‘Jennifer Whitt, PMP’

 

What are some Leading Indicators that your Project is in Trouble?

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Leading Economic Indicators are indicators which change before the economy as a whole changes. For example, stock market returns are a leading economic indicator. As the stock market declines or improves, similar changes follow suit in the economy.

I believe there are Leading Project Indicators that alert us if a project is soon to be in danger. For example, a lack of a sense of urgency or questions from the Project sponsor could indicate a potential shift in the strategy or direction of the company. The project may not be written off yet, but it may be a sign that the project is in danger. This results in resources being pulled, funding drying up and the project becoming much harder to complete.

What are some Leading Project Indicators that you look for to determine if a project is soon to be in trouble?

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Make Lemonade out of Lemons!

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

I recently had an experience that many of us are all too familiar with…my flight was delayed by nearly two hours! After the initial disappointment, I began to think about what I could do for two hours. I could walk around the airport and/or eat (for the second time). I could try to get some work done for the upcoming week but realized I was too tired to concentrate.

Then the lemonade idea hit me! I remembered I had recently downloaded a PDU PAK of 5 PDUs on my iPod. I settled into as comfortable as a chair I could find, propped my feet up and began listening to Richard Forbus, Ph.D.’s excellent course about Communicating for Productivity and Buy-In!
http://bit.ly/c4ombo

By the time I landed, I had completed the course, earned 5 PDUs, and made lemonade out of lemons!

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Pessimistic Thinking: See the Upside of the Downside

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

By Jennifer Whitt, PMP

“The nice part about being a pessimist is that you are constantly being either proven right or pleasantly surprised.” – George F. Will, Columnist & Author

Studies have shown that Pessimistic Thinking can be a detriment to your health, a symptom of depression, a disadvantage in the popularity contest, or even a precursor to failure.  In 2002, a study published by scientists at the Mayo Clinic showed that people who expect misfortune don’t live as long as those with a more optimistic way of thinking. In a 2004 study, Dutch scientists discovered that self-described pessimists often had higher rates of cardiovascular death than optimists. So as you can see, the outlook for pessimistic thinkers is not so optimistic.

Understandably, you may ask why Pessimistic Thinking is even targeted as a way of thinking. This valid question has a complex answer. It may help you to consider that Pessimistic Thinking is also a form of “realistic” thinking. When making an important decision, a rose-colored, optimistic view can blind you to obvious problems. A dose of reality from the pessimistic thinker can save you and those working with you from preventable failure by revealing areas of risk you might not otherwise see.

Secondly, you will inevitably work with a pessimistic thinker. Learning to appreciate this person’s input will broaden your understanding and patience for this thinking style. And, finally, at some point you might lead a person or a team that’s focused on the downside – and possibly weakened because of it. (more…)

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Analytical Thinking: Let Reason Rule

Monday, May 31st, 2010

By Jennifer Whitt, PMP

“It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.” – Somerset Mougham, Novelist

You know the analytical thinkers in a room – they don’t hesitate to ask questions or challenge the expert. With a style that resembles an FBI profiler, these thinkers tackle a problem head on, and they’re careful to never assume anything. All facts are checked, all stones are turned.

After verifying the facts, the analytical thinkers can apply the faculty of logic to dissect a problem into individual parts. They then “paste these analyses together with a logical glue” to construct a sound solution. (more…)

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PDUs2Go Course Catalog…of Course!

Monday, May 24th, 2010

It’s been said that sometimes you can’t see the Forest for the Trees. Here at PDUs2Go.com, we sometimes can’t see the Trees for the Forest! We have so many great courses available for Project Managers on the Go to earn their PDUs that it would be good to see it all in one place.

Our donwloadable Course Catalog makes this possible. We include a brief bio of each of our outstanding authors, which courses are available from each one, as well as how many PDUs you can earn!

Remember, we run great specials all the time so keep up with them on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and this Blog! Right now you can receive a Promo Code for 20% off anything you purchase at PDUs2Go.com by just joining our LinkedIn PDUs2Go.com group.

PDUs2Go Course Catalog

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Altruistic Thinking: Look Outside Yourself

Friday, April 30th, 2010

By Jennifer Whitt, PMP

“Giving is true having.” – Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Preacher

In situations of stress, especially in work environments, it’s easy to become focused on your own feelings and challenges. Self-preoccupation is human nature and necessary in many cases. But while you tackle the difficulties of your day, why not also help someone else with his or her own problems? A willingness to give signifies an evolved way of thinking – and living.

The Altruistic Thinking style is characterized by a concern for others and a deep value for relationships. This thinker naturally comforts an individual, creates cohesiveness among the team, and leads with passion and understanding. The altruistic thinker may occasionally become bogged down by other people’s issues, but she finds fulfillment by working through them.

(more…)

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Intuitive Thinking: Feel Your Way Forward

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

By Jennifer Whitt, PMP

“Never ignore a gut feeling, but never believe that it’s enough.” – Robert Heller, Businessman 

Women’s Intuition is often hailed, but both men and women possess an inner faculty that allows them to intuit solutions to a problem. When making important decisions, working with team members, and leading a group of people, a “sixth sense” can help you navigate through the gray areas – those times when there’s no clear answer. 

While everyone can exercise their intuition, many people are afraid to use it; some will even deliberately do the opposite of what they feel. How do you use the intuition you’ve got? With the little practice, that knowing voice can grow louder. And with a little trust in yourself, you can learn when and how to listen to it.  (more…)

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The Good (and Bad) News about PMP Project Managers

Monday, March 15th, 2010

One of our goals as a Project Management Professional is to bring value to our organizations through the delivery of successful projects. As such, we are mindful of upper management and/or Client’s expectations and perceptions of how things are going. What about your project team? Are you as mindful of how they perceive the project is going as well the role you play as a PMP Certified Project Manager?

You should be for two reasons: First, having this insight will help you know what you are doing that is working and to continue doing those things. Second, having this insight will help you know what you are doing that is NOT working (even though you may think it is) and stop doing those things.
(more…)

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Two Ways to Live Longer as a Project Manager

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

Stress is in everyone’s life. However, stress is not included in everyone’s job description unless you are a Project Manager. Deadlines must be met, expectations must be managed, resources must be allocated, budgets must be cut, and reports must be submitted…all by Noon.

The reality is that this type of relentless strain can take toll on a person and some research would indicate that this can even shorten a person’s lifespan. So, what are some things you can do to manage stress, remain effective and maybe even live a little longer as a Project Manager? Below are two suggestions that may help: (more…)

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March Special Offer from Jennifer Whitt! 314.50 PDUs for $997

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

2010 PDU Pak

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Offer Expires March 31, 2010

Here is a word from our Founder, Jennifer Whitt, PMP
Please click the box below to play

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Click here to view the offer emailer

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