Project Management Excellence

Project management isn't really about managing projects. Sure, there's the larger project life cycle and associated tasks, dependencies, timing, and budget that need to be managed. But effective project management is really PEOPLE management. Projects largely deal with change, and change has everything to do with people. → Getting people from A to B. → Getting them to embrace "new" or "different" → Getting people to reject "this is the way we've always done things" And because we deal in the business of people, we've got to be good at everything dealing with them. ✅ Support ✅ Education ✅ Facilitation ✅ Negotiation ✅ Critical thinking ✅ Problem-solving ✅ Conflict resolution ✅ Emotional intelligence ✅ Servant leadership ✅ Communication ✅ Active listening ✅ Collaboration ✅ Adaptability ✅ Teamwork ✅ Training There's a whole lot more that PMs have to be good at beyond these power skills. Ex: process development, risk management, planning, change control, etc. But the foundation lies with being good with people. So get good at that first. Develop a reputation as the "go-to" for knowledge + support. Be your team's most collaborative weapon. Embrace challenging conversations. It's in the drive to be multiskilled that a PM truly becomes effective. Always be looking to add to your toolbox.

"Architecting Project Serenity: Unveiling the Blueprint for IT Project Excellence 🚀 Dear CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, and Program Managers, tired of the turbulent journey that is IT project management? You're not traversing this path alone. In my two-decade tenure, I've intimately witnessed the hurdles you grapple with: missed deadlines, budget overruns, communication breakdowns, and the feeling of overwhelm within your teams. However, nestled within the chaos, I've honed a transformative approach to bring order to this complexity. Introducing the "Project Serenity Framework," a holistic, data-driven methodology that centers on: ❇️ 𝗨𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀 ❇️ 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗣𝗣𝗠 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗽 ❇️ 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 In successful IT project implementations, the following principles consistently emerge: ✨ 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘁𝘆: Clearly defined goals, roles, and responsibilities eliminate confusion and ensure a unified direction. ✨ 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Real-time insights empower informed decision-making and proactive course correction. ✨ 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘀: Open communication and knowledge sharing foster a culture of accountability and support, boosting team morale and productivity. ✨ 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝘂𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: Equipping your team with the right tools and training unlocks their full potential and streamlines workflows. Implementing these principles within the "Project Serenity Framework" yields tangible outcomes: 🌐 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀: Goodbye to missed deadlines; welcome predictable, on-time completion. 🔄 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Optimize team utilization, avoiding bottlenecks and resource scramble. 📈 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Transparent communication and progress reports keep everyone informed and engaged. 💪 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀: Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and increased productivity. Ready to exchange project chaos for control and unveil your team's true potential? Let's connect in the comments below. Share your challenges, and let's explore how I can tailor the "Project Serenity Framework" to meet your organization's unique needs. Remember, in the realm of IT project management, you don't have to navigate alone. #projectmanagement #management #leadership #business #innovation #technology #ceo #cto #cio #programmanagers

I see it every single day: Top project managers drowning. Not in work. In chaos. Stuck at companies with deadlines from another universe, priorities that change more often than a toddler’s snack preferences, and execs who couldn't align on lunch, let alone strategy. Their potential? Totally capped. Not because they’re not good, because they’re too busy firefighting instead of building actual systems. If you're a great PM, here's what you should be doing: The practical project management experience you have would create 5x the impact if you applied it strategically. Start with these three changes: → Create a weekly project review system Most project managers wait for problems to arise. The best ones see them coming like storm clouds on a Friday sprint. → Build a stakeholder engagement map Don’t wait for that one executive who kills projects by “just asking questions.” Identify and engage them early. → Develop a team capability matrix Know exactly what skills you have and what you’re painfully missing. This stops bottlenecks before they happen. PMs who use these three systems deliver 47% more projects on time and under budget. Use your salary to fund your development. Take courses. Build networks. The greatest project managers don’t just deliver projects. They build systems that deliver projects.

5 Project Management truths they won't teach you in certification courses: After 2,000+ projects and 19 years leading global teams, here are the uncomfortable truths they won't teach you in certification courses: 1. Perfect plans fail perfectly: → The best PMs don't plan everything → They build a buffer for the unknown → They expect chaos and design for it 2. Tools don't fix people problems: → No amount of Jira automation saves bad communication → Great PMs spend 80% on people, 20% on tools → Your best tool? A 5-minute conversation 3. Stakeholders lie (unintentionally): → "Everything is a priority" = nothing is → "We need it all" = they haven't thought it through → The real scope emerges somewhere around week 3 4. Documentation isn't the truth: → Teams don't read 20-page specs → Requirements change weekly → The best docs are living conversations 5. Success is political: → Technical excellence isn't enough → Project success = Right people + Right timing → Managing up matters more than managing down The hard truth? Project management was never about managing projects. It's about being the calm in the chaos. The clarity in confusion. The bridge between vision and reality. Because when the plans crumble... When the tools break... When the deadlines loom... It's about the people. It's ALWAYS about the people. What's the hardest PM lesson you've learned?

