Tuesday, December 15, 2015

ProjectTalk Newsletter 12/15/2015 Edition


Welcome to the ProjectTalk Newsletter12/15/2015 Edition. This is our final edition for 2015. Your response to ProjectTalk has been gratifying and we’ve enjoyed serving you this year.
 
This issue will focus on:
 
1) 5 tips for managing your project teams
2) 5 steps to planning your project
3) 5 things you must do as a project manager
 
Enjoy.

Monday, December 14, 2015

ProjectTalk Newsletter 12/01/2015 Edition


 
This issue will focus on:
 
1) Seven techniques for eliciting requirements
 
2) Four key elements of Agile development
 
3) Four steps to understanding the value of training
 
Enjoy.

ProjectTalk Newsletter 11/15/2015 Edition


 
This issue will focus on:
 
1) How to deliver challenging projects
 
2) How to boost your confidence in projects
 
3) The value of project templates
 
 Enjoy.

ProjectTalk Newsletter 11/01/2015 Edition


 
This issue will focus on:
 
1) How to collaborate on projects
 
2) How to write a project proposal
 
3) Motivating project staff over the holidays
 
 Enjoy.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

ProjectTalk Newsletter 10/15/2015 Edition

Welcome to this edition of the ProjectTalk Newsletter 10/15/2015.

This issue will focus on:

1) 5 steps to managing multiple projects

2) How to communicate on projects

3) How to measure progress against budget

Enjoy.

Saturday, October 3, 2015

ProjectTalk Newsletter 10/01/2015 Edition


Welcome to this edition of the ProjectTalk Newsletter 10/01/2015. This issue will focus on:
 
1) The 5 goals of a project manager
 
2) 5 tips for delivering under budget
 
3) How to manage a program of work.
 
Enjoy.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

ProjectTalk Newsletter 09/15/2015 Edition

Welcome to this edition of the ProjectTalk Newsletter 09/15/2015. This issue will focus on:

1) 5 tips on project reporting

2) How to manage your project finances

3) Creating a Quality Control Plan

Enjoy.

ProjectTalk Newsletter 09/01/2015 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of the ProjectTalk Newsletter 09/01/2015.

This issue will focus on:

1) Project management for dummies

2) How to deliver your projects successfully

3) How to deliver your projects faster.

Enjoy.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Introducing the Project and Program Management Service Providers (PPMSP) Group


We have just established the latest LinkedIn.com group serving the professional project management community. The group is called Project and Program Management Service Providers (PPMSP) and Its purpose is to provide a forum and avenue of contact and communication for those who provide professional services to the project management community and those who seek such services. Click the hi-lighted link for details. I hope you will join us.
 
-Ruffin

Saturday, August 22, 2015

ProjectTalk Newsletter 08/15/2015 Edition


Welcome to this edition of the ProjectTalk Newsletter 08/15/2015 Edition.

This issue will focus on:

1) How to initiate projects successfully
2) Choosing a project methodology
3) How to kick-start your project

Enjoy.


Friday, July 31, 2015

ProjectTalk Newsletter 08/01/2015 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of the ProjectTalk  newsletter 08/01/2015.

In this issue we will discuss:

1) 10 Tips for Project Success

2) Tips for Implementing Project Methodologies

 3) The Role of A Project Manager

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

40 PPM Experts on Project Leadership


40 PPM Experts on Project Leadership

40 top Project and Portfolio Management (PPM) professionals were asked the following question:

Please share a remarkable leadership secret that had a major impact on an enterprise project you have managed. Please tell the story and the results that you achieved.

They provided a range of insightful answers that paint a picture of an industry in transition.

Enjoy.

Saturday, July 18, 2015

ProjectTalk newsletter 07/15/2015 Edition

Welcome to this edition of the ProjectTalk newsletter 07/15/2015. This issue will focus on:
 
1) How to track your projects,
 
2) Steps to take when your project goes wrong and
 
3) How to create your project dashboard.
 
Enjoy.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

ProjectTalk Newsletter 07/01/2015 Edition

Welcome to the ProjectTalk Newsletter 07/01/2015 Edition.

