As you all know, Rob and I are always calling for contributions to the #PMChat platform.  We have opportunities to submit topic ideas, be a guest contributor here on PMChat.net and/or the Pre-Game Show, as well as join/start a LinkedIn discussion.  The success of this community comes from your continued support, open collaboration, and restraint in trying to sell stuff.  Let me take a moment to applaud you all.  This community continues to grow at an exceptional rate and for the most part, the calendar remains full and guests contribute almost every week.  Thank You!

With that said, we are always for new ways for the community to participate and someone stepped up….  We have not posted the recap notes for sometime and Lindsay Scott took care of that this week.  Check out her #PMChat notes!  Thank you so much Lyndsay!

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Last week on #PMChat we had the honor of having Joel Bancroft-Conners and Hogarth the Gorilla as our expert guests for a conversation about Project Management Methodologies. Joel contributed an excellent article for the #PMChat weekly blog that compared choosing a project management methodology to gambling on the roulette wheel. Joel also joined the PreGame Show to expand on the topic. Thanks again to Joel for his contribution!

Now on to the recap:

Q1 – Has PM Methodology come down to Agile vs. Waterfall or are others

• @klkaz @null #pmchat A1. People still use waterfall?
• @Project_Mom @null A1: From my perspective, yes. Although, there is also a “hybrid” of using both together (ducking from Agile purists now…)
• @sewah_kram @null #pmchat A1. I’d say yes it has… or a combination of the two.
• @projectmgmt A1. My first reaction to that question was, gosh how cliquey project mgmt has got with its weird exclusive language
• @JBC_PMP A1: Waterfall is a catch all that covers a lot of structured planning processes. It still has value in some areas
• @JBC_PMP A1: Dr. Thompson once said I wouldn’t use Scrum to build a nuclear reactor, but I would use Agile principles to manage team
• @michael_greer A1 – I always urge teams to create custom PM life cycles reflecting unique characteristics of deliverables, industry QA points, etc
• @UnlikeBefore Yup, lots of big vendors do despite what they say. RT @klkaz: #pmchat A1. People still use waterfall?

Q2: What types of projects better suit Agile or Waterfall?

• @ronrosenhead A2: trying to classify is surely wrong.? Can we say a change prog is better using agile than w’fall? Doubt it
• @JBC_PMP A2: Agile: Change often, Customer close – Waterfall: Predictable, Compliance
• @UnlikeBefore #PMChat A2: Can the approach ‘suggested’ be at all influenced by the profit margin? Sometimes… That’s the cynical view of course
• @klkaz @null #pmchat A2. B Some projects need more process than others, but both Agile/Waterfall have process. I like decentralization.
• @dwrichy A2: Business/market expansion is best with waterfall. You’re not iterating on what people like. Meeting statutory requirements. #PMChat
• @JBC_PMP A2: If you focus on the team, then the process doesn’t really matter. Process is a tool, not a roadblock. #PMChat
• @michael_greer A2. Key: team feels the process supports their creations/hand-offs. Should be team-generated (ratified/embraced) not just tolerated 

Q3: Are Agile/Waterfall methodologies at all? Methodology vs. Best Practices?

• @Project_Mom @null A3: if these are not methodologies, then what would be?
• @projectmgmt A3. And to expand that – do good managers need methodologies or is it just because PMs are special
• @sewah_kram @null A3. They are methodologies but can be used as best practices (especially when used as a hybrid)
• klkaz @null #pmchat A3. Methologies, yes. Best practice, for me, is when I adapt/deliver/succeed and re-use. But no one write a book about it
• @JBC_PMP A3: Waterfall is a catch all term for plan driven methodologies like BDUF, Six Sigma, Prince2. It’s not an actual proess itself
• @RailComm_Paola @null A3. I like to refer to them as @wikipedia does: “guidelines for solving a problem
• @projectmgmt RT @JBC_PMP: A3: Agile isn’t a methodology, it’s a manifesto. Scrum, Lean, XP are methdologies that follow Agile principles.

Q4: How do you explain methodology to non-PMs, the business?

