Art and science of project management
Welcome to the first ever newsletter!!
Below is my first ever newsletter sent out a few weeks ago. If you like it, please subscribe to it by clicking on this link and you’ll also get a freebie.
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The purpose of the newsletter is to give you resources you can use to improve your practice as a craftsman in project delivery.
Notice a few things here. First, our approach is to view ourselves as craftsmen instead of a role or title. I first came across the concept of being a craftsman from the writing of Cal Newport. I highly recommend his book “Deep Focus”.
As a craftsman, you develop depth of skill and experience in your core competencies. You learn, practice and gain experience. This is a continual cycle. You apply respect, care and thoughtfulness to your work. You’re focused on the process and gain meaning from it.
The second thing to notice is that it’s about project delivery. The focus is on the business and customer outcome we’re trying to achieve. It’s agnostic of methodology. A methodology is a tool, not the end game.
Daily Habits of a Project Manager
On Medium, I wrote about the daily practices of a project manager. This is applicable to anyone not just project managers or people working in project delivery.
The underlying concept is about identifying and doing your best work.
Check out the article.
Practice — Daily Planning
Here is a practice that you can start today. The practice of planning your day.
Step 1 — Identify 3 goals that you need to achieve today in order of priority.
Step 2 — Then identify the tasks that you need to get done to achieve those three goals.
Step 3 — Block out time in your calendar to do the work. Try to fit it into when you are at your best (most alert period, feeling fresh).
Building a habit takes time and deliberate practice. Try to stick to this for 30 days.
Reflect on this at the end of each day.
1. Did you achieve all of your goals? If not, why?
2. What challenges did you find? How can you mitigate it tomorrow?
3. What lesson or value can I get out of this?
Quote
“Most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time and more tranquility. Ask yourself at every moment: ‘Is this necessary?’” — Marcus Aurelius
What can you eliminate from your day today so that you have more time for your goals?
Interesting articles, podcasts and resources
Cornelius Fitchner has been running the Project Management Podcast for a long time. It’s a fantastic resource on all things project management.
I highly recommend you to check it out. The website is https://www.project-management... and you can get his podcast on Spotify, Apple and other services.
Check out this episode on Project Leadership where he interviews Susanne Madsen.
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