Author name: Johanna

I help you identify and solve the problems that prevent you from releasing systems, hiring the right people, deciding which project to work on next. I take a pragmatic approach: what will work best for you, now? Some people call me a focuser. Some call me an accelerator. When I work with people, first we define our goal together. Typically, it's to get a better product out the door faster. I work with my clients to help managers figure out how to do the managing better, and how the technical contributors can contribute better, not to create a by-the-book system. I work with you, your staff, and your current product development practices. Together, we learn what works well for you and what doesn't. I believe in changing only what needs to be changed at the current time, to maximize your success. We work together to develop a blueprint for the future, and to build in capacity to recognize and implement change.

MPD, project management

Estimation Units Predict Schedule Slippage

I’ve been teaching a project management workshop, and one of the participants said something brilliant: “If you estimate in days, you’ll be off by days. If you estimate in weeks, you’ll be off by weeks.” If you estimate in months, you will be off by months. Here’s why. The more you can break a big

Books, MPD

A Manage It! Review

Brad Appleton posted his review of Manage It!. I’m psyched that Brad liked it. Here’s a quote: The chapter devoted to Recognizing and Avoiding Schedule Games is possibly worth the price of the book alone. Thanks, Brad.

MPD

Getting Organized: What's Different About Managers

I’ve written before about getting organized, especially when it comes to cleaning up my office. My breakthrough came the last time, when I realized I’m the kind of person who needs to see everything out that I’m working on. Same with my to-do list. (See Cleaning Up the Office, Round 3.) I use paper for

HTP, job analysis

Your Boss Wants This Candidate; You Don’t

I emailed with a colleague today. He’s been looking for a position that shouldn’t be too hard to fill–but it is. Let’s assume the position is a development position. He interviewed a candidate. He’s not thrilled with the candidate; the candidate doesn’t have quite enough functional skill to do a good job. The interviewing team

lifecycle, MPD

Project Cycles, Business Cycles, Planning Cycles

I’ve been thinking about how to manage the project portfolio, and I just realized why so many project portfolio efforts fail. There are three kinds of cycles the project portfolio managers need to manage: Project cycles: when the project could release something Planning cycles: how often the management team assesses the project portfolio Business cycles:

HTP, job analysis

Hire for Intangibles; You Can Teach Technical Skills

A bunch of my clients are having trouble filling their positions. They can’t find a bazillion years of Java or .Net or something else. There is a relative candidate shortage, compared to the candidate glut of a few years ago. But of people start looking for attitude and general problem-solving ability and ability to collaborate,

Books, MPD

More Manage It! Sightings

Anton has published a lovely set of comments about Manage It!. I especially liked this quote: i just feel so comfortable with her take on project management – there is no agilist zealotry or flashy theatrics. Also see the review from the Java User Group. The summary there was: In conclusion I suggest this book

MPD

PM Boulevard links

PM Boulevard has my 5Qs on Agile, and Manage It! review. (They like it!) You might need to log in to see all the content.

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