Uncategorized

Brexit – shorthand for the UK’s exit from the EU – loudly asks:  How can we build better government to respond to OUR own needs?  Given the shock waves from the referendum, it also asks:  Must change be so difficult?  How can governments, not normally known for being nimble and responsive to change, structure and adapt for the better in the age of relentless change?

I believe the answers are in Minimum Viable Government (MVG).  A MVG is the government equivalent of a Minimum Viable Business.  It implements the “Wrong Until Right” mindset appropriately for its mission.

What might a Minimum Viable Government look like?

[Read more…] about How Can Government Succeed Amid Relentless Change?

Every large scale Agile transformation we’ve visited flounders and under performs.

Why?

When we examine root causes it is always because 98% of the executives and managers believe they can implement an Agile program without understanding what Agile is.

[Read more…] about Why Do Agile Transformations Fail?

Interesting questions come my way. A recent one was “What are the top 10 skills to be a successful project manager?”

My answer was to focus less on specific skills that the outcome of good project management.  Below are some of my responses.  Even though the points are phrased as what concept trumps another, the concepts are not “either/or” but “both/and.”  Some just generally have higher value to PMs.

[Read more…] about 9 Powerful Trump Cards to Win the Project Game

Death by PowerPoint.  Many of you probably recognize that term and can feel the pain.

There have been years of talk, many articles, what seems like a billion blog posts, and even books about improving slide presentations.  Why then do we still see, for instance, insanely long presentations like the one referenced in the title?

[Read more…] about 216 slides?!? Presentation Purgatory …

Language is critical to success in business and life.  It is easy to talk “our” talk.  However, we need to talk in language our customers can understand.  That is the only way we can successfully connect with them and vice versa.

Conversely, we can guarantee disconnects and discontent if we forge ahead, talking our way and in “our business” language.  And disconnects can lead to ruptures and outright customer loss.

[Read more…] about How to guarantee disconnects with your customers

A recent question:  What does it take to be an effective leader in creative industries?  Short answer:  Good leadership is good leadership, no matter the industry.

Furthermore, leadership tailored for creatives will fail long-term if based on a weak foundation.  Period.

[Read more…] about How to Lead Creatives