This issue will focus on:
 
1) How to create your project charter,
2) Creating a Feasibility Study and
3) Using a Project Methodology. 
 
Enjoy.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

ProjectTalk Newsletter 06/15/2015 Edition

Welcome to this edition of the ProjectTalk newsletter 06/15/2015 Edition. This issue will focus on how to improve your project learning, how to reduce project risk and how to determine if your organization should buy your project methodology or create its own. Enjoy.
 

ProjectTalk Newsletter 06/01/2015 Edition

Welcome to this edition of the ProjectTalk newsletter 06/01/2015 Edition. This issue will focus on how to document your projects, how to manage a project portfolio and how to implement a change management process. Enjoy.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

ProjectTalk Newsletter 05/15/2015 Edition


Welcome to this edition of the ProjectTalk newsletter 05/15/2015. This issue will focus on how to improve your decision making, how to create a communications plan and how to manage projects step-by-step. New project managers will certainly be faced with these issues and hopefully these tips will help. Enjoy.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Project Relationship Management (PRM)

Our PM role and responsibilities require us to interact with other team members at different levels within the organization and from different perspectives according to the roles and responsibilities of each. Developing effective working relationships within these contexts is essential for project success. Project Relationship Management (PRM) is the active development, cultivation and maintenance of these project associated relationships.  In this article I discuss the seven (7) possible relationships within a project and their importance to project success. Enjoy.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Soft Skills: Essentials for Project Success

Hi! Just completed my latest PMI Minnesota Chapter Breakfast Meeting presentation entitled, Soft Skills: Essentials for Project Success on June 9, 2015. 

We as project management professionals are well aware of the importance of
the so-called "soft skills" in our professional development and success.

But what exactly are these skills and why are they important in our profession?
How can we determine when these skills are to be used?

What can we do to maximize our effectiveness in each individual area?

Check it out. As always, your feedback is appreciated.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

ProjectTalk Newsletter 05/01/2015 Edition

Welcome to this edition of the ProjectTalk newsletter 05/01/2015. This issue will focus on how to lead your projects, how to resolve project conflict and why projects fail. New project managers will certainly be faced with these issues and hopefully these tips will help. Enjoy.

ProjectTalk Newsletter 04/15/2015 Edition

Welcome to this edition of the ProjectTalk newsletter 04/15/2015. This issue will focus on the essential steps in managing a project, improving your presentation skills and managing to-do lists. We’ve all had experiences with all three and at the time wished we were aware of more guidelines on handling the challenges involved. Keep these tips in mind the next time those challenges arise. Enjoy.

Friday, April 3, 2015

ProjectTalk Newsletter 04/01/2015 Edition



 
This issue will focus on Project Delivery, Project Politics and Project Meetings, We’ve all had experiences with all three and at the time wished we were aware of more guidelines on handling the challenges involved. Keep these tips in mind the next time those challenges arise. Enjoy.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

ProjectTalk Newsletter 03/15/2015 Edition


Welcome to this edition of the ProjectTalk newsletter 03/15/2015. This issue will focus on some items of interest to the new and less experienced members of our professional project management community, (1) How to Scope your Projects, (2) 5 Steps to Hiring the Right Staff and (3) Setting up a Project Office.

Also, read my latest published article entitled “But I’m not ready… The Reluctant BA/PM” (pg. 104). The article is published as a “Teachable Moment” and is part of the projectmanagement.com 2015 Open House celebration.
 
Post a comment. We love sharing your expertise.  

Remember, to subscribe to the ProjectTalk Newsletter just visit our web-site at:
 
Enjoy.

Monday, March 16, 2015

"Teachable Moments" from projectmanagement.com

Check out my article entitled, "But I'm not ready... The Reluctant BA/PM" (pg. 104). The article was published in the projectmanagement... e-book entitled, "Teachable Moments" as part of their 2015 Open House Celebration. onedrive.live.com... Look over the other titles as well. I'm sure you'll find a teachable moment of interest. Enjoy.

