As with a lot of managers, I’ve lived my career by the QCD triangle – that is, quality, cost, and, delivery. If the term is not familiar, perhaps the old adage is – “build it right, fast, or cheap: pick two.” And I definitely still believe in this idea. There’s no better way to illustrate…
Category: Project Management
The Big Problem With Estimates
It’s no question that estimates still play a big role in modern-day planning. It’s easy to see why. Estimations give us a mental model of what’s possible in a given timeframe. Having an estimate gives us a sense of security that we know what’s coming and based on which we might drive the rest of…
Does Short Term Matter?
So I have this hypothesis that I would like to demonstrate (maybe even validate) with a quick experiment. Take a look at the following pairs of opposite words. order and chaos stability and risk capital and debt long term and short term If I’m right, the first word of each pair is likely to have…
Differentiating Tools from Deliverables
Reflecting upon my experiences with process management and process improvement initiatives, I’ve recently come to notice a glaring problem that I and many others have been guilty of perpetuating – we often have a lack of regard for what we consider a tool and what is considered a deliverable. These are two different things but…
The Endless Tension Between “Possible” and “Necessary”
Making schedules is boring. Making roadmaps, just a little bit more exciting (extra points for being actually a part of “making something”, as opposed to just predicting how “making something” happens). In management, however, there’s a huge sense of fulfillment when you’re able to elevate these into an artform. I came across this great article…