Dr. John A. Estrella's Blog http://blog.johnestrella.com Project Management | Business Analysis | Software Testing Sun, 28 Feb 2010 11:00:16 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 One Word That Characterizes Social Networking: 12 Simple Ways to Deal With It http://blog.johnestrella.com/2010/02/one-word-that-characterizes-social-networking-12-simple-ways-to-deal-with-it/ http://blog.johnestrella.com/2010/02/one-word-that-characterizes-social-networking-12-simple-ways-to-deal-with-it/#comments Sun, 28 Feb 2010 11:00:16 +0000 John Estrella http://blog.johnestrella.com/?p=804 Project Management and Social NetworkingThe word believe dominates the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Likewise, the word connect should dominate your social networking strategy too.

You build relationships by connecting with your Twitter followers, Facebook friends and LinkedIn contacts. There is nothing worse than asking favours from your connections without a firm relationship in place beforehand.

The underlying concept behind “connect” is to give rather than to receive. Here are 12 simple “investments” you ought to make to strengthen your connections.

Twitter

- Show your personal side (blog, twitpic, Flickr, etc.)
- Re-tweet useful information
- Thank followers for RTs and #followfriday
- Send @replies as appropriate

Facebook

- Comment on status updates
- Send birthday greetings
- Become a fan
- Join various groups

LinkedIn

- Comment on status updates
- Participate in discussions
- Answer questions at Q&A
- Share via SlideShare and TripIt

]]> http://blog.johnestrella.com/2010/02/one-word-that-characterizes-social-networking-12-simple-ways-to-deal-with-it/feed/ Social Networking Strategy for Project Managers http://blog.johnestrella.com/2010/02/social-networking-strategy-for-project-managers/ http://blog.johnestrella.com/2010/02/social-networking-strategy-for-project-managers/#comments Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:50:38 +0000 John Estrella http://blog.johnestrella.com/?p=808 Social Networking for Project ManagersIt was a sold out crowd of about 280+ project managers at my PMI Southern Ontario Chapter keynote presentation last Thursday.

Several attendees asked me for a copy of the presentation (PDF 3.15MB). If you download it, please Leave a Reply to let me know if you find it useful. If you have additional questions, I would love to hear them too.

As I indicated in my presentation, social networking is far superior to traditional and professional networking when it comes to speed and volume. However, do not forget the importance of personal touch—meeting someone in person, or connecting with them via e-mail or phone with a personal message.

Some people only like to connect with people that they have met in person. For me, I welcome all connections—be it in person or electronically.

Connect with Dr. John A. Estrella via Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

]]> http://blog.johnestrella.com/2010/02/social-networking-strategy-for-project-managers/feed/ Really Stupid Job Interview Mistakes http://blog.johnestrella.com/2010/02/really-stupid-job-interview-mistakes/ http://blog.johnestrella.com/2010/02/really-stupid-job-interview-mistakes/#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:01:31 +0000 John Estrella http://blog.johnestrella.com/?p=795 Job Interview MistakesIf you have been following my blog, you know that I primarily write about project management. However, I witnessed a situation today which compelled me to write about a different topic.

While waiting at the reception desk for my meeting, a gentleman approached the receptionist and mentioned that he has an interview with “Jeff”. Unfortunately, he can’t remember Jeff’s last name. I’m wondering how he expects the receptionist to find Jeff in a large financial organization. He added, “The interview is for an IT position.”

Although he looks decent, he had an earring, he was not wearing a tie, he did not polish his shoes and he was carrying a backpack. Even if he was able to connect with Jeff, do you think he’ll get a job offer? The receptionist politely told him, “I am sorry, I can’t help you.”

Connect with Dr. John A. Estrella via Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

]]> http://blog.johnestrella.com/2010/02/really-stupid-job-interview-mistakes/feed/ Belonging, Believing and Becoming: Applying Religious Concepts to Project Team Building http://blog.johnestrella.com/2010/02/belonging-believing-and-becoming-applying-religious-concepts-to-project-team-building/ http://blog.johnestrella.com/2010/02/belonging-believing-and-becoming-applying-religious-concepts-to-project-team-building/#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:00:20 +0000 John Estrella http://blog.johnestrella.com/?p=790 Project Team BuildingAlthough some people may not believe in religions, we can definitely apply what Fr. Ed Murphy learned from a Jewish Cantor. Similar to religions, project team building requires three components: belonging, believing and becoming.

Popular motivational theories consider a sense of belonging as a key motivational factor. Team members need to feel that they are part of the project in order for them get a sense of “personal ownership, responsibility and commitment.”

Team members will believe in a project only if they feel that they are part of it. It cannot be forced upon someone. It can only grow through communication, collaboration and conflict resolution.

Becoming can be fostered by experiencing a sense of a belonging and believing in the project objectives. You will know that you have a well-built team when they start preaching the project benefits to others.

Connect with Dr. John A. Estrella via Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

]]> http://blog.johnestrella.com/2010/02/belonging-believing-and-becoming-applying-religious-concepts-to-project-team-building/feed/ Delivering Projects as Promised: Stick to the Baseline or Manage Through Change Requests? http://blog.johnestrella.com/2010/01/delivering-projects-as-promised-stick-to-the-baseline-or-manage-through-change-requests/ http://blog.johnestrella.com/2010/01/delivering-projects-as-promised-stick-to-the-baseline-or-manage-through-change-requests/#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:44:08 +0000 John Estrella http://blog.johnestrella.com/?p=782 Project Baseline and Change RequestsThe preliminary project scope statement outlines the project and product objectives, and high-level scope, schedule and budget. Requirements collections help refine various parameters which often serve as the initial project baseline.

Given that several unknowns will materialize as you progress deeper into the project, what is the best way to deal with these unknowns? Despite your best project management plan, you may not have a choice but to issue change requests to address the changing project dynamics.

Is it better to do everything in your power to stick to the initial baseline or succumb to the need to issue change requests? With the former, you will look good by keeping your promise but may end up delivering an inadequate product. With the latter, you run the risk of losing your credibility by not delivering as promised.

What should you do?

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