Monday, March 2, 2015

ProjectTalk Newsletter 03/01/2015 Edition

Welcome to this edition of the ProjectTalk newsletter 03/01/2015. This issue will focus on some items of interest to the new and less experienced members of our professional project management community. This edition discusses Starting New Projects, Tips on Project Reporting and Creating a Project Business Case. Also beginning this month we welcome BLOGGER to the ProjectTalk family of social media! Log-in and post a comment. onedrive.live.com...

Remember, to subscribe to the ProjectTalk Newsletter just visit our web-site at:
 
Enjoy.
 
-Ruffin  

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

ProjectTalk Newsletter 02/15/2015 Edition

Welcome to the ProjectTalk Newsletter 02/15/2015 edition. This edition discusses: The 5 Phases of IT projects, What to do when your Project Slips and Delivering Projects using Agile Methods: onedrive.live.com...
 
Don't forget to post a comment and let us know any particular topics of interest you have. We maintain an extensive library of PM related subject matter from various sources thereby ensuring a wide variety of professional perspectives.
 
Remember, to subscribe to the ProjectTalk Newsletter just visit our web-site at:
 
Enjoy.
 
-Ruffin 

Introducing the ProjectTalk Newsletter!

Welcome to the premier edition of the ProjectTalk Newsletter (02/01/2015).
 
The ProjectTalk Newsletter is a bi-monthly publication developed and presented by Ruffin Veal and Associates, Inc. Its purpose is to provide tips and best practice information on topics of interest to the professional project management community.

To subscribe and receive each bi-monthly edition, go to our web-site at:
http://www.ruffin-veal-and-associates.com/projecttalk

This edition's topics include How to Prioritize your Projects, Tips on Outsourcing your Projects and Managing your Outsourced Projects: onedrive.live.com... Enjoy.

Regards,

Ruffin Veal III
Principal, Ruffin Veal and Associates, Inc.




Leadership from a Different Perspective

I believe that as PM professionals we can benefit from all aspects of the human experience. That includes Lessons in Leadership from other professions. Here is such an example from the world of professional sports which I entitled, "Lessons in Leadership: A Program and Project Management perspective of two memorable National Football League seasons."

Enjoy.

-Ruffin

What's your PM Leadership style?

I've always believed that a little self-assessment from time to time is good for one's professional growth as well as the soul. Let's do some self-assessment on our PM leadership style.

Will you recognize your PM leadership style displayed here?
How about the styles of your fellow PMs?

Below is a link to an MS PowerPoint presentation which explores the leadership styles displayed in the movie "Lord of the Rings", from the book by J.R.R Tolkien. The presentation was originally created by Mr. Joe Tye, CEO of Values Coach, Inc.
  https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=984498583CD0D6B2!2061

I've also provided a link below to Mr. Tye's FREE pdf e-book entitled,
"Leadership Lessons-What you can learn from J.R.R Tolkien's Classic Works".
  https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=984498583CD0D6B2!2060

Enjoy.

-Ruffin

Project Management and Leadership

Let's begin the ProjectTalk blog with a topic of continuing debate among PM professionals. We are well aware of the importance of management and leadership in our profession. But what exactly are these concepts and how do they relate? How are they alike and how do they differ?

Entitled, "Project Management and Leadership: Equal Partners for Project Success.", this 2 part article explores the differences between management and leadership while discussing the need for both in successful project management. Part 1: onedrive.live.com... and Part 2: onedrive.live.com... Enjoy.  

 -Ruffin Veal III

Welcome to the ProjectTalk Blog!

Dear Project Management Professional:

Welcome! Thank you for stopping by.
    
Let's start by answering the question, "What is ProjectTalk?"
   
ProjectTalk is an educational service produced and developed by Ruffin Veal and Associates, Inc. Its purpose is to address issues and topics of interest to the professional project management community. ProjectTalk is presented in various forms. These forms include presentations, seminars, articles, social media, a bi-monthly newsletter, PM related courses and this blog.
      
We encourage your feed back and comments. By sharing our experiences and engaging our colleagues in discussion we will all benefit and grow as PM professionals. Enjoy.

Regards,

Ruffin Veal III
Principal, Ruffin Veal and Associates, Inc.