience, Planning, and Perspective

The ability to influence without authority is a skill coveted by any project manager. Even if a project manager has complete authority over project team members (which is seldom the case), there are still other stakeholders over whom they have no control and who need to make decisions, review or approve deliverables, or provide resources …

Successful Learning is a Two Way Street

Successful Learning is a Two-Way Street

As an instructor, I am happy to own the success of the learning events I lead.  It is my job to understand students’ needs and then figure out how to best meet them.  In addition, it’s my responsibility to do that in a way that maximizes the student experience, that is, make it fun, engaging, …

Critical Path Method - Valuable Techniques in Practice

Critical Path Method – Valuable Techniques in Practice

The  Minnesota Department of Transportation, Mn/DOT, recently completed the biggest project in its history: 3 ½ years and $288 million. And get this: It finished weeks early and was completed within 2% of original contract value.   I visited the project manager, Steve Barrett, a couple of months ago and he showed me around the project …

No Better Time Than Now to Pursue That PMP Certification

No Better Time Than Now to Pursue That PMP Certification

I recently learned about a new twist on an old game: Corporate BS Bingo.   Everyone creates their own bingo card with their most irritating corporate-speak terms.  You know, those corporate terms that get so overused that they devolve into meaninglessness.  Throughout the course of a meeting or maybe the course of a week, players put …

What is the value of the PMP

What is the value of the PMP?

What is the value of PMP certification?  I was discussing this topic with a colleague recently and found myself being somewhat defensive.  Obviously, as an instructor for PMP certification, I have a significant bias toward investing in Project Management certification.  So I’ve been challenging myself to ask what difference does it really make? One opportunity that …

Increasing Chances for Sponsorship Success

Increasing Chances for Sponsorship Success

Of all the things that threaten project success, poor or non-existent sponsorship is at or near the top of the list.  No sponsor?  No project. Below are three keys for increasing chances for sponsorship success in your organization: 1. Show small successes.  You’d probably like to see huge, sweeping change in this area, but let’s be …

Is the BA a Product Owner or Tester On Agile Projects

Is the BA a Product Owner or Tester On Agile Projects?

There have been many articles lately about the role of the BA on Agile projects. Some postulate that the BA role is closest to the product owner. After all, it is often suggested, they reside with and represent the business. They are in the best position to be the final voice when defining and prioritizing …