Project Management Knowledgebase

This is a great article which talks about teaching project management to kids along with project based learning. The author discusses why kids have such a hard time transitioning from school to work. Working with project management and project based learning would give students more real world examples about why learning is important.

Here is a link to a waterfall PM model. Although maybe over simplistic, I like the fact that is suggests a phase can't start until a the previous is completed. You also find the spiral model that suggests that we go through specific phases again and again-at first take, I find this spiral model a bit worrisome. It lacks defined milestones and benchmarks, and perhaps it implies a ambiguity when it comes to roles.

Here is a PM online assessment (for purchase): There is an Overview, Breakdown, and Sample Questions. This opens my eyes to the fact that maybe companies (such as my own) should give this assessment or a similar one to folks before handing over a project to those individuals.

This site uses a model based on three categories that define project management competencies. The categories have numerous sub-categories; this is a very detailed, almost to the point of confusion, visual model. Nonetheless, it breaks down every facet of project management that I can think of.

WBS is an acronym for "Work Breakdown Structure". Simply said it is the work required to break PM down . It is true that PMs are usually overburdened with project work they are on the verge of breaking down. However, WBS makes PMs life easy.

Everyone wants to be heard. But not everyone knows how to truly listen. Here's how amazing listeners use those odd things on the sides of their heads. Most people like to think what they have to say is important. Here is 5 easy to remember tips to help strengthen active listening skills.

Great quick tips for active listening!

Agreed! great tips

Want to learn more about Daniel Goleman's work? Try following him on linkedIn! He posted many interesting articles and blogs posts that have been very helpful in expanding my thinking about Emotional Intellegence. An interesting one he recently posted is "Be Mindful of the Emotions" you leave behind. Daniel Goleman lectures frequently to business audiences, professional groups and on college campuses. A psychologist who for many years reported on the brain and behavioral sciences for The New York Times, Dr. Goleman previously was a visiting faculty member at Harvard.

Sometimes a quote conveys an idea in a very effective way. This quote captures the role of the Project Manager as a leader who is focused on supporting the success of others.

Good quote to help people remember that leaders are in some ways similar to coaches - they help others to do their best and be great.

Great quote! That's what true leaders do when they put ego aside

We talk a lot about personal productivity tools at Lifehacker, but sometimes you're not the only person who needs to get things done for a project or job to be a success. This is a review of free tools to support online collaboration. I've used several and found more to try out here!

His book helps team members to realize the importance of emotions when working with a team. I use this book in my administration class because we must always remember the human factor when working in groups to accomplish a task.

The topic of leadership has appeared several times in our class discussions. This book by Daniel Goleman is a wonderful book on leadership based on his work with Emotional Intelligence. I've found it to be one that I return to to read and get grounded when struggling with my own leadership or that of others. Well worth purchasing and adding to your professional library.

This blog post discusses the five key points to consider when trying to increase emotional intelligence.

Pros and Cons of each project management method to help one decide which style to use.

Love this info graphic. I am going to forward it out to my team who has been debating how best to approach project management when there so many outside factors and influencers that things need to flexible and the plan updated throughout the project process.

This paper explores the relationships between project management and instructional design.

I am posting this for the visual learners and others who like infographics. It gives evidence of the benefits of Emotional Intelligence in the workplace and personal life.

very useful infographic.

I like this. I'm very visual, and I appreciated the visual/artistic approach to this post!

#2 is important to recognize. When one can identify emotional triggers then it is easier to learn to work with others who may accidentally set off those emotions without meaning too. Human beings unconsciously reflection and interpret others emotions so it is important to understand your own.

#1 Mindfulness meditation has been practiced by the buddhist monks for centuries. Brain imaging studies show that an eight week course of this meditation can affect the brain by reducing flight/fight and increasing concentration http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/2014/06/12/what-does-mindfulness-meditation-do-to-your-brain/

Can't agree more with the idea that we need to reflect on and recognize our emotions. We spend far too much time doing it to others, but often forget to look inside.

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team has become the world's most definitive source on practical information for building teams. The book's impact extends beyond business schools, churches, non-profit organizations, professional sports teams and the military. * When you work with a team it is important to understand the dynamics. When you understand what can hinder the team then it is easier to understand ways to help rebuild/strengthen the team - Vail*

Projects sometimes seem to take on a life of their own. Figuring out why people react or believe is important because projects are completed by a team for groups of people. Book Quote "Blink reveals that great decision makers aren't those who process the most".

I am curious to know if anyone has tried this. I think the idea of badges and games in project management is intriguing. RedCritter Tracker is Agile Project Management unlike anything you've ever experienced. Get drag-and-drop project management, Twitter-style message feeds, badges for your accomplishments and even your own company rewards store.

Red Critter sounds and looks like an intuitive tool when it come to building your project team, organizing and assigning their tasks, and keeping key players engaged and motivated.