Projects Pivot
With decades of experience managing all types of projects, we're ready to share our invaluable tips, tricks, and tidbits. Don't just tick boxes—master the art of managing people and projects. Sign up now!
When Product and Project Managers Clash
Hi Reader, Why don't product and project managers always see eye to eye? Sure, they might chat it up at the company BBQ or while waiting in line for coffee, but once the discussion shifts to the product pipeline or the project deliverables, things can get heated. Suddenly they're heading back to their desks, holding on tightly to their burgers or coffees with a side of frustration. But what if there can be a way for product and project managers to work together? What if we can align products...
Is Your Product a Project?
Hi Reader, I'm a fan of playing pinball. As a child growing up on a Northern Ontario island in Canada during the summer, there weren't many pinball machines around, and boredom often inspired creativity. On one rainy day, I decided to make my own pinball machine. I used an old box as the base, curled up wires for springs, cardboard pieces for the bumpers, and gumballs for the balls. To attach the springs to the toggles, I used partially chewed Bubblicious chewing gum. As the summer went on, I...
Are Happy Project Managers a Myth?
Hi Reader, Before entering the field of project management, I genuinely had no idea what the field was all about. Someone suggested I'd be a good fit for a project management position where I was working and encouraged me to apply. I promptly researched the Project Management Institute (PMI), found the contact information for a local chapter, and made a call. The person who answered was enthusiastic and shared insights about the role of project managers. When I asked if they were happy with...
Show Some Love to Your PM
Hi Reader, Many project managers can face challenges as soon as they start a project. Projects in a coffee shop Recently, while stopping for coffee at Tim Hortons, or "Timmy’s" as we affectionately call it here in Canada, I overheard three individuals ahead of me in line discussing their work. Wearing hardhats and safety vests, it was obvious they worked in construction. One of them was carrying a couple rolls of architectural blueprints. They talked about their newest project manager's slow...
The Paper Planner
Hi Reader, It's that time of year to purchase your 2025 planner! During a recent visit to Staples, I noticed the front of the store filled with a variety of paper planners. You might wonder, "A paper planner? In 2025? Who still buys those?" Many people still use paper planners. I see them in client offices on their walls and on their desks under their computers. My niece, for example, has a large dry-erase monthly planner in her kitchen to manage schedules for her growing family. With only...
Kickstart Your 2025 Projects
Hi Reader, Welcome to 2025! It's going to be a great year. Over this past year and a half, I’ve taken up kickboxing. I’ve found kicking and punching inanimate objects is a great alternative to conventional therapy. Over time, I've managed to kick not only higher but also with more strength. Reflecting on 2024, I’m impressed by how far Projects Pivot has come over the past year. Just like my kicking and punching, we’re continually growing stronger. Here's a summary of how Projects Pivot has...
Holiday time
Hi Reader, As we move towards a holiday break, I’d like to share a holiday greeting card from all of us Chief Project Officers here at Projects Pivot. Cheryl Allen, PMP Cheryl taught my Project Management Professional (PMP) prep course at UC Berkeley years ago. Cheryl has decades of project management experience across various industries and is based out of Truckee, California. Chery’s holiday plans: “During the holidays I enjoy being outdoors in the snow, singing Christmas music with my...
Project Superheroes
Hi Reader, I've been into superhero shows lately. Some shows feature great heroes, while others are not so great. When I was younger, I only watched what I remember as good superheroes. I grew up with icons like Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, and The Hulk (showing my age here). And for those Marvel fans out there, yes, I did consider The Hulk to be a good superhero, in an antihero kind of way. These days, we need to choose our superheroes wisely. Especially in the business world as there are a lot...
Is Project Management Really Worth It?
Hi Reader, Is it worthwhile to invest in project management for your company? Absolutely. I’ll share a brief story to illustrate. We had a client who provided compliance training for large corporations. They were rapidly expanding, and needed to migrate current and future clients to a new platform. They brought us in to lead this project due to our expertise with large technical implementations. The project had been stalled for months before we arrived. The project people Our primary contact,...
Start Somewhere for Cyber Monday
Hi Reader, In the spirit of Cyber Monday tomorrow, I'm excited to introduce a special offer. One of my longest-standing project manager mentors told me about the "SS" principle, which stands for "Start Somewhere". He learned this valuable tip from one of his engineering professors at UC Berkeley California in the 1960s. Whenever I would hesitate with where to start with a new project, he would simply send me a text message that said “SS”. With the end-of-year rush and the impending start of...
With decades of experience managing all types of projects, we're ready to share our invaluable tips, tricks, and tidbits. Don't just tick boxes—master the art of managing people and projects. Sign up now!