22 April Race to Resilience April 22, 2018 By Administrator Account Blogging, Estimating, Leadership, Project Management Ideas, Resilience issues, leadership, planning, prioritizing, resilience 0 plan takes a wrong turn and just keeps getting worse with every move you make Traction Tips A weekly action idea to improve traction on your important initiatives by Stephen Wise. Has it ever happened that your adequate plan takes a wrong turn and just keeps getting worse with every move you make? It is critical to under stand the concept of Resilience so that you have built up your resilience muscles in advance. Heading to the Airport We left for Pearson airport right on schedule. It was about 5am, cold and clear. The trip would take about 20 minutes. The international flight was in 3 hours - I was heading for a long planned vacation in Aruba. My daughter was my driver and she would drop me off and return home with the car. Change of Plan On the way she mentioned she was worried the car was low on gas. Waze We took the nearest exit on the 401 where I knew a gas station would be nearby. While filling up I turned to the navigation app Waze for help to help get back to the airport. I wasn’t familiar with the area but Pearson is pretty big place; an airport should be hard to miss. Waze instantly computed a route and declared 31 minutes to destination. The detour was going to be a lot longer than anticipated, and I was suddenly annoyed with myself, “Bad decision to get unnecessary gas when the most important thing was to get to the airport on time”, I was thinking. Wrong Turn We turned left, left again and then another right and so on. Eventually Waze declared Mission Accomplished right on scheduled time. I peered out in the dark and nothing was familiar. There were no strings of lights from other arriving and departing cars, no familiar airport way-finding signage nothing. Waze had delivered us to the service entrance at the back of the airport. At that point, speed limits became speed suggestions, and I raced to re-trace our path, get back on the 401, and re-enter the proper Pearson departure queue. Once back at arrivals, I lept out of the car. Arrivals A very friendly Air Canada rep radioed the gate and ensured my bag was accepted after the cutoff. The sprint through security and customs was heart pounding but successful. Eventually, I took off for Aruba and it was everything people say about it. Recovery When you enter stressful events how do you react? Do you cope as best you can and then collapse? There is a better way. I learned from Richard Citrin, an expert in Resilience, that the right approach is to expect stressful situations to occur and prepare in advance to navigate through them and recover. Resilience When you are planning your next task, remember to build in enough time for reality. Also, prioritize so that you do the most important things first. Thanks for reading. Subscribe to my newsletter for more traction tips at www.IntegrationProfessionals.com Stephen D Wise Related Articles Stephen has the experience to solve your most difficult problems. Stephen has the experience to solve your most difficult problems. Stephen has developed logical thinking skills. He studied choices in decision making when resources are scarce, earning a degree in Economics. Before leaving University, he spent a co-op year in the Marketing department of Apple Canada. The Apple project was original research related to advertising and the dealer sales channel. Execution, Technology, and Marketing Working in product development, Stephen learned about creating new categories, fast-failure, hyper-fast development cycles, and data mining. Consequently, it was the perfect intersection of project execution, technology, and marketing. While working on marketing strategy positioning, Stephen saw that a Marketing Manager and Project Manager are similar. Both roles are hub of the wheel, responsible for coordinating the spokes of Marketing, Sales, Legal, Operations, Technology, et cetera. Sweet Spot Stephen found his sweet spot - the discipline of execution grounded in strategy and informed by technology. As a result, Stephen positioned himself well and worked on-site and remotely with many large international companies. Competitive Advantage Stephen embraced Project Management as a driver of competitive advantage for companies. The benefits: faster time-to-market, improved team work, increased likelihood of project success, and improved cohesiveness of diverse teams. After leading large and successful projects developing a Call Centre, coordinating a billion-dollar Merger & Acquisition, and leading a major Brand launch in the Energy sector, Stephen was recognized with a North American award for Innovation. Stephen also picked up a global award for Marketing work in the Texas market. Integration Professionals Stephen launched Integration Professionals in 2008. He has been working as a solo practitioner ever since. Word of mouth and referrals is the number one source of new work. However, along with referrals, new clients and new challenges are always welcome. Emergency First Aid In conclusion, Stephen has also embraced volunteer work. Such as providing athlete first aid on the field of play for high risk sports events at Pan-Am Games. When the snow flies, he has been seen taking charge of emergency situations performing on-snow rescue and administering aid. Team Building - Plea of the Project Manager The top global business challenge is hiring and developing the right team members to continue positive business growth, according to the 2011 edition of the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Private Business Barometer.