Project Management, initiative, leadership

Let’s be real: ambiguity in projects can be super frustrating. Unclear goals, last-minute changes, or plain old confusion can leave you feeling stuck. But here’s the thing—uncertainty doesn’t have to mean failure. In fact, if you handle it the right way, it can lead to some amazing breakthroughs. Let’s dive into three practical (and totally doable) strategies to help you tackle ambiguity and crush your project goals. 1. Change How You See Challenges Uncertainty feels scary because it pushes you out of your comfort zone. Instead of letting it paralyze you, flip the script. Think of it as a chance to learn and grow. How to Start: Focus on what you can control (like your next step) instead of stressing over the unknowns. Encourage your team to share ideas—brainstorming in a safe, judgment-free zone often sparks clarity. Celebrate small wins along the way to keep the vibe positive. Once you embrace ambiguity as a growth opportunity, it’ll stop feeling like such a big, bad monster. 2. Get C...

S omeone once said, "Behind every successful man, there is a supportive woman." This notion celebrates the often-unseen contributions that help others thrive. But today, I believe the narrative is evolving. More and more, we’re seeing that behind every successful woman, there is often a man who quietly takes on the everyday tasks—those mundane, yet essential activities—that create space for her to pursue her dreams and build her career. These men rarely seek recognition for their support. They don’t broadcast their contributions or the sacrifices they make. Yet, their role is no less significant. Their challenges remain hidden, their efforts understated, but their impact is deeply felt. This isn’t just about gender roles shifting; it’s about partnerships evolving. Success, after all, isn’t a solo journey. It’s built on the foundation of collaboration, shared responsibility, and mutual respect. So here’s to the unsung partners—those who enable the women in their lives to shine...

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...