Project Leadership: Rethinking Project Success in a Changing World For years, project success was defined by the triple scope, time, and cost constraints. About 2 decades ago, when I first started in project management—delivering on these three elements was the ultimate benchmark of success. However, as I evolved in my career, I realized that the true impact of projects extends far beyond these metrics. Today, success is measured by strategic alignment, stakeholder value, and the ability to drive meaningful business outcomes. The Project Management Institute has redefined project success to reflect this shift. It’s no longer just about delivering projects on time and within budget—it’s about delivering value. In this evolving landscape, project leadership is the key differentiator between simply executing tasks and achieving long-term, transformative impact. The Shift from Project Management to Project Leadership Project managers have traditionally been seen as executors—focused on planning, monitoring, and controlling projects to meet predefined objectives. I’ve been in that position, ensuring that deadlines are met and budgets are balanced. But as organizations navigate increasing complexity and uncertainty, the demand has shifted. Today, they don’t just need managers; they need leaders—professionals who can influence, innovate, and drive strategic initiatives that align with broader business goals. This shift requires a new mindset—one that moves beyond rigid execution to visionary, adaptable, and people-centric leadership. A true project leader doesn’t just manage; they inspire, innovate, and create lasting value beyond the immediate deliverables. Key Traits of a Project Leader From my experience leading transformation initiatives, I’ve identified five critical traits that distinguish project leaders from project managers: 1. Vision & Strategic Thinking 2. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) 3. Influence Without Authority 4. Decision-Making & Problem 5. Adaptability & Change Management The 4P Framework for Project Leadership To transition from project management to project leadership, professionals need a holistic approach—one that balances strategic thinking, operational excellence, and people leadership. That’s why I developed the TAB 4P Enterprise Excellence Framework, which provides a structured path to project leadership: The 4P Framework—Portfolio, Project, People, and Product—ensures strategic alignment, execution excellence, team leadership, and value-driven outcomes, transforming project management into a catalyst for enterprise success. (watch for more insights) Final thoughts Project management gets the job done, but project leadership creates a lasting impact. As the profession evolves, those who embrace this transformation will stay relevant and become the strategic enablers of success in their organizations. The question is: Are you ready to go beyond project management and become a project leader? TAB

A junior project coordinator once asked me: "What's the secret to leading successful projects?" I told them it's not about control. It's about enablement. Most project managers get this wrong. They think their job is: • Creating complex Gantt charts • Micromanaging tasks • Being the "boss" But here's what actually drives results: 1. Clarity of vision. Make the destination obvious. You've failed if your team can't explain what the final goal is. 2. Leverage your resources. Give your people the tools they need, then get out of their way. Micromanagement kills creativity. 3. Secure stakeholder alignment. Your job isn't to do the work. It's to ensure everyone rows in the same direction. 4. Prevent problems. The best project managers solve issues before they become problems. They're proactive, not reactive. 5. Focus on value. Every meeting, task, and decision should drive business impact. If it doesn't, cut it. In summary: Enable > Control Trust > Oversight Results > Process Want to level up your project management game? Print this out. Review it daily. Watch your impact as a project manager multiply.

Project Management going into 2025: It’s Not Just a Skill; It’s a Strategy. (If you’re only managing people and timelines, you’re playing small.) The best Project Managers aren’t just checking off tasks—they’re transforming how work gets done. Here’s what will set them apart in 2025: 1. They’re Masters of Adaptability When plans change (as they almost always do), elite PMs pivot with speed and precision. They anticipate, adjust, and keep the team moving forward. 2. They Communicate with Precision Successful projects live or die on clarity. The top PMs ensure every update is timely, every stakeholder is informed, and no team member feels lost in the process. 3. They’re Relentless About Efficiency Busywork? Not here. Great PMs ruthlessly cut through red tape and optimise workflows. They’re always asking, “What’s the fastest path to value?” 4. They Empower Their Teams True leaders don’t just delegate—they inspire. The best PMs give their teams ownership and accountability, making every member feel crucial to the project’s success. 5. They Let Data Lead the Way Experienced PMs know that data is their compass. They track the metrics, spot trends, and make adjustments grounded in facts—not gut feelings. 💡 Pro Tip: Want to elevate your Project Management game? Focus on impact over tasks. Projects succeed when they drive real outcomes. 👇 What’s the #1 project management trait you’re prioritising this year? What did I miss? Let’s discuss below! P.S. If you found this helpful, hit the repost button to share ♻️

