Learn how to level up your projects

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Analysis Paralysis
Project Management Sarah Hoban Project Management Sarah Hoban

Analysis Paralysis

I used to work with a colleague who was constantly on the lookout for the best project management and productivity tools. While I admired their dedication to continuous improvement, their tendency to start and then abruptly stop use of a given PM method left a trail of unfinished mini-projects in their wake.

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Why?
Project Management Sarah Hoban Project Management Sarah Hoban

Why?

Asking why may make you feel like an annoying toddler, but don’t be afraid to channel that natural inquisitiveness. If someone tells you to do something—your teammate, your manager, even your client!—and you don’t understand the purpose of the request, ask.

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5 Tips to Stem the E-mail Tide
Career Advice Sarah Hoban Career Advice Sarah Hoban

5 Tips to Stem the E-mail Tide

Facing an inbox so congested that you can’t bear to look at it? Spending your days responding to other people’s demands instead of focusing on your priorities? Feeling like you have no hope of making any dent in the pile? If this sounds familiar, read on for 5 tips on how to stem the e-mail tide.

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PM 102: Define Requirements
Project Management Sarah Hoban Project Management Sarah Hoban

PM 102: Define Requirements

Failing to plan is planning to fail, and your life is no exception. If you don't take the time to contemplate what you want out of life, how will you ensure that you get it? The first step in project managing your life is to define just that--your requirements.

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Tales from the Field
Project Management Sarah Hoban Project Management Sarah Hoban

Tales from the Field

Project management is both a science and an art, the latter primarily because you're dealing with people. One of the best tools in your kit relates to the scientific aspects of PM--the ability to observe stakeholders in their natural habitat.

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Entitled
Career Advice Sarah Hoban Career Advice Sarah Hoban

Entitled

Titles are a proxy for figuring out who you are and what you are capable of (and supposed to be) doing. They are a way of labeling and categorizing employees and prospective employees--thereby introducing the dangerous issue of being overlooked or dismissed based on your rank.

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Fete Accompli
Career Advice Sarah Hoban Career Advice Sarah Hoban

Fete Accompli

Why is it that we don't take the time to honor our accomplishments the same way we obsess over our shortcomings? I'd recommend that project managers institute a process for accomplishment review so that this activity is sure to become a fait accompli.

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