The wrong team can create havoc on getting your project completed successfully, causing delays, missed milestones and budget problems. Just think about it…without knowing that your team members have the right competency requirements for the project role that they assigned to, how can you guarantee success?
We can help you solve this problem.
After years of research and working with thousands of project teams, we’ve developed Project Management Competencies Assessments. These Assessments will help you to select people with the right competencies for both their project role and the project’s requirements…so you’ll be able to select a project team with the right skills to manage your project successfully.
Learn more
Go to http://www.bia.ca/products.htm#pmca for more information about this innovative new assessment tool that’s available from Business Improvement Architects.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Operational Effectiveness Leaders
We all work to live. We don't live to work.
All the choices we make in our life are just that - our choices. no one makes these for us. We search for the guilty, blame the innocent and execute others for our own bad decisions.
Leadership is about leading - not doing.
Vision and strategies are not dictated. They are developed collaboratively. How else is it possible to create an operationally effective team that has a shared, common understanding and commitment to the future. One that has a clear direction on how to get there. That is what Operational Effective Leadership is all about.
Do you create your department's/branch's/group's/organization's vision and strategies? Or - do you engage the entire group to do this collaboratively. Though in the first instance, as leaders, we always insist that the final result was because of input from our team - this is not at all the same. The final will still be yours - not everyones. You have a choice. Make the choice of working collaboratively with your group. It will be more engaging, energizing and the result will be more powerful than anything you could have ever imagined before.
Let me know if you are unclear on how to proceed and I'd be happy to guide you through the process. You won't regret it.
All the choices we make in our life are just that - our choices. no one makes these for us. We search for the guilty, blame the innocent and execute others for our own bad decisions.
Leadership is about leading - not doing.
Vision and strategies are not dictated. They are developed collaboratively. How else is it possible to create an operationally effective team that has a shared, common understanding and commitment to the future. One that has a clear direction on how to get there. That is what Operational Effective Leadership is all about.
Do you create your department's/branch's/group's/organization's vision and strategies? Or - do you engage the entire group to do this collaboratively. Though in the first instance, as leaders, we always insist that the final result was because of input from our team - this is not at all the same. The final will still be yours - not everyones. You have a choice. Make the choice of working collaboratively with your group. It will be more engaging, energizing and the result will be more powerful than anything you could have ever imagined before.
Let me know if you are unclear on how to proceed and I'd be happy to guide you through the process. You won't regret it.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
I'm Tired of the Recession - Are You?
We've been in recessions before. Do you know which one is the worst? Well of course it is this one. But why is this one the worst? Because it's the only one where the future is uncertain.
You see, all of the other recessions that we have experienced in our lifetimes don't look bad now. However, think back to how you felt in the middle of them. With rising interest rates or oil prices or inflation or any combination of these. When asked the same question, during these "other" recessions, everyone said that the worst one they'd ever experienced was the one they were in at the moment. But when we reflect back, they don't seem so bad.
20% of economics are driven by reality. The other 80% is driven by perception. So, when we're asked to cut our salaries, our benefits, take time off without pay, etc., it is only based on the perception of these organizations of what will be - not what will actually occur. They don't know. The future is unknown.
It is our attitude that will bring us the quickest change - to help us to move on. I'm tired of this recession - aren't you?
You see, all of the other recessions that we have experienced in our lifetimes don't look bad now. However, think back to how you felt in the middle of them. With rising interest rates or oil prices or inflation or any combination of these. When asked the same question, during these "other" recessions, everyone said that the worst one they'd ever experienced was the one they were in at the moment. But when we reflect back, they don't seem so bad.
20% of economics are driven by reality. The other 80% is driven by perception. So, when we're asked to cut our salaries, our benefits, take time off without pay, etc., it is only based on the perception of these organizations of what will be - not what will actually occur. They don't know. The future is unknown.
It is our attitude that will bring us the quickest change - to help us to move on. I'm tired of this recession - aren't you?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Use Innovation to Move Forward
Our future depends on nurturing creativity and intelligence rather than protecting the past. In these times of transition, there are opportunities for each of us to use our full creative talents to expand our businesses and industries for the future. In crises like these, nations, regions, cities and states can rapidly change ground; they can improve or lose position, depending on the actions they take.
This should be a time for renewed optimism as we move forward. New periods in our history always bring us new challenges. But they can also bring us new opportunities. Use innovation to move forward. Pessimism is a great killer. Optimism is the only attitude that can bring you through.
At Business Improvement Architects, we have found that this economy has spurned us on to become even more innovative. We are working hard to launch some exciting new products that will make a difference for our customers and for us. Rather than dwell on lost business or decreased sales, we are using this time to be productive, creative and innovative. Watch for one new product launch this coming Fall!
What are you doing to survive?
Michael
This should be a time for renewed optimism as we move forward. New periods in our history always bring us new challenges. But they can also bring us new opportunities. Use innovation to move forward. Pessimism is a great killer. Optimism is the only attitude that can bring you through.