• @klkaz @null #pmchat A4. Proven approaches which can offer a starting point, that we can adapt to suit your business needs
• @dwrichy A4: Very carefully
• @ronrosenhead A4: it’s about how u deliver the change. Need a simple process; lets design one or how does this fit…
• @michael_greer A4 – a) controlled, inspected evolution to minimize rework & costs b) give examples script/shoot/edit/deliver film; house/blueprint
• @AndyBud #pmchat A4 I translate it to basics, the approach will ensure transparency, control and a greater chance of success
• @rkelly976 A4: Remember, many PMs have moved heavily to buzzwords. @projectmgmt mentioned cliquey. We have to talk their language, translate
• @michael_greer A4 – emphasize inspection & “do a little at a time” to prevent rework — (justify our successive approximations)

Q5: Common challenges when trying to ‘shift’ to Agile? How to overcome?

• @Project_Mom @null A5: buy-in and understanding -overcome by information
• @JBC_PMP A5: Not focusing on the benefits. Too many folks change because its “hip”
• @dwrichy A5: Shifting attention from the final delivery date to the current sprint.
• @michael_greer A5 Challenge: Want to “lock in” big, fat waterfall for contracting.Overcome w/ appeal of empowerment (more control w/ small chunks)
• @UnlikeBefore #PMChat A5: It’s a culture shift that needs commitment from everyone. Scattergun approach won’t work
• @sewah_kram @null A5. I can be ‘as Agile as a cat’, doesn’t mean my client wants to be!
• @projectmgmt A5. Agile is just not a big thing in the UK – we rarely get asked for it when recruiting PMs

Q6: What are some misconceptions of waterfall? It can’t all be bad, is it?

• @dwrichy A6: “In Agile, we’re flexible! We don’t NEED requirements or design!”
• @klkaz @null #pmchat A6. I’ve managed, led, and participated in very successful waterfall projects. Doesn’t always mean slow/over budget.
• @JBC_PMP Q6: The first misconception is the word Waterfall. Royce used it as an example of a flawed model. It’s a bad catch all phrase.
• @michael_greer A6 -That it’s only for large projects (construction, aerospace). Yet every home remodel, media production, church bake sale uses it
• @rkelly976 A6: Doesn’t have to be slow w/one massive delivery date. I have said I am a pig going over a waterfall
• @AndyBud A6, ‘current buzzwords’ waterfall is seen as ‘sooo last year’ or by its name a lower class of project delivery
• @talkingwork A6. Waterfall gets a bad rap for being too “controlling”. It doesn’t have to be that way – it’s a natural progression that flows

Thanks again to the #PMChat community for your continued support and participation. #PMchat will be on vacation Friday November 25 in honor of the US Thanksgiving Holiday. We look forward to see everyone back on Friday December 2^nd. We are finalizing the topics for December and January’s  and we will have them posted soon.

With all the talk of project management best practices and certifications, it is good to occasionally step back and look at where these pursuits will lead us in career development. Last week on #PMchat, we had the honor of having Lindsay Scott, Director of Programme and Project Management Recruitment at Arras People  contribute a guest post and join us on the PreGame show to discuss careers in project management.

The conversation continued on the Twitter. Here is the recap:

Q1: What is the best way for PM to find a job or contract?

• @JBC_PMP A:1- Being a PM is about interacting with people. So don’t use job boards, use your relationships. Bypass the HR Screen
• @danalcraig A1: My first choice is always networking…exhaust your contacts first. #PMChat
• @PPMpractitioner A1 Best way would be through your network. 80% of roles filled this way #
• @irivera A1: Networking
• @BridgePM referal from another PM or thu and agency like ours the specilizes in PM work
• @projectmgmt A1. After personal networks and colleagues – look at the people you’ve worked with – third parties, subcontractors, clients
• @JBC_PMP A1: All that said, don’t neglet your LinkedIn Profile. Recruiter Searches put recently touched profiles at the top of the list
• @dwrichy A1: Market yourself for those rare occasions when someone will find and approach you

 Q2: What does a PM need to do to really stand-out in the pile of resumes?