[1] This report marked the second year that staffing dominated the barometer of business challenges, but it is merely the ongoing documentation of a problem businesses of all sizes face in the present talent market environment. Despite historically elevated global unemployment levels, businesses worldwide face a significant shortage of competent staff members. Firms that are unable to find the talent they need go to the market at a disadvantage. Firms with the right talent can secure additional market share, meet customer needs, and innovate for the future. How then can firms ensure that they are not left behind in the global talent race? It is not hopeless. There are a number of specific solutions employers can pursue to make themselves hiring leaders in their target talent markets. These solutions are not merely to throw money and perks at the problem. Instead, through the strategic implementation of hiring and competency development standards, organizations can set themselves apart as the discoverers and creators of an elite pool of loyal talent. This post is first in a series on Team Building for the enterprise. Stephen Wise www.IntegrationProfessionals.com [1] The PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Private Business Barometer. Human Capital Magazine, May 5th, 2011. Retrieved August 1st, 2011 Delivering Business Transformation Strategy | Stephen Wise Michael Porter’s books on Competitive Strategy and Competitive Advantage led me to embrace Project Management. That is, I have frequently said, a company that invests in Project Management is making an investment in their competitive advantage. Less frustration delivering value, less disruption to teams, improved engagement, etc. Porter’s Five Forces and the SWOT analysis are now inadequate as concrete underpinnings for strategy design. Strategy is still important, but the amount of change driven by disruption, innovation, and transformation means that the interpretation and implementation of Strategy – which occurs during the delivery – requires a high-touch feedback loop. An increased importance in the strategy delivery does not mean that strategy design is less important – it means that executives must give equal personal priority and attention to designing the right strategy as to delivering. Here are three key tips for executives to stay engaged in the delivery phase of business transformation strategy. Governance – Decision Making – Planning & Re-planning. Governance – Build a governance structure that reinforces the accountability and responsibilities for the vision. Ensure the team is adequality resourced in terms of experience and availability. Review and address risks and interdependencies at the beginning and periodically and through the realization of accumulated benefits. Insist on a complete set of regularly reported metrics and milestones. Decision Making - Move quickly to re-prioritize and remove roadblocks that are uncovered despite a lack of complete information or analysis. Accept changes to time and budget milestones based on new information from the working team. Planning & Re-planning – The less time you have available – the more important it is to have a robust plan. Don’t forgo detailed planning, but in today’s business environment planning and re-planning must be rapid and agile. Documenting tasks, task owner, and interdependencies are as important as schedule and budget. Issues impeding success should be discussed regularly and recommendations to tweak the plan fed up to the executive team in order to ensure alignment and ongoing support. Delivering strategy is like going on an expedition through a deep jungle. Every so often you will get to a hilltop and be able to asses how things went so far and what new landscape is coming in to view. An executive that spends time and money crafting the strategy needs to protect her investment by staying available and engaged for those hilltop moments. Stephen Wise Integration Professionals Dramatically Improve Traction Unlock the Power of Project Management: for Business Leaders 1. Stewardship Acting as a diligent and responsible guardian of the project's resources and interests, prioritizing ethical considerations and the welfare of all stakeholders. Good Practices to Implement Regularly review and optimize resource allocation. Uphold ethical standards and transparency in all project activities. Foster an environment of mutual respect and integrity. How to Measure Conduct stakeholder satisfaction surveys. Monitor resource utilization rates against benchmarks. Track ethical compliance through internal audits. Real World Example A project manager at a construction firm ensures that all materials are sourced ethically, labour is fairly compensated, and the environmental impact is minimized, reflecting stewardship in action. 2. Team Building a culture that promotes accountability and respect among team members, enhancing collaboration and project success. Good Practices to Implement Encourage open communication and feedback. Define clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Recognize and celebrate team achievements. How to Measure Evaluate team performance through regular reviews. Measure team morale and engagement through surveys. Assess the clarity of roles and responsibilities via feedback. Real World Example A software development team implements agile methodologies, fostering a collaborative environment where each member's contributions are valued, leading to innovative solutions and high team satisfaction. 3. Stakeholders Actively engaging and collaborating with all parties impacted by the project to understand their needs and align expectations. Good Practices to Implement Identify and map all stakeholders early in the project. Establish regular communication channels and updates. Involve stakeholders in decision-making processes. How to Measure Track stakeholder engagement levels and feedback. Monitor the alignment of project outcomes with stakeholder expectations. Evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies. Real World Example In launching a new product, a company conducts focus groups with potential customers (stakeholders) to gather insights, ensuring the final product meets the market’s needs and expectations. 4. Value Ensuring that the project delivers outcomes that are beneficial and offer tangible value to the organization and its stakeholders. Good Practices to Implement Align project objectives with organizational strategy. Implement value management practices to prioritize features based on their return on investment. Regularly review project deliverables to ensure they meet user needs and business objectives. How to Measure Use performance metrics to assess the project's impact on business goals. Conduct post-implementation reviews to evaluate the realization of benefits. Gather feedback from end-users and stakeholders on the value received. Real World Example A healthcare provider implements a new patient management system to improve service delivery. The system reduces wait times, improves patient satisfaction, and streamlines operations, demonstrating clear value to both the organization and its patients. 