People overcomplicate project management: They think it's all about: -Filling up Gantt charts -Constant meetings -Juggling complex software -Being taskmasters -Delivering quick wins But in reality, it's about: -Strategic planning -Building high-performance teams -Leveraging the right tools effectively -Facilitating, not dictating -Long-term vision and outcomes -Risk mitigation -Consistent evaluations -Managing project lifecycle -Transparent communication -Active involvement -Maintaining balance and flexibility -Embracing different methodologies -Authentic leadership -Stakeholder engagement -Scope control -Aligning projects with strategic goals -Execution excellence Just Gantt charts and numerous meetings won’t streamline project management. Strategic execution, team collaboration, and consistent oversight will. #business #management #projectmanagement #innovation #operationsmanagement

YOU ARE IN BUSINESS 🚀 Mastering Strategic Project Leadership In business, project delivery stands as a cornerstone skill. Yet, its true power is unlocked when you become a strategic project leader—you not only oversee projects but also strategically drive them. You pave the way to accelerate to the C-suite and transform PMOs into the Strategy Realization Office (SRO). 🔑 "You either work for a business or own a business; either way, you are in business." ~ Fola F. Alabi Embarking on the journey to become a Strategic Project Leader is more than acquiring a skill; it's a transformative step toward shaping your success. How❓ 🌱 Strategic Thinking: Delve into a profound understanding of your business's overarching strategy. Align your projects seamlessly with the broader organizational goals. Anticipate upcoming trends and environmental shifts, seamlessly integrating these insights into your meticulous project planning. 🌱 Leadership Excellence: Ignite inspiration within your project team. Cultivate a positive and collaborative workspace. Lead not just with words but through actions that mirror the values and behaviours harmonized with the strategic goals of the organization. 🌱 Effective Communication: Articulate your projects' vision, goals, and objectives with crystal clarity to all stakeholders. Foster a culture of open communication within your team, actively listening, and addressing conflicts with promptness and diplomacy. 🌱 Adaptability and Agility: Embrace change wholeheartedly and exhibit flexibility in your approach. Acknowledge that projects often encounter unforeseen challenges, and your adaptability is the linchpin to success. Continuously assess and adjust project strategies based on feedback and ever-evolving business conditions. 🌱 Results-Oriented Focus: Establish clear and measurable objectives for your projects. Regularly track progress and make agile adjustments to ensure goals are met. Keep your gaze fixed on delivering tangible results that contribute significantly to the business's overall success. 🌱 Continuous Learning Culture: Stay abreast of industry trends, cutting-edge project management methodologies, and relevant technologies. Instill a culture of perpetual learning within your team, fostering an environment that encourages professional development. 🌱 Stakeholder Relationship Mastery: Forge robust relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external. Grasp their needs and expectations with precision. Keep stakeholders consistently informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycle. 🌱 Strategic Alignment : Regularly scrutinize how your projects align with the long-term strategy of the organization. Make agile adjustments to stay on course, ensuring every project is a strategic asset. Becoming a Strategic Project Leader is an ongoing process and a pursuit for excellence is not just a skill—it's a dynamic propelling force. #folaelevates #strategicleadership #projectmanagement

The moment you realize effective project management is more than crossing things off a list or sending reminder emails is the moment you actually see how powerfully it can transform, well, just about anything. Those of us who have had these moments are all nodding in agreement. 👋 Most of the time when I see a person or organization who has built something with sustainable, long term success, there is some really good project management happening behind the scenes (whether they realize it or not). That’s because success doesn’t usually just happen. It’s intentional. It’s strategic. It’s planned one step at a time, executed methodically, and periodically adjusted with grace. Sound familiar? And, again, I’m not talking about the ability to simply use project management software or literally make a list and check things off. Tons of people can do that (no offense). I’m talking about really getting it at a deep level. Stuff like: ✅ The ability to see the big picture while also having respect for the pieces that need to come together to make it happen. ✅ Further understanding the interconnectedness of all the bits in your project: the people, the resources, the time, the ideas, and the tasks. ✅ Practicing discipline and accountability in your activities, consistently and over long periods of time. Great project managers believe in their projects and are, therefore, committed to being good stewards. ✅ And finally, actually caring about everything listed above (rare, but not impossible to find). So if you’re a project manager wondering how you can level up your skills and become more valuable as a contributor, give this post another read. And if you’re on the lookout for your team’s next project manager, consider there’s a lot more to it than a fancy resume or laundry list of certifications. As always, I'm here to help. My inbox is open 📬