• @PPMpractitioner A2 Relevant skills & experience, expressed in a meaningful way that resonates with the reader!
• @projectmgmt A2. Example of being relevant? If the job is a business change PM make sure the opening sentence doesn’t say IT project manager!
• @PamStanton A2. Focus your resume on results delivered, not the process used. State it financial/business terms
• @JBC_PMP A2: Keep it simple, focus on accomplishments and burn those silly “objective/executive” statements. As Friday says, “Just the Facts”
• @rkelly976 A2: Don’t list basic job duties (that is what they hire for) – highlight your achievements, why your better then others
• @projectmgmt A2. Pay attention to the usual; no fancy formatting, spelling, grammar, wrong dates, don’t try and hide something, add a cover note.
• @PamStanton A2. Think of a resume as a marketing brochure, not a diary or confession
• @dwrichy A2: State numbers. How many products you launched, apps you developed, the sales pipeline you supported
• @danalcraig A2. The cover letter is your real chance to differentiate yourself. And do your research about the company/project!
• @CheriEssner Provide the reader with a story of delivered results
• @danalcraig A2: Good conversation on @Focus right now about relevance of cover letters http://t.co/FH24YpY5 #PMChat

Q3: What are the top 3 mistakes PMs make when searching for a job?

• @JBC_PMP A3: Not treating it like a project. Not picking up the phone. Not researching your interviewees before the interview
• @michael_greer A3 – Top mistake = not enough follow up, personal contact; assume “it’s right there in writing” is enough
• @PPMpractitioner A3 Assuming it is easy!
• @PamStanton A3. Overloooking jobs not titled as “PM” but leveraging those skills.
• @projectmgmt A3. Not treating everyone in the chain with courtesy, respect – PMs can sometimes be arrogant and bolshy (in my exp!)
• @ProjExperts A3: Taking the first job that comes along is a BIG MISTAKE
• @NVMichele A3. Making sure you’re really a good fit, not just for project itself but for the team culture
• @michael_greer Good link! RT @projectmgmt: A3. PMI’s career central article http://t.co/DcrroTl5 #pmchat includes too many pages! 2-3 max

Q4: What is your advice for somebody who wants to become a project manager?

• @PamStanton A4. Develop leadership skills & emotional intelligence as well as PM discipline
• @neilawalker A4 Look for companies that are very #project-oriented. AND will support your #PM development
• @michael_greer A4 – Apprentice yourself; watch proj. mgrs, volunteer to help create/update PM artifacts. Become one by gently infiltrating & doing
• @ProjExperts A4: Interview PM’s on their day to day activities to see if this is a good fit for your skills – it’s not for everyone
• @danalcraig A4: Care more about people than you do technology. And get out of your own head. It’s not about you – it’s about producing results
• @JBC_PMP A4: Understand that from now on its people first, not technology.
• @rkelly976 A4: Check out “A Day in the life a PM” e-book : http://t.co/kr7iO3H2
• @michael_greer A4 Don’t assume you need #PMP cert; Dare to document your own skills & certify yourself [It can be done!] http://t.co/W1K1j3Am #pmchat #ftpm

Q5: What do you or would you look for when interviewing project managers?

• @danalcraig A5: Experience – “been there, done that”, but still open to learning (no ‘smartest guy in the room’ crap
• @PPMpractitioner A5 Seasoned experience in dealing with similar projects. Plus the gravitas to deal with people at any level
• @JBC_PMP A5: if they think there is one right way, then they are not right for the job
• @BridgePM Ask about their approach to Risk Management
• @projectmgmt A5. Ultimately in the interview you’re looking for excellent baseline skills in comms, relations + leading
• @PamStanton A5. I usually ask the receptionist how they behaved in the lobby– when they think no one was looking.

Don’t forget the entire #PMChat session can be viewed via Twapperkeeper

Join us this week, as #PMChat discusses Project Management Methodologies. Same time, same place!

After all the talk of certification and methodology, most people agree that Project Management comes down to people and relationships.  The best template and most comprehensive PPM tool on the market can not make up for poor communication, lack of trust, and contentious relationships on the project team.  In turn, the topic for #PMChat this past week was Project Team Personalties and our expert guest was Bernardo Tirado.

Bernardo is a Six Sigma Blackbelt, Certified Project Management Professional, and an Industrial Psychologist.  In addition to being a VP/COO of Global Capabilities for a Fortune 500 Investment Bank, he is the CEO and founder of the Project Box, an excellent resource for project managers.  He also has a column on Psychology Today.com called Digital Leaders, where he writes about Technology and Leadership.  In addition to joining us on the #PMChat Pre-Game Show, Bernardo also provided an additional podcast on this topic and several resources to assist in developing your skills in this space.  Lastly, Bernardo provided a special offer for the #PMChat community…Maximizing Project Success Through Human Performance for only $9.95!  (usually $49.95)

Lets get into the recap!

