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"Navigating Project Management Challenges: Difficult Stakeholders, Changing Requirements, and Limited Resources" by Diamond Walker: May 2024 Agile Forum Summary

Kendra Denmark, PMP Forums Summaries June 06, 2024

Written by: Alex Leonard, PMP

Presentation Overview

On May 21, 2024, the PMI Atlanta Chapter met at Motion Recruitment in Dunwoody, GA. To kick off this live and engaging event, the PMI ATL Agile Forum Program Manager provided an overview of project management methodologies and common frameworks. This was a perfect segway for our guest, Diamond Walker, to walk the audience through her unique project case study. She discussed the challenges she experienced while managing a New Web-Based Application project.

Ms. Walker described the scope of the project, and how she and her team navigated stakeholder change resistance and low engagement, constantly changing requirements, heavily skewed timelines, and limited resources. Diamond reviewed the relevant factors pertaining to the background of the project and how things evolved amidst the challenges. She provided the audience with advice on approaches to employ if they are faced with similar challenges.

Some of the recommendations provided included:

Analyzing each stakeholder’s communication style, to know how to best address and respond to concerns
Implementing team-building activities to foster cohesion when team morale is at risk due to adverse stakeholder influence/behavior
Communicating openly and frequently when faced with conflict
Being proactive and providing solutions or alternatives to address concerns
Seeking mediation or neutral third-party facilitation to assist with resolving conflict
Prioritizing tasks when faced with limited resources and changing requirements
Leveraging technology to optimize resource utilization
Eliminating inefficiencies to streamline processes and improve project efficiency

When bringing key stakeholders up to speed in an environment of constantly changing requirements, many stakeholders on Diamond’s project had competing interests. In this type of situation, a Project Manager must negotiate with stakeholders in a way that encourages their buy-in without introducing scope-creep or sacrificing other elements of the project like requirements, timelines or resources.

Takeaways

Do not take things personal and make every effort to understand your stakeholders
Gird your loins and keep all lines of communication open and document efforts taken to resolve conflict
A Win is a Win and celebrate all team accomplishments, no matter how small
Understand your “Why” and keep team morale high and remind them of the benefits to a successful project outcome

Next Event

Join us at the next PMI Atlanta Agile Forum on Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Event Pictures

"Practical Program Management Frameworks and Strategies" by Maya McNeese-Hargett: May 2024 Healthcare Forum Summary

Mrs. TANA ALICE GLASSFORD-SAMUEL, PMP Forums Summaries May 29, 2024

Written by: Rishea Johnson, MHI, CAPM

In navigating between Waterfall and Agile methodologies, determining the most suitable approach is pivotal for project success. This entails considering factors like project risk tolerance, identifying both promoters and detractors, evaluating perceived versus actual value, and recognizing the significance of scenario testing. These elements collectively guide the decision-making process, ensuring that the chosen methodology aligns effectively with project goals and constraints.

Presentation Overview

Combining Waterfall and Agile methodologies offers a strategic blend of linear structure and iterative flexibility, catering to diverse project needs. Waterfall's sequential approach suits predictable environments such as equipment installations, ensuring clarity through critical documentation milestones. On the other hand, Agile's adaptability shines in iterative development, prioritizing features, and maximizing return on investment over time. By integrating both, projects benefit from improved requirement gathering, streamlined deliverables, and enhanced team alignment. However, assessing risk remains paramount, considering factors like time, cost, and quality. Effective risk management strategies, including avoidance, acceptance, transfer, or mitigation, mitigate potential pitfalls. Encouraging organizational adoption requires a nuanced approach, emphasizing understanding, ownership, evidence provision, and incentivizing the advantages of both methodologies to foster widespread buy-in.

Takeaways

Agile vs. Waterfall Methodologies:
- Agile:
  - Iterative and flexible
  - Minimum and viable product with enhancements overtime
  - Organic collaboration
- Waterfall:
  - Linear and sequential
  - Works well in predictable environment
  - Driven by autonomy
Project risk tolerance
- Time
- Cost
- Quality
Change Management Tactics:
- Seek first to understand
- Amplify ownership
- Provide evidence
- Gamification

Next Event

Join us at the next PMI Atlanta Healthcare forum on Wednesday, August 21, 2024

"The Agile Lifestyle" by Emanuella Altidor: April 2024 Agile Forum Summary

Kendra Denmark, PMP Forums Summaries May 15, 2024

Written by: Alex Leonard, PMP

Presentation Overview

On April 16, 2024, the PMI Atlanta Chapter met at Motion Recruiting in Dunwoody, GA for the April edition of the Agile Forum! The forum, titled “Creating an Agile Lifestyle”, presented by Emanuella Altidor, included discussions on how to embody the Agile lifestyle in both your professional and personal life.

Emanuella, a mother of twins, found herself struggling to find the time to get things done with her hectic lifestyle. Knowing what she knows about Agile Project Management, Emanuella made a point to take a similar approach to managing her personal life. With this mindset, she found peace amidst the chaos and became more familiar with her innate ability to adapt her “life project” goals as needed.