5. Holistic Thinking Recognizing and managing the interdependencies within the project and its environment to make informed, comprehensive decisions. Good Practices to Implement Employ systems thinking to understand the project's context and interrelated components. Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to leverage diverse perspectives. Conduct regular risk and impact assessments to anticipate and mitigate systemic issues. How to Measure Evaluate the effectiveness of decision-making processes through outcome analysis. Track the frequency and impact of unintended consequences or systemic issues. Assess the level of cross-functional collaboration and integration. Real World Example A multinational corporation launching a global marketing campaign uses holistic thinking to consider cultural sensitivities, legal requirements, and market conditions in different regions, ensuring a cohesive and effective strategy across borders. 6. Leadership Inspiring, guiding, and fostering an environment where the project team can achieve their best work through effective leadership. Good Practices to Implement Develop leadership skills such as empathy, communication, and problem-solving. Set clear visions and goals for the project team. Provide support and resources for professional development and problem resolution. How to Measure Assess leadership effectiveness through team feedback and performance metrics. Monitor the achievement of project milestones and team objectives. Evaluate the growth and development of team members over the project lifecycle. Real World Example The project manager of a software development project leads by example, actively resolving impediments, facilitating knowledge sharing sessions, and encouraging innovation, leading to the timely delivery of a high-quality software product. 7. Tailoring Customizing the project management approach to best suit the project's unique context, ensuring methods and practices are appropriate and effective. Good Practices to Implement Assess the project environment to determine the most suitable methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall). Adapt processes and tools to meet the project's specific needs and challenges. Involve the team in the tailoring process to leverage their insights and buy-in. How to Measure Review project outcomes to assess the fit and effectiveness of the chosen approach. Conduct retrospectives to gather team feedback on processes and methodologies. Measure project performance against initial expectations and adjustments. Real World Example A project manager leading a complex software integration project combines Agile practices for development with traditional Waterfall methods for client approvals, tailoring the approach to balance flexibility with necessary controls. 8. Quality Integrating quality into both the project processes and outcomes, ensuring that deliverables meet the required standards and expectations. Good Practices to Implement Define quality standards and criteria at the project's outset. Implement continuous quality assurance and control measures throughout the project lifecycle. Engage in regular reviews and testing to ensure deliverables meet established standards. How to Measure Track and analyze defects or non-conformance issues. Conduct stakeholder surveys to gauge satisfaction with the project’s outcomes. Measure the effectiveness of quality improvement initiatives over time. Real World Example An automotive manufacturer implements a zero-defect program for a new vehicle launch, incorporating rigorous testing and quality checks at every production stage, resulting in a product that exceeds industry safety standards. 9. Complexity Navigating and managing the various complexities within the project, using knowledge, experience, and agile responses to ensure success. Good Practices to Implement Apply complexity assessment tools to understand the project's complexity dimensions. Use adaptive and flexible project management approaches to respond to changing conditions. Cultivate an environment of learning and improvement within the project team. How to Measure Evaluate project performance in relation to its complexity factors. Monitor the team’s ability to adapt to and manage unforeseen challenges. Assess the effectiveness of problem-solving and decision-making processes. Real World Example A technology firm managing a large-scale IT infrastructure overhaul uses an adaptive project management approach to navigate technical, organizational, and operational complexities, achieving milestones through flexible planning and problem-solving. 10. Risk Identifying, analyzing, and managing potential project risks proactively to minimize their impact and capitalize on opportunities. Good Practices to Implement Develop a comprehensive risk management plan. Regularly identify and assess new risks as the project progresses. Implement risk response strategies and monitor their effectiveness. How to Measure Track the number and severity of risks that materialize. Measure the success of risk response actions in mitigating impact. Evaluate the return on investment for opportunities pursued. Real World Example During the construction of a new office building, the project manager implements early weather-related risk assessments and contingency planning, avoiding delays and cost overruns through proactive measures. 