Q1 .What are common types of personalities that you encounter on a project team?

• @thePMObox A1: Alpha Males/Females in A Type organizations
• @danalcraig A1: Any team will have leaders and followers. Those who only act when directed.
• @JBC_PMP A1: The curmudgeon “it wont work, it will take to long, etc” and they always seem to be the ones the young team looks to
• @michael_greer A1. Hot-shot expert contributors who tolerate management only if respected.
• @quickstonesw A1: @JBC_PMP Yes! Those who spend more time deciding why things won’t work than how they can!
• @danalcraig A1: Information hoarders
• @JBC_PMP A:1 The micro-manager Product Manager who tries to tell engineering how to build the feature.

Q2. In your experience, how many project managers formally evaluate project team personalities and if so how?

• @thePMObox A2: Not many. It’s a practice that should be done.
• @danalcraig A2: I’ve rarely seen it done formally, like through testing for example. Oddly, that seems common in sales orgs but not in projects
• @rkelly976 A2: Embarrassed to say…very rarely do I perform formal evals – sorry @thePMObox
• @JBC_PMP A:1 I swear by the DISC profile system. It got me a job because I understood my interviewers. Works just as well with a program team
• @Project_Mom @null A2: Not many do, but it also depends on your team. You may not need to formally do this if you always have the same team.
• @UnlikeBefore #PMChat A2: Don’t usually have opportunity. Team usually predefined. Have to get in & get on with it & manage accordingly.
• @irivera A2: There is usually no opportunity to know or evaluate the team before starting the project … should be done on the fly

Q3. How can different personalities be used to advance the project?

• @stacy_pearson A3 – we need all sorts of people to get things done.
• @irivera A3: the aggressive ones are the engine that drives the team, passives are usually good reviewers
• @JBC_PMP A:3 Turn your curmudgeon into your supporter by engaging him and making him feel valued. Aikido project management.
• @danalcraig A3: Face the ‘difficult’ ones head one. Don’t fall into trap of hoping or wishing they’ll get on board. Figure it out early/
• @califgirl232 A3: Rally your STARS – Self directed action oriented ready to shine.
• @PPMpractitioner A3 A good “balance” of personalities needed throughout. But balance moves during the lifecyle. Adjust accordingly to #project focus
• @UnlikeBefore #PMChat A3: Adjust style for each pers type. Support those who need it. Don’t hamper others. Deal w/issues promptly & decisively.

Q4. How does the project managers personality fit into project success or failure?

• @JBC_PMP A:4 if you don’t fit/work with your team you don’t have trut. no trust, no project. You have to be the one to adapt.
• @califgirl232 A4: Listen, Engage, Adapt, Lead ..LEAD!
• @PPMpractitioner A4 Once described to me as the head of the snake. Fast moving responsive projects need an “agile body”!
• @Project_Mom @null A4: As a PM you must be the one willing to adjust and to motivate
• @califgirl232 A4: You have to have self awareness and know yourself well to lead others. Situational, transformational leadership is best.
• @UnlikeBefore #PMChat A4: PM must be able to recognise diff situations, shift & morph. Situational Leadership as @thePMObox said.

Don’t forget the entire #PMChat session can be viewed via Twapperkeeper

Join us this week, as #PMChat discusses Careers in Project Management with Lindsay Scott – Guest Blog Post will be published tomorrow!

Our topic last week was Managing International Teams. While technology enables resources from across the globe to collaborate, it isn’t doing anything to increase cultural awareness.  Many project managers are finding themselves navigating their first global initiative and unsure of the nuances of that team structure.  To help us in this space, Project Management Expert Pam Stanton contributed an outstanding post to the #PMChat blog and also joined us on the Pre-Game Show.   This week’s chat especially benefited from global participation of the #PMChat community.

Let’s get to the Chat recap for Managing International Teams:

Q1. What are some of the common mistakes that PMS make when working with international teams?

