Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Mar 14, 2020 2:38 PM
Replying to Timothy Gaburungyi
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I am so happy to find that we are discussing the COVID-19 pandemic and the possible role we could play, As PMI certified project managers, I am convinced we are uniquely positioned to significantly contribute and help the world towards a resolution. Yes, better placed than Medical Doctors and even national, state and local governments. Our PM tools and discipline give us the edge. How can we help? By standardizing the issue and the response in a globally consumable manner. This engenders a common understanding, makes information readily available, enhances the pace of information exchange and treatment, reduces opportunities for errors in communication and defeats the spread of false news. How do we do this? I can think of the first few steps. We scour all the credible sources of information and compile them into a single but highly credible reference resource document devoid of any contradictory information and sensitive to the different cultures around the globe. We work with medical professionals, community leaders and social workers in our number to validate the process at every stage In such a document we will; Define the objectives of this mission including the scope – limited to COVID - 119 We define COVID-19 We define the terminology We explain how it spreads We explain the testing process We explain the treatment options We explain and list in order of efficacy or depending on situation proposals on how to contain it. We make available “Public Communication” samples to protect individuals, groups and societies Provide guidance to return businesses and society to normal operations.
Dear Timothy,
agree we could do all of this, but we aren't.
It is the virologists who are considered to monitor the situation, provide predictions and recommend actions. If governments listen to them, they decide and implement. No project managers involved, or are they?
This crisis also is not like a project, it is more a defensive and reactive struggle as we go along.
One topic we could jump on is to help set the necessary culture, the sense of community and support, which also would help us elsewhere once the crisis is mitigated.
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1 reply by Timothy Gaburungyi
Mar 15, 2020 10:05 AM
Timothy Gaburungyi
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Maybe sharing the background to what informs my suggestion is in order. In my view whenever disasters strike, human suffering is extended that much longer because there is little or no information or worse wrong information. Think of the aftermath of hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes and Tsunamis, people are not able to find their loved ones. A standard response procedure like immediately launching a single consolidated list of missing persons would sort that out. Instead we get multiple lists, with a myriad of spelling errors and the suffering continues. With COVID-19 a major failing has been the information flow too. In some case two pieces information which are really aligned have come across as contradictory just because of how this information is presented. The testing protocol for COVID-19 is the best example I can give. Yes, there is a need for expanded testing, but that testing is for persons who may have known exposure to a COVID-19 patient or one who is suffering the defined symptoms. The testing is not intended to be taken by the general healthy public to assuage any fears. The call is for a project with the limited and defined scope of collecting accurate information (about the disease, containment, mitigation, cure, symptoms etc) , compiling it logically and presenting it in a standardized and actionable format – like our PMBOK guide – of course so much shorter. There I simply too much loose information flowing around.
Product Operations Program ManagerBarcelona, Cataluña, Spain
Beyond our role as PM, it is our duty as human beings to do what is best to our fellas. To start off, to follow all measures adviced by doctors and politicians. Confine yourself at home. From a PM perspective, ensure that team members can also work from home, speak to their line managers about the risks of doing business as usual. It is our obligation to make sure that everyone in our projects have the right mindset and do whatever is required to help reducing the viral spreading curve.
This confinement time can be used to reflect on our roles, projects, at work and in life, and to pick up on activities that we never have the time to do. Use this disruption to your advantage. And above all protect yourself, this is the best way to protect others. Saving Changes...
Timothy GaburungyiSenior Vice President, CIO/CISO| Jacob K. Javits Convention CenterDanbury, Ct, United States
Mar 15, 2020 6:13 AM
Replying to Thomas Walenta
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Dear Timothy,
agree we could do all of this, but we aren't.
It is the virologists who are considered to monitor the situation, provide predictions and recommend actions. If governments listen to them, they decide and implement. No project managers involved, or are they?
This crisis also is not like a project, it is more a defensive and reactive struggle as we go along.
One topic we could jump on is to help set the necessary culture, the sense of community and support, which also would help us elsewhere once the crisis is mitigated.
Maybe sharing the background to what informs my suggestion is in order. In my view whenever disasters strike, human suffering is extended that much longer because there is little or no information or worse wrong information. Think of the aftermath of hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes and Tsunamis, people are not able to find their loved ones. A standard response procedure like immediately launching a single consolidated list of missing persons would sort that out. Instead we get multiple lists, with a myriad of spelling errors and the suffering continues. With COVID-19 a major failing has been the information flow too. In some case two pieces information which are really aligned have come across as contradictory just because of how this information is presented. The testing protocol for COVID-19 is the best example I can give. Yes, there is a need for expanded testing, but that testing is for persons who may have known exposure to a COVID-19 patient or one who is suffering the defined symptoms. The testing is not intended to be taken by the general healthy public to assuage any fears. The call is for a project with the limited and defined scope of collecting accurate information (about the disease, containment, mitigation, cure, symptoms etc) , compiling it logically and presenting it in a standardized and actionable format – like our PMBOK guide – of course so much shorter. There I simply too much loose information flowing around. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
What is our role as project managers in this crisis? How can we contribute to fight the pain and to leverage the opportunities? What are you doing?
The Question would be what kind of projects are we managing? Is it in Healthcare area or an IT project ? Can project be worked on remotely? Is team equipped with proper tools and technology? If its a healthcare project we need to find ways of helping patients who need care and support with out being in contact / less contact using technology (telephonic appointment, Virtual meeting) etc.
For a project in IT In my opinion using EQ supporting team and staying virtually connected with them and staying on top of communication will help.Although there will be barriers with current situation managers should be slightly flexible with deadlines and should try not to micro manage yet manage and get work done.
I agree with Alexander panic can affect the working capability of team so as a leader advising them to stay calm and being there for team can help everyone to work in chaotic situation. Saving Changes...
I think the contribution of a PM could be in the risk management of our projects, and being able to adapt them, our strategies, and investments to the challenges we're facing,
I also think in the community we could be proactive at making decisions to mitigate the risk in the job or helping to implement contingency plans in our job place. Saving Changes...
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