During her presentation, Emanuella discussed the five (5) steps to plan for executing life goals, and how they relate back to the principles of agility. No matter the circumstance, Emanuella emphasized that this is one proven approach to execute if you are planning for success in your personal life, like you do in your professional life.

Steps to creating an agile lifestyle involve:

1. Creating a vision
2. Breaking down the vision into actionable items
3. Making it time bound
4. Keeping it simple
5. Determining how you will hold yourself accountable

During this very engaging session, Emanuella discussed the importance of getting started and how taking the first step can be the hardest part of the journey. She also emphasized the importance of self-reflection and how it increases one’s awareness, alignment with core values, and personal accountability.

Takeaways

The principles of agility can be applied to your professional and personal life
The biggest hurdle to overcome life goals is to get started and stop procrastinating
Always review your outcomes and self-reflect on your life’s work progress

Next Event

Join us at the next In-person PMI Atlanta Agile Forum on Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Keynote Presentation: "Navigating Project Management Challenges: Diﬃcult Stakeholders, Changing Requirements, and Limited Resources" presented by Diamond Walker

Event Pictures

"Run Towards Change" by Kashif Choudry: March 2024 Healthcare Forum Summary

Mrs. TANA ALICE GLASSFORD-SAMUEL, PMP Forums Summaries May 03, 2024

Written by: Rishea Johnson, MHI, CAPM

In the dynamic realm of project management, the rise of AI (Artificial Intelligence) presents both challenge and opportunity. Project managers and organizations are recognizing the transformative potential of AI integration, strategically leveraging it to streamline operations and elevate focus towards critical thinking and relationship building.

Presentation Overview

As AI becomes increasingly relevant to project management, both project managers and organizations are seizing the opportunity to adapt and remain pertinent in the evolving landscape. They recognize the need to strategically plan for the integration of AI by considering several key factors. Firstly, AI offers a valuable tool to enhance effectiveness by accelerating mundane tasks such as reporting, data analysis, and research, allowing project managers to focus more on critical thinking, communication, and relationship building. Moreover, by harnessing AI appropriately, organizations can align their efforts more effectively with overarching goals, thereby maximizing the potential for success. However, it's crucial to acknowledge not only the opportunities but also the limitations, as well as ethical and regulatory considerations surrounding AI implementation. Leveraging their unique position of end-to-end visibility, project managers can play a pivotal role in orchestrating how AI is leveraged to fulfill organizational objectives responsibly and effectively.

Takeaways

Servant Leadership and Embracing Change:
- Core Principles of Servant Leadership:
  - Includes centered behaviors and practices that prioritize the growth and well-being of those being served
- Approaching Change:
  - Embrace change as an opportunity for growth
  - Find avenues for the community's advancement amidst change
- Run Towards Change Exercise:
  - Activity: Reflect on the opportunities presented by AI in project management
  - Discussion: How servant leaders within PMI Atlanta could identify and leverage such opportunities for the community's benefit
  - Results: The exercise encouraged participants to embody servant leadership principles by proactively seeking opportunities within change, particularly in the context of AI's impact on project management. Through collaborative discussion and reflection, PMI Atlanta's servant leaders identified actionable strategies to harness AI for the community's growth and advancement

Next Event

Join us at the next PMI Atlanta Healthcare forum on Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Keynote Presentation: "Practical Program Management Frameworks and Strategies" by Maya McNeese-Hargett

"Understanding the Job Market in a Period of Big Tech Layoffs" by panelists Holly Bail, Jackie Flake, and Spencer Shick: April 2024 Joint Healthcare/Technology Forum Summary

Mrs. TANA ALICE GLASSFORD-SAMUEL, PMP Forums Summaries May 03, 2024

Written by: Rishea Johnson, MHI, CAPM

Amidst record-low unemployment and waves of layoffs in big tech, the job market stands at a crossroads. What's truly shaping today's employment landscape? A panel of industry experts were on hand to unravel the mysteries behind this paradoxical trend.

Presentation Overview

This month’s Joint Healthcare and Technology forum event provided valuable insights into navigating today's dynamic job market. The extended engagement with panelists and recruiters indicated the attendees found the discussions worthwhile. Overall, the event provided attendees with actionable advice to traverse the evolving job market and stand out amidst competition.

Takeaways

Employment Landscape: The panelists covered the current employment landscape, highlighting the impact of technology on professionals and the lower unemployment rate compared to pre-COVID times.
Lengthy Interview Processes: The panelists addressed the trend of longer interview processes, lasting 6-9 months due to multiple layers of interviews. Job seekers and applicants are encouraged to evaluate if positions align with their purpose, even if it means enduring a lengthy process or potentially taking a pay cut.
Setting Yourself Apart: Strategies discussed include optimizing LinkedIn profiles by showcasing problem-solving skills, leveraging artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT for resume development, networking, volunteering, and targeted research on desired employers and job openings.
LinkedIn Services: Holly Bail offered services in coaching, resume building, job searching, and interviewing, while Jackie Flake specialized in reevaluating life purpose, drawing from her experience as an entrepreneur.