At Business Improvement Architects, we have found that this economy has spurned us on to become even more innovative. We are working hard to launch some exciting new products that will make a difference for our customers and for us. Rather than dwell on lost business or decreased sales, we are using this time to be productive, creative and innovative. Watch for one new product launch this coming Fall!
What are you doing to survive?
Michael
Friday, June 12, 2009
I have just returned from Croatia. I was a keynote speaker at the European Organization for Quality's conference. My topic was "Innovation in a Time of Transition".
My two weeks in Croatia were incredible. What a beautiful country and great people. Everything was perfect. It is interesting how much they have been able to accomplish in re-building their country after the recent wars.
When I think about Innovation today, in this most interesting of times I come to this conclusion. This is based on substantial research and practical experience in this arena.
Helping your organization to achieve more innovations, to create the culture to support innovative thinking and to adopt a process for innovations is a major undertaking. It can seem daunting to know where to begin. However, the most important first step is just that – to take that first step. It is a large and exciting change process. Even a small initiative can help to demonstrate the possibilities of a more robust effort.
Our future depends on nurturing creativity and intelligence rather than protecting the past by bailing out struggling manufacturers. In our time of Transition, there are opportunities for each of us to use our full creative talents to expand our businesses and industries for the future. In crises like these, nations, regions, cities and states can rapidly change ground; they can improve or lose position, depending on the actions they take.
This should be a time for renewed optimism as we move forward. It is a new period in our history and that always bring with it challenges. But it also brings with it new opportunities. Use innovation to move forward. Pessimism is a great killer. Optimism is the only attitude that can bring you through. I know in our firm, Business Improvement Architects, we have been affected by the economy so rather than hide away we are using our resources and money to develop new products and services. This economy has spurned us on to become more innovative. I am hopeful that this will make a difference. I know it will for you to.
My two weeks in Croatia were incredible. What a beautiful country and great people. Everything was perfect. It is interesting how much they have been able to accomplish in re-building their country after the recent wars.
When I think about Innovation today, in this most interesting of times I come to this conclusion. This is based on substantial research and practical experience in this arena.
Helping your organization to achieve more innovations, to create the culture to support innovative thinking and to adopt a process for innovations is a major undertaking. It can seem daunting to know where to begin. However, the most important first step is just that – to take that first step. It is a large and exciting change process. Even a small initiative can help to demonstrate the possibilities of a more robust effort.
Our future depends on nurturing creativity and intelligence rather than protecting the past by bailing out struggling manufacturers. In our time of Transition, there are opportunities for each of us to use our full creative talents to expand our businesses and industries for the future. In crises like these, nations, regions, cities and states can rapidly change ground; they can improve or lose position, depending on the actions they take.
This should be a time for renewed optimism as we move forward. It is a new period in our history and that always bring with it challenges. But it also brings with it new opportunities. Use innovation to move forward. Pessimism is a great killer. Optimism is the only attitude that can bring you through. I know in our firm, Business Improvement Architects, we have been affected by the economy so rather than hide away we are using our resources and money to develop new products and services. This economy has spurned us on to become more innovative. I am hopeful that this will make a difference. I know it will for you to.
Friday, May 29, 2009
The Certified Speaking Professional Designation
Hello Everyone,
I have just completed the last stage in the long certification process towards acquiring my CSP. Notification just came that I am sucessful in earning the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation. Established in 1980, the CSP is the speaking profession’s international measure of speaking experience and skill. Fewer than 10 percent of the speakers who belong to the International Federation for Professional Speakers hold this professional designation.
The CSP designation is conferred by the National Speakers Association (NSA) and the International Federation of Professional Speakers (IFPS) only on accomplished professional speakers who have earned it by meeting strict criteria. CSPs must document a proven track record of continuing speaking experience and expertise as well as a commitment to ongoing education, outstanding client service and ethical behaviour. I am one of 30 professionals to earn the CSP in the class of 2009 and will be honoured during a ceremony on July 19th at the 2009 NSA Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.
I am grateful to all of you have continued to support and encourage me through the process and I look forward to continuing our connections.
All the best,
Michael
I have just completed the last stage in the long certification process towards acquiring my CSP. Notification just came that I am sucessful in earning the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation. Established in 1980, the CSP is the speaking profession’s international measure of speaking experience and skill. Fewer than 10 percent of the speakers who belong to the International Federation for Professional Speakers hold this professional designation.
The CSP designation is conferred by the National Speakers Association (NSA) and the International Federation of Professional Speakers (IFPS) only on accomplished professional speakers who have earned it by meeting strict criteria. CSPs must document a proven track record of continuing speaking experience and expertise as well as a commitment to ongoing education, outstanding client service and ethical behaviour. I am one of 30 professionals to earn the CSP in the class of 2009 and will be honoured during a ceremony on July 19th at the 2009 NSA Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.
I am grateful to all of you have continued to support and encourage me through the process and I look forward to continuing our connections.
All the best,
Michael
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