Digg it UP - Business

When the Trip Has Finished Starts the Hard Work
Do you recognize this; you have come back from a holiday, you get back to work and the same day at five o'clock (or the next day at four) you seem to have forgotten about your holiday. The energy and fine ideas that you brought back with you are fading away once you are behind your desk.In general. Traveling is often used as a metaphor to explain a change. People travel all the time and changes are also omnipresent. You can travel alone or with a team. And the destination of a journey may be seen as the result of a new change. You are never the same when you have experienced a journey or holiday, but the way in which you have really changed is limited.The journey. To map this metaphor the journey could be mapped on a change program. Your organization runs this change program and at the end, the program (journey) is over and the change is made.Preparations. A long journey requires some preparations or planning. For a journey this is easily done and a free choice for the traveler. If its pure holiday you are free to improvise but you would be sorry if all the hotels are booked just at the moment you had planned to visit. A change could be planned but with much less certainty. The destination – the next topic – is a place that needs to be constructed.

k registers can be over populated with large risks that if they occur will have a far greater impact than on just the project. Take ownership of the large company risks yourself as the project sponsor. Get the team to focus only on risks that are local and could impact the project.

13. Let Teams Work To Their Own Heartbeat
Each project team is unique, don't impose your individual way of working on the team. Encourage them to work in the way which delivers the best results. Casual clothes, late starts, early finishes; none of these matter on a project if the project is delivering exceptional results. Focus on the results and let the team work the way they want to.

14. Get Experts In When You Need Them
At specific points on a project it is wise to get in experts to help. If your team is weak in requirements gathering hire specialist requiremenst analysts. If you need help putting together business cases and project plans then recognise this and get external help.

When selecting consultants their experience and portfolio of work is important. But it is more essential that you and the project team can work with them on a personal level. Look for clear jargon free communication and individual personalities that will fit in with your company culture.

15. Sell The Project
Organisations normally have numerous projects under way at once.If you want your project to be a success then you are

Looking for a Job or for a Career?
As you enter the job market, (for the first time or after a while) you might find that there are a lot of buzzwords thrown around, including the terms career and job. You might be looking for a career, but you aren’t going to enter the career market! Decide if you are looking for a job or a career today, and how to get the position you want.According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a job is a piece of work that you do because of your occupation. A job also describes paid employment. A career, according to the OED, is a “person’s course or progress through life.” This article defines job as the place where you are employed, and career as the field in which you work.Even though you might have lost your job, you may still have a career. For instance, if you are an x-ray technician who has been laid off, chances are that you will be able to find new work in the field. Your job might change slightly: you might become a dental x-ray technician, or a veterinary x-ray technician rather than a hospital x-ray technician, but you will still remain an x-ray technician.You can choose to change either your job or your career. For instance, you might still want to have your career as a computer technician, but you want to advance to a highe

1. Question The Need For The Project
The quickest, cheapest and simplest way of improving your organisation's levels of project success is to stop starting new projects. Question whether your new project is really required right now. If you aren't going to do anything different between this new project and a previous project, chances are that this one will fail as well.

Instead plan a strategy for improving your project success rates. Once you have begun to implement some of the changes the start new projects. For the time being, stop projects failing by simply not starting any new ones.

2. Always Prototype Solutions
The use of prototypes will improve the rates of project success. From simple pictures and diagrams to functional working models, prototypes will improve the frequency, quality and quantity of stakeholder feedback into a project.

Train project members to storyboard user scenarios. Look to include a web developer in the plan to create basic mock-up application screens. One of the first deliverables in any project plan should be a form of prototype. Start getting stakeholder feedback as soon as possible.

The most effective teams, build prototypes, get feedback and then incorporate the feedback into the next set of prototypes. By providing stakeholders with this level of attention and focus leads to greater support. Individuals like to see their vision and ideas presented as a tangible entity rather than as a set of bullet points in a document.

3. Don't Always Use Standard Templates For Documentation
Project documentation rarely gets properly read and fed back on. Stakeholders are too busy to read the amount of information that they are expected to read through and comment on. Invariable most will simply skim through large documents, read the executive summary and provide some high level feedback. The risk of this is that the Project Manager and team believe that they have got stakeholder buy-in whilst in reality they have just been lucky (unlucky?) because an area of potential contention has been missed by a stakeholder. Let the team document what is required against a set of prompts not rigid templates.

4. Make Sure Everyone Is Together
Where feasible make sure all of the project team are located in the same office. The quality and ease of communication flows directly affects the levels of project success.

Teams located in close proximity with their suppliers and other project members benefit because:

* Face to face communication is proven to be the most effective form

* It reduces the time of feedback loops

* It builds stronger team relationships

5. Give Them Space
If you want a successful project then you need team members 100% focused on delivering. Put the somewhere where they can't be distracted from usual e-mails and telephone calls. Ideally rent project space away from your offices. This prevents any distractions as well as encourages teams to focus on the task in hand.

