project

RACI Chart - The Basics

RACI Chart - The Basics

Some project managers use RACI charts because we are consistently reminded that: 

57 percent of projects fail due to breakdown in communications

[source: IT Cortex]

No PM wants to lead a failed project. So to each their own when using a RACI chart. 

You caught me! I was lying, I don't deserve it, and other fears from Imposter Syndrome

You caught me! I was lying, I don't deserve it, and other fears from Imposter Syndrome

In my opinion, attending a TEDx event is a signal of success and I felt like I didn't deserve to be in that space - I felt like a fraud.

Psychology calls this impostor syndrome.

Risk Assessments for Grant Proposals with a Free Template

Risk Assessments for Grant Proposals with a Free Template

There is a local granting body called Ontario Trillium Foundation that requires a risk assessment as a part of their grant applications. In my opinion, they are ahead of the curve with this requirement because it helps the grantee think of all the possible risks that could pop-up along a project.

Here are 4 big steps you can take towards risk management planning.

#Winning: Accept, Enhance, Share, or Exploit Positive Risks in your Risk Assessment

#Winning: Accept, Enhance, Share, or Exploit Positive Risks in your Risk Assessment

In projects, risks aren't all doom and gloom. They can also fall on the positive side of the spectrum - benefiting you, your organization, your stakeholders, etc. In every risk planning session I host, we always make time to brainstorm positive risks and you should too.

Here are 4 techniques you can implement to benefit from the positive risks.

How-To Create a Production Timeline for Emerging Filmmakers in Google Spreadsheets in 8.5 Steps

How-To Create a Production Timeline for Emerging Filmmakers in Google Spreadsheets in 8.5 Steps

This mini-tutorial isn't limited to filmmakers, it is for anyone who needs a high-level (or overview) of their project. Regardless of your project, if this is your end goal, check out the step-by-step tutorial

Response Strategies to Negative Risks or Threats: Avoid, Transfer, Mitigate, Accept

Response Strategies to Negative Risks or Threats: Avoid, Transfer, Mitigate, Accept

The Apocalypse. 

Some of us plan for it. Some of us don't.

When running a project, risks can become issues in the blink of an eye and it can feel like the end of the world. This is why it is extremely important to plan ahead. Let's plan together! 

Let's pretend that you are working on a project and already identified your risks, we will move on to the stage of responding to the risks. 

There are 4 ways to deal with negative risks.

Mario Kart & Milestones

Mario Kart & Milestones

In Mario Kart, a milestone would be completing a lap.
Similarly, in a project (for example a stock photo project) a list of milestones can include: 

  • mood board/concept finalized
  • legal forms signed
  • photo editing complete
  • website submission done

In order to complete each milestone, we have a series of actions or activities that must be completed before we reach a milestone.

Auditing a Closed Project: Questions That Address 47 Processes

Auditing a Closed Project: Questions That Address 47 Processes

Below are some of the questions I've asked other project managers in regards to their closed projects:

  • What were the biggest headaches with the project you supported?
  • If you could do it again, what aspects would you change?
  • How did you deal with team members that stopped communicating?
  • How much did planning help with the project?
  • What last minute surprises occurred that threw you off guard?
  • What were some great outcomes of the project?

Why You Should Follow Your Passions

passion-project.png

As a budding artist, stumbling across The Passion Project by Andre'D. Wagner is thoroughly inspiring.

Look through it and feel the creativity flow through your veins as you dive into Andre' D. Wagner's passion.

"Living a life with passion will change your surroundings and the people that are in your life. Living a life with passion will organically mainfest as greatness in the things you are called to do and the people you meet. It will demand people around you to be and do their best and the energy will multiply tenfold. So, I guess the only thing I want in return from you, is for you to live harder, to work harder, to love harder, give harder...and to pursue your passion!"

- Andre' D. Wagner