In the opening chapter of my new book, , I suggest that the purpose of a project is to: "Alter the structure and balance of power within an organisation, often under the guise of legitimate...
A Political Perspective for Project Managers
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Trying to Impress the Boss? Don’t Try Too Hard
The trouble with bosses is that they can have such a massive effect on your life. They can decide to promote you or fire you. To a great extent, your future is in their hands. Making a good impression becomes vital. Shine in their eyes and you will rise. They will...
How to Manage a Crisis
Once upon a time, I suggested to my MD that if he didn’t give me a crisis, I would make one. Never afraid of a crisis and confident in my ability to manage, effectively what I was saying was that I was bored and wanted some excitement. He duly obliged and I didn’t...
Building Purpose by Creating Visions
Having an inspired vision of the future, perhaps surprisingly, is not essential, but it really does help. Being a leader, a true leader, is all about helping people to reach towards the future, which is why it helps so much if you can create a vision. If you cannot do...
Escalation Woes: Alleviating the Grief
In all big relationships, be they supplier, outsourcing or strategic alliances, escalation processes are inevitable and necessary. They are formal procedures to resolve intractable problems between the parties. While accepting that these processes need to be used, and...
Looking at Your Boots: Influencing Mistake No. 2
Can you imagine going for a hike on the fells or moors and spending the day just looking at the ground in front of you? Not only would you get lost pretty quickly, but it would also be very tiring and boring at the same time. Yet this is exactly what many people are...