Whilst stakeholders will have to travel to the project team it will ensure that once there they will devote their time to the project team's needs.

6. Team Building
As the project sponsor make sure that you have an effective team working for you. Are they motivated to deliver the project? Do you know the team dynamics? Be prepared to change team members if the dynamics aren't working. Also invest in team-building activities early in the project and on an ongoing basis.

7. Fail Quickly
Tom Peters advocates the merits of failing fast. Don't drag out a project's failure/ Instead fail with gusto and support the project team. Because you've failed quickly you still have time to make amends with a new project. This time you have learnt about the issues and problems that you will face. This greatly improves the chances of the project being a real success this time.

8. Measure Real Progress
As a project sponsor you shouldn't be asking for weekly activity updates, risk updates and traffic-light reports. Your main priority is to ensure that the project team are producing real tangible value. Put in place value milestones (E.g. first product sold, first real customer feedback). Direct the team to focus on business value above and beyond anything else. Measure progress against these value milestones not just activities.

9. Don't Audit Your Projects By Default
Project Audits cause project team large amounts of work. None of this work creates any value and is an unnecessary process for the project. Trust your team that they are managing the project budget and risks adequately. If you have concerns then ask the team (not just the project manager) questions until your concerns go away.

10. Brand The Project
Projects should have their own identity and brand that is recognisable across the organisation. Encourage team members to be creative with project names and branding. Choose names and colours that generate interest and a positive buzz.

11. Interview And Advertise For Project Members
Being selected for a project shoould be seen as a privelege and exciting opportunity. You need to nurture a clulture where the best staff are selected for project work. A simple yet effective way of achieving this is by ensuring that all project member are interviewed for project roles. Advertise up and coming projects internally on your intranet and notice boards. Make projects cool and exciting by rewarding successful projects with perks and bonuses. make it that your best people want to be on the most challenging projects.

12. Only Worry About Real Risks
Risk management within the project should focus on the direct risks only. Risk registers can be over populated with large risks that if they occur will have a far greater impact than on just the project. Take ownership of the large company risks yourself as the project sponsor. Get the team to focus only on risks that are local and could impact the project.

15. Sell The Project
Organisations normally have numerous projects under way at once.If you want your project to be a success then you are

How To Write Meaningful Mission Statements
Mission statements summarize your company’s philosophy and purpose, and are an integral part of your articles of incorporation and business plan. Powerful mission statements should be less than 100 words in length and ideally focus on your organization’s core competencies—that is, what you do best.While a mission statement is an important part of your overall business plan, its primary purpose is to inform consumers and capital investors of who you are, what you do, and why you do it. Additionally, the mission statement provides direction to your marketing campaign and sets the tone of your corporate culture. The following two examples serve to illustrate this concept.Sample 1:Basics Unlimited offers convenient and affordable lodging in over 300 locations nationwide. We strive to return a fair profit to our shareholders and provide a rewarding work experience for our employees.Analysis of Statement:This short mission statement squeezes in a lot of information about Basics Unlimited’s corporate culture and goals. The first sentence focuses your attention on its basic purpose, lodging, but also emphasizes that it serves a market looking for convenience and economy. The name of the company also suggests the hotel/motel chain is a “no-frills” provider o

gible entity rather than as a set of bullet points in a document.

Teams located in close proximity with their suppliers and other project members benefit because:

* Face to face communication is proven to be the most effective form

* It reduces the time of feedback loops

* It builds stronger team relationships

Whilst stakeholders will have to travel to the project team it will ensure that once there they will devote their time to the project team's needs.

15. Sell The Project
Organisations normally have numerous projects under way at once.If you want your project to be a success then you are

Virtual Seminars - Do They Really Work?
Recently there was a week long Virtual Seminar on the web and as a matter of fact, it is still going on. You could attend and listen in for days at a time or you could buy the information and download it later. Both options seem excellent and the price tag is reasonable. The topics and speakers are top notch and probably people I would like to hear in person. So, how popular are these virtual seminars? The results are not yet in and I have only heard a few comments on the quality of the information. Frankly, I like the way Fred Gleeck conducts his seminars, he delivers a lot of information and huge value, even if the event is free. However, most of the other speakers I have heard give little information and want you to buy they expensive package. If the truth be known, if I get huge value out of the free or inexpensive seminar, I am more likely to buy (way to go Fred!). So far the jury is out and since there are so many speakers on so many topics, I am doubting the focus of the Virtual Seminar Week. There are also thousands of dollars of products to buy. Hey, I thought the seminar was going to give me good information I could use right away! I don't mind spending a few bucks but I don't want to mortgage my house to buy overpriced information. If you have at

alls. Ideally rent project space away from your offices. This prevents any distractions as well as encourages teams to focus on the task in hand.

