Join me on December 9th - 5:30pm at the Barbacoa Grill when I have the pleasure of being the keynote speaker for the Project Management Institute Western Idaho Chapter (PMIWIC) speaker for their holiday, year end meeting! Cheers and Happy Holidays to you and your family...
Read MoreStewardship: The new IdahoBlue.com
IN sharing this poem, I hope to inspire a jump start on 2015 by promoting "Re-purpose". Not a sad event, I am retiring a business. But, I've found new direction for my Corporation, Idaho Blue, at the center of this poem. Just what I set out to do, seven years ago!! I'm interested to see how this will evolve, that Idaho Blue!!
Read MoreThe Project Baseline: Create, Manage, Status and Report Week to Week
So the project plan has a baseline… what does that really mean? Is the project a moving target? Wonder how to track to the baseline? Here's is a brief from best practices gathered over many high profile projects.
Read MoreTechnology Will Drive Morality
I happen to agree...
“Technology will drive Morality: The realization that most of our spoken words and actions - without consent – could be driven to the forefront for all to see … this knowledge foreshadows the impetus of behavior, possibly even morality.”
Where have all the Chambers Gone?
Why do major Corporations not attend Chamber of Commerce meetings with the intention of supporting the Chamber's small businesses which make up the active majority?
Read MoreGrooming? A Project Manager's other role.
Once at last... the perfection of the methodology, conversation, leading the team and staying on track is here for the future. And the future is found in the grooming. Even in the quietest of moments and the days were nothing seems to be happening, don't fold the deal there is lots to be found when "grooming" around.
Read MoreProject Management Leadership: Bringing Order to Chaos
With certainty our individual talents are what set us apart from each other. In a competitive environment, it pays to know just what it is that you create that someone else is rarely able to replicate. Think about how you add that special touch to your daily team works, find examples and tell your story!
Read MoreWho is behind the Reins while Riding?
Apple, Google, Amazon and Facebook, the four horsemen of the internet era, are behind the reins. Master Plans for major corporate offices are underway. This means an increase in high paying, high tech jobs for Americans in the USA. All in California! I think this is a wonderful position to be in as recovery from a long recession is underway. Talent and Imagination needed!
Read MoreTip Top Day from Top of the Hat - A Riddle
A riddle once I did make; it was my surroundings for goodness sakes. I have always been amused by this riddle, and share it whenever I can…
...Most importantly I'm reminded, to take time for laugh and rest, to live with zest!
Read MoreIn the Shadow of a Giant
I know for certain that to say Chris had an influence on my life would not be saying enough. He helped weave the fabric of my professional skills, and he became a friend through the sincerity of his care. I will miss Chris and always be happy for the shadow he cast; it was as big as a giant.
Read MoreSunday at the Dojo – Serving humility, happiness, health and sincerity.
The real essence of karate Goju-Ryu – humility, happiness, health and
sincerity – was exemplified by the great Takafumi Hamabata. That is Tak to you and I.
How about just a Ding in the Solar System?
What will tip the scale to a new era?
Collectively, our world needs to find the “next step”. The industrial age lingers as technology takes the forefront of the new age, which is still propping up the industrial era … for the most part. Today's equivalent would be Steve Jobs, when he said “I want to put a ding in the universe.” I’m sure Napoleon Hill, author of "Think and Grow Rich," would have included Steve in his analysis of successful people.
Read More
Information Technology as a Peloton
Technology workers are often put under extreme circumstances because of complexity and positioning: Where the rubber meets the road.
Read MoreUnder the Banner of Freedom
Who's in your Pocket? ...we protect the American flag, we should also protect our CASH currency. One the banner of freedom, the other a proliferation of God’s grace.
Read MoreTip of the Hat, Top of the Day - Six Sigma
Entities become Six Sigma, and We are not Angels.
Businesses must strive for excellence. Six Sigma principles and certifications are a popular way to encourage everyone to reach for the same goals. Continuous process improvement will remove chance and error in how we make things or serve the client!
So, 3.4 defects per million? …Realistically, we all make “mistakes” but it is your contribution to the whole that matters. Something equally important for individuals in Six Sigma, is to think of all aspects of the Business when making decisions. Remember too, everyone is your customer.
There are 11 elements of a Business:
· Financial
· Process & Procedures
· Product & Services
· Marketing & Sales
· Office Organization
· Technology
· Technical
· Human Resources
· Strategic Planning
· Business Structure
· Business Organization
Try rating these by your priority, weight and proficiency. Does this line up with your peers and your organization? How do your decisions make an impact effecting profitability and making a better place with which to do business? Imagine your world in Six Sigma dimensions.
Top of the Day, Tip of the Hat
Top of the Day, Tip of the Hat... Six Sigma Tip
Often times throughout our day, we come across problems that need to be solved. One time in particular, I had such a problem, and went to my manager. Then, I was in uncharted territory, so I asked him what I should do. He said to me, "Don't come to me with problems, come to me with answers!"
That had a life long effect on how I learned. In bringing forward answers, and asking for input, there are beneficial results for you such as:
- To grow by thinking through all the angles
- To seek advice sitting in a position of empowerment to discuss
- To advance the discussion by exploring the issue
- To gain credibility with your manager
- To eventually make sound decisions on your own
When you find yourself saying "I recommend...", you have become a practitioner. Just wait to see the results.
The Myth of St. Patrick's Day
Everything Green? March! Now here's a great excuse to be Green! St. Patrick's Day is this week, a favorite day of mine. Not just for wearing green or the green beer! (Guinness doesn’t dye very well). It is a good time for me to remember my commitment to sustainability and a frugal life style.
The Green industry is maturing almost without notice in mainstream media. Throughout many industries, countries, and corporation’s great efforts are under way towards World sustainability.
Utilities are building infrastructure and capacity for green power, financial institutions are including carbon footprints as criteria for funding, and local grocery stores are removing plastic bags from their operations.
What are you doing to be more sustainable in your personal life? Here is an easy quiz just to get you thinking about it: http://www.reducereuserecycle.co.uk/greengames/how_green_are_you_fun_quiz.php
Frugal doesn’t mean "no fun", it means change. Change is now…
Why have a personal web-site?
No one needs to reiterate that the economy and job market is changing. If you are interested in surviving in the new world market, having a presence on the internet can make a difference.
But just not any presence, one that is well thought out, integrated and professional is also of importance. LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter, Facebook and other sites act as the whole picture of who you are to prospective employees, and maybe others you have not given thought to.
Try out squarespace. It is very easy to configure and fun to create. It's a new world, embrace it with a whole heart! kt
Creating My Own Website!!
Funny thing, I'm an IT professional, but I need help creating my own website. Soooo, what do I do? Get help from my friend Rac@commonsenseinternettools.com! This is fun and exciting. He knows all the shortcuts, and is teaching me the gig!
I can't wait until I'm published, functional, and informative. A great diversion from a career search, and productive too. Thank you Rod!
