Mark EckmanSenior Project Manager, PMP| VeoliaEmporia, Va, United States
I agree that we need to have a framework to build a project around, but there has not been one project that I have been involved with that has not had challenges that required some "out of the box" thinking.
I have always been a strong subscriber to cross-functional collaboration and it is in this environment that I have seen some of the best creative solutions to some of those challenges.
Thanks to all for sharing. Great topic, George. Saving Changes...
Dinah YoungProject Manager / Software Asset Manager| Prince William CountySpringfield, Va, United States
Most of my out-of-the-box thinking is related to coming up with technical solutions to the issue at hand and less to do with the project management side of things. Often we find that we are stuck in a rut trying to figure out the best technical solution. That is when I try to bring in people from other teams for a brainstorming session. Sometimes you just need to talk it out a bit to break down the sides of the box. Saving Changes...
ABHIJEET GANGULYPM Consultant| SAP India Pvt LtdBangalore, Karnataka, India
Solution should not be always out of the box. Yes when challenging situation arise then you need to think outside the box. I think everyone does this in their day to day project work.
For an example in case of conflict resolution among team or stakeholders, tried and tested method may not work every time. In this case you need to figure out innovative techniques to resolve the conflict. Saving Changes...
S RajasekarSenior Project Manager| AllscriptsBangalore, Karnataka, India
Box is an imaginary object in one’s mind, human mind is designed to think to overcome obstacles and constraint’s. Everyone does this unknowingly and thinking we are smarter than others :-)
Creativity is key. PMs/ managers that enable and promote a healthy and creative environment will reap dividends that have a huge multiplier effect on productivity, work environment, and team cohesion. I'm not one to be impressed easily, but I suggest checking out Nelson Cabral (no affiliation). I've attended a couple of his presentations, and was very impressed with his approach/ methodology.
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Jul 31, 2018 5:48 AM
Replying to S Rajasekar
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Box is an imaginary object in one’s mind, human mind is designed to think to overcome obstacles and constraint’s. Everyone does this unknowingly and thinking we are smarter than others :-)
Rajasekar - I agree!!! Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
I would agree with this statement especially after managing numerous projects some Project Manager almost go into auto pilot as they follow their specific Project Management methodology to the letter. That is why attending Project Management conventions, seminars, workshops and maintaining PDU's for your PMI certification ensure that you are always challenged by new approaches, tools, techniques and methodologies that your fellow Project Managers are using and how they approach new situation with new and acquired skills. Saving Changes...
Lonnie PacelliAuthor & President| ProjectManagementAdvisor.comBellevue, Wa, United States
The best project managers rarely get the easy projects all tied with a nice neat bow. I like to think of it in terms of understanding the PM techniques well enough to know when some may have to be broken to secure project success. I've never seen anyone get rewarded for a by-the-book project execution that failed to meet its success criteria. At the end of the day it's not about doing things right, but doing the right thing. Saving Changes...
Larry MinerFounder and Sr. Project Management of Decision Memory Systems| Decision Memory SystemsBath, Oh, United States
Jul 29, 2018 1:29 PM
Replying to Eric Simms
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I think out of the box all the time. I dislike repetitiveness, so as a contractor I choose challenging assignments that force me to formulate creative solutions to novel problems. The new experiences enhance my skills, and I'm never bored.
I couldn't agree more Eric. Having to think on your feet about something completely new keeps you fresh and aware. It also provides you with a perspective, on project management, staying inside the box doesn't. Saving Changes...
"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."