11. Adaptability and Resilience Maintaining flexibility and a capacity to respond effectively to change and challenges, ensuring the project's ongoing viability and success. Good Practices to Implement Encourage a mindset of flexibility and openness to change among the project team. Implement agile project management techniques to allow for rapid adaptation. Build contingency planning into the project's strategic planning processes. How to Measure Assess the project's ability to adapt to significant changes without derailing. Monitor recovery times from setbacks or challenges. Evaluate the effectiveness of contingency plans when activated. Real World Example A global event planning company swiftly adapts to the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning to virtual events, leveraging technology to maintain engagement and deliver value to clients amidst unprecedented challenges. 12. Change Management Effectively managing and facilitating change within the project and organization to achieve the desired outcomes and future state. Good Practices to Implement Establish clear communication plans for all change initiatives. Involve key stakeholders in the change process to gain support and mitigate resistance. Regularly review and adjust strategies in response to feedback and outcomes. How to Measure Monitor the speed and effectiveness of change implementation. Track stakeholder engagement and support levels throughout the change process. Assess the achievement of change objectives and overall impact on the project. Real World Example A software company implements a new project management tool across its development teams, using structured change management processes to ensure smooth adoption, with training sessions, feedback mechanisms, and ongoing support facilitating the transition. References Project Management Institute. (2021). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK® guide) (7th ed.). Project Management Institute AI Trends in Sports – Executive 1-pager AI Trends in Sports – Executive 1-pager AI's impact on sports is expected to grow. Innovations in wearable technology and advanced analytics will continue to enhance player safety and performance. AI will also play a crucial role in expanding sports' global reach by creating more personalized and accessible experiences for fans worldwide. As AI technology evolves, sports organizations that embrace these changes will likely lead the industry, offering superior products and experiences to both athletes and fans. Innovations and Trends Virtual Reality (VR) Training: Enhances decision-making and performance. Reduces injury risk. Platforms like Sense Arena simulate game scenarios for hockey and tennis players. Performance Analytics: Real-time data improves training regimens and minimizes injuries. Tools like the Catapult system (wearables) and 3D motion capture systems. AI-Powered Scouting: Analyzes player performance and potential with high accuracy. Uses machine learning algorithms to evaluate various performance metrics. Assesses physical attributes, skill levels, and game statistics. Provides objective insights into a player's strengths and weaknesses. Helps identify talent that might be overlooked by traditional scouting methods. Opportunities Enhanced Training Programs Use VR and AI-driven analytics. Improve player performance and extend careers. Personalized Fan Experiences Increase engagement and loyalty. AR applications provide real-time stats and personalize global viewing experiences. New Revenue Streams Customized advertising and sponsorship opportunities. AI creates dynamic ads tailored to specific audiences. Issues High Cost Significant investments required for technology and training. Accuracy and Reliability Crucial for decision-making. Inconsistent data or faulty algorithms can lead to mistrust. Ethical Considerations Privacy and data security concerns. Organizations must navigate these issues to maintain trust and comply with regulations. #AI #sports #trends #1pager #integrationprofessionals https://IntegrationProfessionals.com AI Trends in Compute: Executive 1-pager Innovations and Trends Data Centres Traditional data centers, built for cloud-scale operations, are not sufficient for generative AI models. The demand for processing power is skyrocketing, necessitating liquid cooling infrastructure, larger and taller racks, and upgraded electrical distribution systems. Quantum Computing: Nations like the US and China are competing to be the first to achieve a usable quantum computer. Quantum computing promises to revolutionize fields like cryptography, drug discovery, and scientific simulations by solving problems too complex for classical computers. AI-Driven Chip Design Leading technology companies are using AI to optimize chip design, tackling issues of cost, speed, and power efficiency. This approach could disrupt the semiconductor market, giving innovators a competitive edge and fostering advancements in AI-dependent sectors. Opportunities Data Centres Companies that invest early in AI-optimized data centers gain a competitive advantage due to the rising demand for high-performance computing environments and limited data center space. Quantum Computing Companies investing in quantum-resistant cryptography and quantum machine learning could excel in data security and drug discovery, leading to competitive advantages and new business opportunities. AI-Optimized Chips As AI spreads in enterprise applications, businesses can modify their software and operating systems to support AI-optimized chips and mobile devices. This could enable more powerful and efficient AI-driven solutions across various industries. Issues Data Centres Resource constraints, particularly the availability of GPUs, data center space, and AI expertise. The transition to high-density AI data centers requires costly and complex infrastructure adjustments, posing financial and logistical challenges for operators. Talent Shortage The global semiconductor industry faces a shortage of skilled workers, hindering onshoring initiatives and the development of advanced computing technologies. Addressing this talent gap through workforce development programs and immigration reforms is crucial. Geopolitical Tensions The race for technological supremacy, particularly in quantum computing and semiconductors, fuels geopolitical tensions and protectionist policies. This could stifle global collaboration, leading to a potential "tech cold war" and hampering progress in these critical fields. #AI #compute #trends #1pager #integrationprofessionals https://IntegrationProfessionals.com Comments are closed.