Goals are a dream with a plan. Each and every project I’ve ever worked on has been as unique as the stakeholders associated with it. There are some key “same” requirements a PM should bring to the table.  It’s definitely fun to weave order from the chaos of a nascent project. Here are just a few activities that are top of mind… Excellent up-front needs analysis – finding the key components to prioritize execution. Investing and learning from other team members. Data analysis, customer-facing engagement. Frequent retrospectives to solidify improvement. Listen – listen – listen! Having worked in verticals from hospitality, marketing, software development, multi-thousand-acre real estate development, oil and…

We were having a cup of coffee, listening to mellow jazz at the local Starbucks. “You look tired,” Sam commented. “What’s going on? You are usually more cheerful.” Then, he set his cup down with a certain force and looked directly into my eyes and asked, “Are you in your optimum work zone?” Granted, I hadn’t had enough caffeine yet and it was Saturday morning, so I wasn’t at full throttle. “Huh?” I replied, trying to figure out what was being asked. So, to buy some time I repeated, “Optimum work zone?” He nodded. “Yes, the career that excites, liberates and fulfills you. You know – optimum work zone.” I…