Project Management

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What do you do when you don't know what to do?

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Joshua Render Product Owner| Cognizant Harrisville, Ny, United States
Nothing in particular here, I am just wondering how others handle uncertainty, lack of knowledge on a subject, or a hard to research problem.
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Jesus Martheyn Project Manager SR Lvl 2| Globant Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
I usually take my time to ask somebody else whose I know could give me an accurate point of view over the problem, and then I search some information related with the expert judgment received to finally make a decision with criteria.

Sometimes it is really hard, but anyway we as project managers have to find out the right decision or approach. Of course, it could depend on the PM expertise.

Jesus Martheyn
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Mayte Mata Sivera PMO Leader | Speaker | Author Ut, United States
Handle Lack of knowledge:

I think that we all agree on the same answer, recognize our own weaknesses, don't be afraid to said "I don't know how to do that, or could you help me with..." the process can be for some people painful (not all the people like to recognize and publish their lack of knowledge)...but it leads to greater self-awareness
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Cindy Yager IT Project Manager| Desai Management Consulting Underhill, Vt, United States
Ask questions. Try to get the clarification that will allow you to take the next step forward.
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RAJESH K L Project Manager, PMP| Bharat Electronics, Bengaluru, India Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
I google for issues/knowledge areas which are new/unfamiliar to me. Also I find out people / groups who had prior experience in the area and talk to them
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James Sweeney Functional Manager| Verizon Kingston, Ma, United States
There is never any shame in asking when you don't know something. To the contrary, asking is a sign of intelligence. Having said that - you can often learn more if you invest time by researching on your own. Analogy: what is the best way to learn your way around a new city?
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1 reply by Joshua Render
Jul 26, 2018 9:41 AM
Joshua Render
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Getting lost can be helpful for learning a city.
I prefer walking that city with a GPS, it usually helps me better and with the added benefit of knowing where I am at compared to my hotel. I say "walking" because after a business trip to Los Angelas in 2013 I decided I never want to drive in a large city ever again if I can help it. I learned how to navigate Dallas through DART and walking around, Manhatten it was taxis and walking.
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Joshua Render Product Owner| Cognizant Harrisville, Ny, United States
Jul 26, 2018 9:33 AM
Replying to James Sweeney
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There is never any shame in asking when you don't know something. To the contrary, asking is a sign of intelligence. Having said that - you can often learn more if you invest time by researching on your own. Analogy: what is the best way to learn your way around a new city?
Getting lost can be helpful for learning a city.
I prefer walking that city with a GPS, it usually helps me better and with the added benefit of knowing where I am at compared to my hotel. I say "walking" because after a business trip to Los Angelas in 2013 I decided I never want to drive in a large city ever again if I can help it. I learned how to navigate Dallas through DART and walking around, Manhatten it was taxis and walking.
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Gaurav Pradeep New Delhi, Delhi, India
I agree with Cindy and Mayte that asking questions and seeking help is the right approach when you are not an SME or knowledgeable about certain subject.
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Anish Abraham Privacy Program Manager| University of Washington Auburn, Wa, United States
I spend sometime alone, ask questions to myself and clarifies those questions with experts.
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1 reply by Joshua Render
Jul 26, 2018 2:20 PM
Joshua Render
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Some quiet reflection on the issue, I like it.
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Tamer Zeyad Sadiq Assistant Cost Manager| Turner & Townsend Riyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia
I try solve the problem ay follow the correct procedures!!! If I can’t, I will consult and escalate to too management and expert judgement to solve this issue!!!

Tamer
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1 reply by Joshua Render
Jul 26, 2018 2:19 PM
Joshua Render
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I wish it worked that way for me. Management comes to me solve the issues.
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Joshua Render Product Owner| Cognizant Harrisville, Ny, United States
Jul 26, 2018 2:18 PM
Replying to Tamer Zeyad Sadiq
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I try solve the problem ay follow the correct procedures!!! If I can’t, I will consult and escalate to too management and expert judgement to solve this issue!!!

Tamer
I wish it worked that way for me. Management comes to me solve the issues.
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