Whilst stakeholders will have to travel to the project team it will ensure that once there they will devote their time to the project team's needs.

15. Sell The Project
Organisations normally have numerous projects under way at once.If you want your project to be a success then you are

The Drawback of Hacking Off a Blogger Through Weak Process Gaps and Pathetic Customer Service
With all of the recent data theft in the financial sector, it is important to make sure that we don't go crazy trying to protect ourselves from risk. Risk management does have a value but this value lies mostly on the front end. Reactionary risk management almost always produces a point at where the value of protecting oneself or one's customers overshadows the product or service that you are offering. The majority of companies always go beyond this point, some thinking they can even sell it to the customer as a security measure and build their brand with it.This is a lazy and terribly detrimental course of action for any corporation to undertake.I recently called Citistreet, the company that manages the 401K plans for the corporation I will be leaving in a month. I was sent a PIN number about six months ago via snail mail but misplaced the paper and one of the security questions they ask is, "What was your start date with the company." Well, I worked for a subsidiary of the company that was eventually taken back into the motherfold--so I really have two hire dates and I couldn't get it straight with the woman from Citistreet.So, the first gap in their process was a pathetic back-up security system of identifying appropriate customers.Next, I was told tha

else. Measure progress against these value milestones not just activities.

15. Sell The Project
Organisations normally have numerous projects under way at once.If you want your project to be a success then you are

The Specialties Of Forensic Nurses
Forensic nursing, just like regular nursing is divided up into several smaller specialties. Nurses wanting to get an education in forensics have the opportunity to pick one or more of these specialties that they prefer the most. Here are three of those smaller specialties:Sexual Assault Nurse ExaminerThis nurse responds to notification of sexual assault, usually by the emergency room staff and obtains a preliminary history, conducts an in-depth interview and conducts the physical, including a pelvic exam to collect appropriate evidence.The nurse maintains a verified chain of evidence and collaborates with law enforcement officials, which may include testifying in court. The role includes victim education regarding sexually transmitted disease and pregnancy risks and provides referrals for follow-up care.The first SANE programs started in the mid 1970’s but it wasn’t until the late 1980’s that the programs got a major growth spurt as they grew more rapidly in the 1990’s when localities started to see the benefits of what these SANE programs have to offer. And by 1996, there were approximately 70 programs in existence.Death InvestigatorA death investigator is the first person at the crime scene with a forensic background. They must

15. Sell The Project
Organisations normally have numerous projects under way at once.If you want your project to be a success then you are going to have to sell its benefits. You will need to sell to ensure that you get access to the best resources. You will need to sell to raise the profile of the project so that the team are motivated to deliver. Talk up the project team with other senior stakeholders and encourage them to get involved. Get their support by selling the benefits and the project will have more chance of succeeding.

16. Benchmark And Strive Higher
Don't aim for mediocre results. Benchmark the best solutions available in your industry and beyond. Measure your deliverables against the best in class and aim to become the best. Don't accept budget or resource limitations. Some of the greatest inventions and products were delivered on shoe-string budgets. Sell your project vision with passion and the project team will aim for it. Believe in the project team and they will deliver exceptional results.

17. Mix The Team Dynamic
Successful teams require a healthy mixture of skills, personalities and experience. Consider the different individual personalities when putting the project team together. Put together different ages and perspectives.

18. Refresh The Team
Adding fresh resources into projects that become stale is a good way of revitalising the project's energy levels. New ideas and perspectives can help to break any deadlocks.

19. Incentivise Suppliers
If your project is dependent on external suppliers then provide incentives to ensure they will be rewarded on good performance. Encourage them to deliver early through project bonuses and reward schemes. You want your suppliers to be dedicated to the success of your project and incentivising them financially will guarantee their focus.

20. Encourage Teams To Document Only When It Hurts
An approach borrowed from the 'Agil Alliance', project teams should be focused on delivering value and not necessarily documentation. Unless the documentation is a critical part of the required outputs then teams should be looking to capture information in a temporary format. Make sure teams have lots of whiteboard space and flip-charts. This will save the team time and energy and allow them to focus on the real value, the deliverables.

21. Ask Questions And Stay Involved
Keep involved with the project. Ask open questions and closed ones. Keep the Project Managers on their toes. Be there to support them nut make sure that they know that the project is important to you. Stay involved with the project and anything you can to help them.

22. Do Something
Projects continue to fail because teams continue to make the same mistakes. Take charge of the situation and don't accept poor projects. If the project is going to fail then make it fail fast. Learn from the failure and start another project with greater chances of success. Stay positive and believe that with the right tools and support your projects can make a difference.

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