Project Sand Castle

  ProjectsAtWork  

What do sand sculpting and project management have in common?

I have been in project management for the past twenty years.  Throughout my life, I have enjoyed numerous visits to the sandy shore.  However, it was only recently that I discovered my passion for sculpting sand on these beaches.  At the same time, I became a project manager for a successful entrepreneurial company.  Perhaps these two aspects of my life have impacted each other, helping me to grow in each.

Applying my project management experience in an entrepreneurial company is not impossible, contrary to what I expected before taking the position.  From my vast knowledge and experience in the field, most entrepreneurs want things done now and often see project management as a hindrance. Entrepreneurs typically have a low tolerance for following a project plan; they just want to know when it will be done.

When I joined FindWhat.com in the spring of 2002, I managed the building and infrastructure of the company’s future, five-story building. The project’s success was based on two factors: cost savings and timelines. The project was a tremendous achievement.  However, in my eyes, the significance of the project’s success was second to the knowledge it provided our executive staff in understanding the importance of following project management methodologies…

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