Project Management, initiative, leadership

A few days ago, I was on a call where we were discussing the status of each person's projects and ideas. One individual was visibly upset because their project wasn't progressing as quickly as they had hoped. The reason? The people they were relying on weren't being as reactive as needed. The facilitator had a brilliant approach to this situation. Instead of letting the person dwell on the lack of support, they suggested looking at the story from a different angle: rather than waiting for others to take action, why not drive the action yourself? Don't just stop at proposing ideas; take the lead and make them happen. And this is especially important when the project is important for you, but for the other party it’s just one more thing to do on their plate, and maybe not even a top priority. When you’re telling yourself the story of “they don’t care about this important project”, don’t forget to consider the story from their shoes as well.  Also, way too often we tend to...

I was working with one of my peers on a new project that she was taking over - and she was really confused about the project charter, status report, and the workflows they were trying to build with the project in order to achieve its goals. So I spent some time to explain her how all these terms and concepts work together in order to ensure she focuses on the right things with the right people. So if you’re new to project management, you might hear terms like "documentation," "processes," and "deliverables" thrown around. They can sound confusing at first, but don’t worry—they’re just different pieces of the puzzle that help make a project successful. Let’s break them down in plain language so you can see how they’re different and why they matter. What is Project Management Documentation? Think of project management documentation as the paperwork or files that act like a guidebook for your project. These are the written plans, notes, and records that tell ...

Last week I had to call to a medical center trying to find a doctor appointment with priority for that same day. I told the operator that this seems like a near-impossible attempt, but that I was willing to give her a five-star rating if she managed to find me an available slot. She did not comment on my promise, but she did do all her best to find me a slot – and so she did. Actually she was able to find more slots, and patiently waited for me to decide on the most appropriate one. One day later, when I got the survey invite, I felt obliged to respond and provide the promised 5-star. -- In today’s competitive landscape, businesses invest heavily in marketing, branding, and innovation to attract customers. But there’s one often-overlooked element that makes the difference between a one-time buyer and a lifelong customer—exceptional customer support. Loyalty isn’t built solely on product quality or pricing. Customers remember how they are treated, how quickly their problems are s...

I am a big lover of pancakes. And donuts (the local style), and anything that matches that (covrigi, gogosi, cozonac - you name it). The pancakes used to be a favourite, but I am on a gluten-free diet. How could I survive without a pancake with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a handful of fresh berries? So here is my challenge that seemed almost impossible: making pancakes without flour. At first, the idea seemed crazy. How could I make pancakes, those fluffy, golden stacks of comfort, without their main ingredient? Still, the challenge was too tempting to pass up. With a bit of courage, the internet at my fingertips, and a deep desire to learn, I decided to give it a shot. Curiosity led me down a rabbit hole of online recipes. I discovered alternatives like almond flour, coconut flour, and then, oats. Each option promised a twist on the classic pancake, and I was intrigued by the possibilities. After some thought, I chose a recipe that called for rolled oats, eggs, oat mil...

I remember vividly a story one of my family members told me from their childhood. He was pushed to master the English language. His parents, supportive and wise, knew that learning a new language required discipline and consistency. His teacher - who had a flair for turning lessons into engaging challenges - devised a plan. Every day, the boy was given a list of new English words to learn. He had to write each word once, ensuring he memorized the spelling and meaning. However, there was a catch. If he missed even a single word, he had to write that word five times the next day. If later on he misspelled the same word, or missed the meaning, he had to write it ten times. At first, the little learner found it overwhelming. Writing words five times was manageable, but ten times felt like a Herculean task. However, with his teacher's authoritative guidance and consistent reinforcement of the rules, he began to see the value in this method. He became more attentive and diligent, realizi...

Belonging in the Workplace: Fostering a Culture Where Everyone Feels at Home In today’s fast-paced work environments, it’s easy to get caught up in deadlines, projects, and KPIs. But what truly motivates people to bring their best selves to work? More than the numbers or even recognition, it's the feeling of belonging. This deep-seated emotional need is foundational to human behavior, as noted by psychologist Alfred Adler, who believed that all humans are driven by a desire to belong and contribute to the group. Creating a sense of belonging in the workplace isn’t just a "nice-to-have" — it’s essential for the emotional well-being of employees and, in turn, the success of the organization. Employees who feel they belong are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay long-term. But how can managers cultivate this powerful feeling? Let’s dive into how managers can help foster a workplace culture where everyone feels they belong. Why Belonging Matters A...