Episode 511: Managing Stakeholders - Building Trust for Project Success
Categories:
PDUs: Power Skills
Categories: PDUs: Power Skills
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Episode SummaryEffective stakeholder management is critical to project success. This episode features Barbara Kephart, a UC Berkeley-certified project manager, who shares her expertise in building trust and navigating complex stakeholder dynamics. With decades of experience and a reputation as the "C-Suite Whisperer," Barbara provides insights into understanding stakeholder needs, managing their influence, and fostering collaboration for smoother project execution. Barbara discusses the human element of stakeholder engagement, emphasizing the importance of communication, empathy, and trust-building. Listeners will learn to balance stakeholder power dynamics, use tools like power-interest grids effectively, and tailor communication to different audiences. Through real-world anecdotes, Barbara illustrates how even small gestures can transform relationships, reduce conflicts, and drive better project outcomes. This episode equips project managers with the tools to turn stakeholders into allies. (This interview was originally published on The Project Management Podcast.) |
Episode 510: Stress-Free Project Success
Categories:
PDUs: Power Skills
Categories: PDUs: Power Skills
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Episode SummaryProject management can be a high-stress profession filled with tight deadlines, scope changes, and budget pressures. James Louttit, a project management leader and former CIO, joins us to share his insights into reducing stress in project management and leading teams more effectively. Drawing from his personal experiences with burnout and recovery, James has developed practical, human-centered approaches that prioritize team well-being while achieving project goals. This episode explores the roots of project stress and provides actionable solutions for creating healthier project environments. James discusses his journey through high-stress projects, the turning point in his career, and his innovative strategies for creating low-stress success. From using transparency in prioritization to implementing agile tools across project types, he explains how to adapt these approaches to suit unique team needs. James also explores common pitfalls in project management, such as bureaucratic processes that can detract from team effectiveness, and offers methods to empower teams through tools like prioritized backlogs, contingency planning, and collaborative decision-making. This episode is packed with valuable insights for project managers looking to foster resilience and well-being within their teams. (This interview was originally published on The Project Management Podcast.) |
Episode 509: Project Success Starts with the Right Project Team
Categories:
PDUs: Power Skills
Categories: PDUs: Power Skills
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Episode SummaryAchieving project success involves more than managing timelines and deliverables; it starts with assembling the right team. In this episode, award-winning project management consultant and speaker, Dawn Mahan, shares her expertise on creating cohesive, effective project teams and maximizing the impact of each role. With her extensive experience advising senior leaders, Dawn brings a wealth of practical insights to help project managers make the best use of their team members’ skills and ensure everyone is aligned with the project’s objectives. Drawing from her book, "Meet the Players in Project Land," Dawn discusses essential project roles, including the sponsor, steering team, project manager, and team leads. She highlights the challenges of pre-assigned team members, aligning sponsor expectations, and fostering a team culture that transcends traditional hierarchies. Dawn also reveals practical strategies for managing stakeholders, including handling challenging personalities who may impact the project. (This interview was originally published on The Project Management Podcast.) |
Episode 508: The Three Pillars of a High-Performing Project Manager
Categories:
PDUs: Ways of Working
Categories: PDUs: Ways of Working
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Episode SummaryEvery project manager faces the complex challenge of balancing priorities across multiple dimensions, from tracking budgets and deadlines to nurturing productive teams. In this episode, Ben Willmott, founder of PPM Academy, joins us to break down his three fundamental pillars for achieving consistent project success. With over 20 years of industry experience, Ben shares insights on how these pillars – project health, financial health, and team health – can simplify the path to effective project management. His focus on practical, adaptable methods empowers project managers to navigate project complexities and drive high-impact outcomes. Ben emphasizes that mastering these pillars isn’t just about adhering to strict methodologies; it’s about equipping project managers to make informed, timely decisions that align with project goals. Through real-world examples, Ben demonstrates the versatility of his three-pillar approach across industries and project types, showing how any project manager can implement these foundational principles. Watch and gain actionable advice on effectively monitoring these critical aspects and ensuring your projects are successful and sustainable. (This interview was originally published on The Project Management Podcast.) |
Episode 507: Mastering Remote Leadership - Strategies for Project Managers
Categories:
PDUs: Power Skills
Categories: PDUs: Power Skills
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Episode SummaryRemote leadership has become an essential skill in today’s project-driven environment, and mastering it can give you a distinct competitive advantage. In this episode, Cornelius Fichtner welcomes Wayne Turmel, an expert in remote work and leadership, to discuss how project managers can adapt their leadership styles to meet the demands of virtual teams. Wayne shares practical strategies and tools managers can use to build trust, communicate effectively, and foster engagement in remote work. Listeners will learn actionable techniques to ensure their teams stay productive and motivated, despite the challenges of physical distance. Wayne explains how communication and leadership styles must evolve when managing virtual teams, emphasizing the importance of clarity, empathy, and consistency. Whether you're leading a fully remote team or managing hybrid work environments, the insights shared in this episode will help you take your leadership skills to the next level. (This interview was originally published on The Project Management Podcast.) |
