Indite

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While I'm out during my morning runs, I like to think about things. Sometimes the motivation to run is simply to think. Admittedly, I think about work. Other things too of course, but it all ties together. You see, while I'm running I tend to push myself to be better than the last time, whether we're talking in terms of time, distance, or how I feel. Sometimes I go out too fast, and need to stop to walk for 5 or 10 seconds. I do that not because I'm so tired I can't continue, but because I've lost efficiency and cadence due to the fatigue. Simply stopping for those few seconds leads to better form and cadence [efficiency] on restart. And in the end, I still end up with the same time.

Cadence: the flow or rhythm of events, especially the pattern in which something is experienced

Efficiency: able to accomplish something with the least waste of time and effort

Form: the manner or style of arranging and coordinating parts for a pleasing or effective result

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This is a post I wrote last year, shared with my team/organization. I was reminded of it, and thought to share here ....

I had a discussion recently whereas I was asked an obscure question related to perspective.

This discussion sparked a couple thoughts ... 

Perceive(v) - 1) Become aware or conscious of (something); come to realize or understand. 2) Interpret or look on (someone or something) in a particular way

Perception(n) - 1) The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses

Perspective(n) - 1) The art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point. 2) A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view

We tend to create stories. We create stories to help us fill the gaps [in the facts]; in a scenario, in a story, in a perceived understanding. More facts [less gaps], less filler [stories]

I took my son Colin for a run in the jogging stroller. Our run is along the Schuylkill River. Its a 3 mile stretch of a dirt path that is right on the river bank. Along the way are three small bridges. Colin loves going over these bridges. On the return trip we cross the very same bridges. Coming from a different direction, the bridges are different - perception and perspective. And even in comparison to what I see versus what Colin see's, the bridge is different - perception . I'm taller, have different experiences to relate what I'm seeing too - perspective!

This comes to light often in our daily [work] lives too. I learned a valuable piece of advice from a former manager, former employer. That was to not be hesitant to validate all are speaking in terms of a single understanding. That means, not every group [individual] may have the same terminology or definitions. The perception given is one of alignment (that's another discussion!), from both sides, but what one perceives to be the truth, may not be such when looked from the other [different] perspective.

Continue to have discussions, ask questions, and listen - from different POV's

Have Fun!

Drew

PMXPO 2017 is in the books. It was a great collection of sessions, with amazing topics, expertise, and speakers. 

Alison Levine's keynote was incredible, and chalk full of fantastic, thought provoking, and motivational quotes - essentially all the notes below are from her speech. 

• Don't need absolute clarity to put one foot in front of the other.
• Sometimes need to take steps back to move forward.
• It is not about me; it is about the team - "You can count on me"
• As a leader, give everyone a voice - feel valued, important, leads to improvement in work
• Conflict is dangerous when it is unresolved. 
• Backing up is not the same as backing down 
• Take action on the situation; not necessarily the plan
• Adapting, and realizing things change
• Fit the right technique for the right context

Thank you to PMI, the sponsors, and all the excellent speakers, not to forget, also the moderator and support staff. Great event. 

Successful day at my first Chapter event, which happened to be a full day even around Agile in an organizations PMO. Although I'm not in the PMO, it was still very interesting to hear about it. All was tangible as I've worked in an Agile environment in the past. I have the ability to steer a chosen approach within my own team, so I will take some of what I've learned back with me to see how and where I could incorporate into our pipeline.

I happened to sit at the table with a couple of the Chapter leaders. And since I was wearing a badge that I wished to volunteer, it really helped open up some good conversations. Also happens to be that on of them works in the same building as I, albeit, different company and floor. Hi Karthick! Small world!

The speaker as Michael Nir. Great speaker, great content. All attendees received his book - The Agile PMO. 

The turn out was near 250 members. I look forward to more engagements with my Chapter, both as an attendee or volunteer, and meeting new people and making new relationships. 

And did you you see the new 'auto-connect' feature with this site? Now we are able to auto-connect with other Chapter members that also opt-in. Excellent idea. So opt-in and build your network with your local Chapter. 

Delaware Valley Chapter Professional Development Day - Lean Agile and Scrum in Project Management 

This will be my first Chapter engagement since joining last year. I'm excited to take part and meet some of my fellow members. The topic is interesting and I believe will fit in nicely with some of my project work. Organizationally, we are not there yet, however, within our team, we tend to use the best tool for the job. 

It'd be great if PM.com had a twitter feed. I'm not a social media guru, but socializing events such as this, or other types of events, could be an interesting new facet. 

I hope to chyme back in with updates or an assessment of the day. 

DVC - Professional Development Day