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, personal

5 Things You Don't Know About Me

Udi tagged me, so I guess I need to play 🙂 Here are five things you don’t know about me: I take ballroom dancing lessons with Mark. We’re getting pretty good! No, neither of us will be competing on “Dancing with the Stars,” have no fear! We’re both keeping our day jobs. I used to […]

hiring strategy, HTP

How Are Your Jobs Organized on Your Company’s Site?

I’m caught up with my project management book, at least until I receive more edits from my editor. So I’m catching up with my blogging.I was looking at a client’s site today. They have a couple of hundred open positions–not surprising, since they’re a large company. You can sort by date opened and location. But

MPD

Crossing the Desert Syndrome

  I’m close to falling into “Crossing the Desert” syndrome. A project team focuses on an interim milestone, works like the devil to meet that milestone. They meet the milestone, look up, and realize they’re not at the end of the project–they still have to finish the darn thing. They’re living the Crossing the Desert

Books, MPD

Major Book Milestone Reached

  I’m happy to report I met my Jan 1 date to finish the manuscript draft for Successful Project Management. I wrote many words last week. So many that I have no idea whether they are good words or not 🙂 I’ve been blathering at my editor, who is probably ready to shoot me if

Articles

Codependent Schedule Games

Tristan, the senior manager in charge of all projects, strides into Ilene’s office and plunks himself down in her visitor’s chair. “Ilene, you are the project manager in charge of the project to save the company, right?” Ilene nods. “I really need you to fit this other feature into this release,” Tristran says. “We’re toast

newsletter

Making Waterfall (a Serial Lifecycle) Work For You, Part 3

Contents: This month’s Feature Article: Making Waterfall (a Serial Lifecycle) Work For You, Part 3 Announcements =-=-=-=-=- Feature Article: Making Waterfall (a Serial Lifecycle) Work For You, Part 3 In the previous two issues, I suggested some approaches for making a waterfall work for you. If you missed either of those issues, see  Waterfall Part

newsletter

Making Waterfall (a Serial Lifecycle) Work For You, Part 2

Contents: This month’s Feature Article: Making Waterfall (a Serial Lifecycle) Work For You, Part 2 Announcements =-=-=-=-=- Feature Article: Making Waterfall (a Serial Lifecycle) Work For You, Part 2 Last month, I suggested some approaches for making a waterfall work for you. If you missed that issue, see <https://www.jrothman.com/pragmaticmanager/waterfallpart1.html>. Assuming you’re somewhere in the coding

newsletter

Making Waterfall (a Serial Lifecycle) Work For You, Part 1

Contents: This month’s Feature Article: Making Waterfall (a Serial Lifecycle) Work For You, Part 1 Announcements =-=-=-=-=- Feature Article: Making Waterfall (a Serial Lifecycle) Work For You, Part 1 If you read my blog, or have heard me speak, you know I’m not a fan of serial lifecycles, such as waterfall. In fact, unless you

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