French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” If you’re anything like me, you’re good at spotting which tasks will move the needle and which ones may not. But sometimes, our best-laid plans are overshadowed by challenges that...
Time Tracking To Increase Your Productivity
We’ve all been there. It’s suddenly 5 o’clock on Friday, and our to-do list is staring back at us, untouched, despite us spending the week glued to our desks. Time management is one of the most difficult aspects of productivity. It’s easy to feel like there’s just not...
Keeping Our Focus on The Main Thing
I always have a long to-do list. I imagine you do, too. I have a long list for home, my kids, for nonprofits I support, for building my business, for supporting each customer, etc. So even though I give the advice, focus on the main thing. I often get irritated with...
Agile Elements Keep a Project Moving
Shift happens. Shift happens everywhere. The world around us changes so quickly. Family. Politics. The environment. Business. It's naive to think that things will happen exactly as we plan them. We only fool and frustrate ourselves when we get bent out of shape...
Decisions Require Action
"Never leave the scene of a decision without taking an action."-Tony Robbins I'm a serial decision maker. I take a special joy in making grandiose proclamations about my new life choices. For me, these decisions are usually related to drastic eating changes and how...
Lean for Project Managers
I have been learning and practicing Lean and Six Sigma for the past 18 years, and it's been an awesome journey. This journey has allowed me to learn and think about work and processes from a customer’s perspective. I studied engineering as an undergrad and business as...
Bringing Fun Into the Workplace
Lately, I've had way more work than I've had time. I've overbooked myself, but thankfully, it’s slowly getting better. This is sometimes a good problem to have… but I don't want to repeat it. As I extended the amount of time that I worked, I edged out my morning...
Do It… And No, It Won’t Be Perfect
The first time you do something, it won't be perfect. I remember the first time I had a sales call with a potential client. I got there early. I was dressed well. I was prepared – the best I could. But, I didn't know what to expect. I remember wishing I could bring...
Taking 2021 Projects Successfully into 2022
I'm not one to rush my life along. I want to savor each day and smell all the roses. But I’ll be the first to admit… I am truly looking forward to a fresh start in 2022. Yes, I know the things we are currently dealing with won’t just suddenly disappear - the pandemic,...