Scenario: * Jason, a project manager at a virtual reality software company, rushes to create a proposal for Flight Simulators, Inc. without proper planning. * He estimates a $200,000 cost and six-week timeline, which are standard for his company’s platform. * However, the company’s software is incompatible with Flight Simulators,

Understanding the Project Life Cycle: 1. Unique Nature of Projects: * Every project is unique, requiring different management approaches. * Example: Managing a political campaign involves considering resources, team members, election date, and location. 2. Project Life Cycle: * The project life cycle guides the project to stay on track. It generally includes

Recap and Next Steps: Previously Covered: * Project Management Definition: * What project management is and its value to businesses. * Differentiating what constitutes a project and what does not. * Role of a Project Manager: * The necessity and timing of having a project manager. * Day-to-day responsibilities and core skills of a successful project

Ellen’s Insights on Technical Program Management: 1. Team Collaboration: * Ellen emphasizes the power of teamwork, believing that a group can achieve more together than individuals working alone. * Bringing people together and aligning them around a common goal can lead to amazing results. 2. Dual Focus: * Successful project management involves

Key Interpersonal Skills for Project Managers: 1. Communication: * Checking in with teammates to understand their progress. * Providing clear feedback on the quality of work. 2. Negotiation: * Working with teammates to compromise on deadlines and other project needs. 3. Conflict Mediation: * Resolving tensions and conflicts within the team to ensure project

Common Myths about Project Managers: 1. Myth: You have to be an expert in the field and have a lot of technical knowledge about the project. * Reality: Project managers benefit from not having too much technical knowledge as it allows them to focus on the bigger picture and manage cross-functional

* Background: * Rachel was hired by Google out of a bar in the East Village, New York, about 12 years ago. * She worked as a bartender and gave advice to regulars, some of whom were Google employees in NY Ops and SRE. * Transition to Google: * In 2008, Rachel applied for an

Key Competencies for Project Managers: * Enabling Decision-Making: * Foster a collaborative decision-making environment. * Empower team members to express their opinions and make decisions. * Promote responsibility, accountability, and team closeness. * Communicating and Escalating: * Clearly communicate project goals, roles, and responsibilities. * Effectively escalate issues to management with potential solutions. * Strong Organizational Skills: * Stay

Core Skill Sets for Project Managers: 1. Enabling Decision-Making: * Facilitate decision-making within the team. * Gather and provide relevant information to help the team make informed decisions. * Communicate decisions to necessary coworkers, including immediate team members and company leaders. 2. Communicating and Escalating: * Use communication skills in all aspects of project

Great Project Manager Metaphors: * EMT: Manages chaos, triages tasks, develops and participates in action plans. * Ninja: Influences others subtly and avoids overt actions that could be poorly received. * Jazz Musician: Keeps a steady beat and ensures the team works in harmony. Daily Responsibilities: * Communicates with a variety of stakeholders, including

Definition: * Cross-functional teams consist of members from different backgrounds, expertise, and job functions working towards a common goal. T-shaped Professionals: * Team members skilled in collaboration and innovation across different job functions while contributing their own expertise. Key Responsibilities: 1. Clarify Goals: * Ensure each team member understands their role and the

Project Manager's Role in Relation to the Project Team: * Not a Direct Manager: A project manager manages tasks and responsibilities rather than directly managing the team members. * Role of a Project Manager: Guides the team, ensures tasks are completed, and supports team members without needing to be an

Project managers not only handle technical aspects of projects like planning, organizing, budgeting, and task management but also use interpersonal skills to add significant value. Key responsibilities include: 1. Teaching and Mentoring: * Serve as a mentor to the team. * Explain expectations clearly to avoid confusion. * Support team members in meeting