• @dwrichy A1: Negotiating with international stakeholders, but leaving their superiors/decision makers out of the loop.
• @lisalynn0421 a1:not anticipating country specific regulations (I.e. Transport of equipment)
• @PamStanton A1. Not understanding the different personal power structures across cultures and how to leverage them to engage the team
• @klkaz A1 Timezone mistakes for sure. Trying to schedule mtgs and having a bias to one timezone or other; it’s tough.
• @HELENSStudio A1. Very important to embrace collaboration across the team
• @projectmgmt A1. Definitely the culture differences – try hosting a kick off meeting and keeping everyone happy
• @RailComm_Paola RT @PamStanton: A1. Another mistake: Assuming everyone is fluent in English because it is “company policy”

Q2. What are some best practices for ensuing that the project gets off on the right track?

• @projectmgmt A2. Hate to say it but ‘rules’
• @dwrichy A2: Ensure everyone understands the outcomes. Pictures/visuals can help
• @michael_greer A2 – Must give plenty of thought/planning to handling asynchronous communication (across time zones & can’t always be “live.”)
• @SteveCarterNC A2: some cultural orientation/education for team if there are significant diff. and they have not worked across those diff. before.
• @JBC_PMP #PMChat A2: Pictures of the team. Keep them on your wall. When you are talking to them on the phone, look at their picture.
• @HELENSStudio A2 include in kickoff list of approved software apps – beware of local tools that may not work across the enterprise
• @califgirl232 Rules of engagement “@ProjectRecovery: We’ve had to clarify definitions of ‘done’@projectmgmt @null A2. Hate to say it but ‘rules’
• @ianburgess A2 build understanding and if possible meet face2face, if not use video as most communication is through visual inputs

Q3. If you cannot meet in person, what are some cool tools/products to personalize communication?

• @dwrichy A3: Audio conferencing on skype works wonders.
• @JBC_PMP #PMChat A3: K.I.S.S. Back to the photos. Also informal one-on-one phone calls outside normal meetings. Simple Thank you emails
• @klkaz #pmchat A3 we use Skype for video, and @projectvantage for social PM (full disclosure, I’m co-owner of @projectvantage)
• @califgirl232 Use social media, skype, twitter, webcasts
• @ProjectRecovery A3. Goto meeting has worked well for us. Webex has been a big fail – can’t seem to host well from multiple worldwide locations
• @dwrichy If you’re ready to invest in some hardware, Polycom HD Video works pretty well. http://t.co/oa6iuDeF
• @PowerWebResults A3 – Skype, GoToMeeting, Web-based project management tools like Zoho or Basecamp work wonders. For wireframing, Balsamiq.
• @projectmgmt So tool wise we’ve had Skype, Webex, Instant Messenging, Polycom HD Video, GoToMeeting, EPM, Google+

Q4. Have you encountered a specific cultural issue that you were surprised about and if so, would you be willing to share?

• @SteveCarterNC A4: Gift giving. Expectation that you would exchange gifts as you met and began working relationship.
• @dwrichy A4: One time working with Koreans, they didn’t like our approach, so they went rogue and delivered on their own.
• @rkelly976 A4: In my ‘efficient’ NA ways, I sent an email w/ALL the details to China. No response. Sent ‘relationship’ mail, response in 5 mins
• @klkaz @null #pmchat A4 Tough question Rob, some that I’ve encountered are wrapped in religion/politics + culture, which brings specific challenges
• @michael_greer A4 – Chileans expect dinner to START as late as 9 or 10 pm! Made me crazy, ’cause I’m an early riser!
• @PamStanton A4. Listing an “ending time” on a party invite in Latin America could be rude. Guests are welcome to stay as long as they want.
• @PowerWebResults A4 Working with teams from different historical issues could contribute to getting the whole team to work together.
• @BridgePM Same in Spain! RT @michael_greer: A4 – Chileans expect dinner to START as late as 9 or 10 pm! Made me crazy, ’cause I’m an early.. #PMChat
• @projectmgmt @null Working in India and the nod of agreement is actually a shake of the head

This was a great discussion and we thank you all for your engagement!  We also started one on our LinkedIn Group Page to discuss some resources that may be helpful in this space.  Check it out!

Next week, we will discuss Project Team Personalities – w/guest Bernardo Tirado