Disobedient Talk

Even effective relationships between project managers and senior leaders can have gaps in knowledge and understanding.  One of the most impactful gaps is unspoken fears about a project’s approach, outcome, or working with specific stakeholders. Even experienced senior leaders can succumb to fears not communicated…

I’m lucky enough to have a small cabin by a lake. It’s a great place to hang out, especially when it’s cool outside because the cabin is heated with a wood-fired pot-belly stove. It’s a return to the fundamental joys of life. Preparing to use…

In today’s fast-paced business environment, complex projects have become the norm. These projects are characterized by multiple influential stakeholders; technical innovations managed across technical teams, and the need to satisfy current and future requirements. These conditions present unique challenges that demand a sophisticated approach to…

Project management processes often fail to take root in organizations, leading to reinvention and inefficiency. This can be avoided by ensuring critical elements are in place when implementing project management processes. Here are the characteristics of robust, flexible, and enduring processes that enhance project success….

A recent flight experienced a delay, so I had extra time at the airport. Believing time is precious, I immediately went to “open my to-do list” mode, considering what I could do, seeing I had extra time and was not at my desk. Here are…

First, here is a quick overview of intelligent disobedience. In a business context, intelligent disobedience is an act performed with the intent to create a better outcome than would be achieved by following standard rules, practices, or current management direction. Intelligent disobedience means valuing outcomes…

Many people cite finesse as an essential skill for successful project management. While finesse can represent several different behaviors, here are examples of how project managers can deploy finesse while delivering projects. Make it their – and your – idea. I’ve often heard the advice…

I don’t care how large or small your organization is; you are a CEO, a Chief Environmental Officer. How you celebrate victories, deal with defeats, work through coaching moments, and set the tone when you interact with your colleagues will determine the tone they carry…

I’m often asked if anyone and everyone in an organization can execute intelligent disobedience (ID). The answer is definitely NO! To execute ID successfully, certain characteristics need to be present. Here are the characteristics I look for in an intelligently disobedient leader. Characteristic 1: Driven…

One of my favorite stories of intelligent disobedience involves a marriage proposal – that is, the 6th marriage proposal. Norman was persistent, repeatedly asking Suzie to marry him every few months. Suzie, equally persistent, would reply no, citing differences regarding managing finances and future plans…

One of America’s founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, is quoted as saying “When you are finished changing, you are finished.” This is true for both outsourcers and their clients. Business processes, customer expectations, and technology are always changing. An environment that allows and promotes collaborative, productive…

You’ve been hired as a consultant or outsourcer, and for reasons that may or may not be your fault, you start to have delivery issues. In response, you change your status reports, and talk about what you will deliver, and when – but never, ever…