How to balance work and family as a project manager?

As a PMP Certification Toronto holder, I understand how tough it is to keep work and family obligations distinct. You feel obligated to work late hours to complete all of your planning for the future days because of your hectic, demanding job as a project manager. After all, being a team leader necessitates a great deal of critical thought and effort outside of the office. When you arrive home, you can act upset with your children as well. So, how can you improve your project management skills without alienating your family? Here are three suggestions to help you separate your job and personal life. They don't have to be in each other's way all of the time!

Go to Work Earlier

"The early bird gets the worm," as we all know. The worm in this example might indicate a positive relationship with your family. You are more likely to get more work done if you arrive an hour or two earlier than your scheduled start time. Plus, your children are most likely still sleeping. Even if you spend a lot of your time interacting with clients and your team, attempt to fill these two hours with administrative or independent duties. Instead of conducting your planning and arranging at home, do it during your first few hours at work.

Find a Healthy Way to Relieve Your Stress

You might be working on a project with some difficult duties, or you might need to micromanage a team member to get their work done. This can cause unnecessary concern and stress in your head. As I discovered when studying for the PMP Certification Toronto, the result is that you may be able to relieve your tension at home by having a terrible attitude! The last thing your children need as a role model is a grumpy parent.It's critical to develop techniques to manage your stress on a consistent basis. Exercise, using a stress ball at home/work, doing breathing techniques, or becoming involved in a pastime you enjoy are all common strategies to reduce stress. Make extra time for yourself to do things you enjoy, such as painting, athletics, or travelling. The best aspect is that you and your family can participate in these new pastimes. Joining a sports league or enrolling in art and language classes together can be a good idea for you and your child!

Designate Tasks to Others

One of the best things about being a project manager is that you aren't expected to do everything yourself! Instead, you can outsource responsibilities to others as needed. Of course, this does not imply that you should let others to pick up your slack. Instead, you can develop ways to supervise jobs and projects for which you are not directly responsible! Don't think you're the only one who can complete the job from start to finish! Collaborate with your colleagues! This will relieve stress and free up time in your schedule, allowing you to spend more time with your family!

Want to learn more about the same? Take on a project management or BUSINESS ANALYSIS CERTIFICATION training program today!

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Becoming successful at implementing scrum!

As an Agile certification holder, I've been considering how to assist a colleague with a Scrum implementation that appears to be out of control and filled with "Scrum Buts," as my buddy Ken Schwaber refers to them.

Several times during our talk, I cringed when they mentioned their "version" of Scrum and their version of "TDD."

Yikes

When trying to modify their company culture to become more "Agile," I believe this is a common pitfall that managers fall into. The bottom line is that if you're adopting Scrum for business value motivators like profitability, product turn rates, cost control, or to compress/reduce feature release windows, I'd say your heart isn't in the right place, and you should re-evaluate what the value proposition is for implementing Agile software development methodologies/techniques. Being effective at Scrum, in my opinion, necessitates more of a shift in personal and managerial mindset than any technical or procedural change.

Because it's not really a methodology, nor is it a technique — framework – technique – bleh, I have a hard time using the term "methodology" in the same sentence as Scrum. At the same time, it's all of them and none of them.

Scrum is a Philosophy

It's a world-view relating to managerial engagement with those involved in production, as read while studying for the Agile certification.

I propose that you start by reading Ken Blanchard's book "The Servant Leader" if you want to learn how to adopt Scrum successfully. Once you've got your heart in the right place, abandoned the "command and control" mentality, embraced the TPS/Lean concepts of empowering and allowing the team to make "management" decisions, and finally resolved to give them that power, you're ready to take on Scrum.

Now it's time to tackle the tough stuff, like finding, training, and aligning with the Product Owner(s) so you can really move down the Scrum Road. If you can't put these fundamental beliefs and opinions about people, roles, and responsibilities aside, or if your organisation isn't structured to let you put them aside, you should abandon the idea of implementing Scrum/Lean/Agile until you can come to terms with what it means to lead people versus what it means to manage them.

Need more insights on the same? Take on a professional credential such as PMP, Agile, CBAP Certification etc., today!

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Project Manager Whys: Bring your inner child to work!

As I discovered when studying for the project management certification, most toddlers do something that is good business practise. 'Why?' they enquire. They question why to just about everything at some point. This is arguably preferable than the period where they refuse to accept anything. However, I can see how this may become tiresome. We appear to lose our sense of curiosity no matter how patient our parents were with us during our 'Why' era. Curiosity may be really useful in guiding us. The tool I'm referring about here is known as 'The Five Whys.'

Use 'The Five Whys' for root cause analysis and to truly comprehend the motivation behind your project. Let's have a look at some examples:

You and your team are aware that there is a problem, but it could be caused by a number of factors. This is an excellent opportunity to start with what you already know and work your way backward to the source of the problem.

1.       Despite the fact that we produced the product on time and on budget, our customer has decided not to engage us again.

WHY won’t they hire us again?

2.       The product we delivered did not meet their expectations.

WHY didn’t the product meet their expectations?

3.       The customer states that functionality is missing.

WHY does the customer state functionality is missing?

4.       The customer has a requirements list that does not match the list we used.

WHY does the customer have a requirements list that differs from ours?

5.       When our first project manager left, there was no smooth transfer to the new project manager. The new project manager believed he had all of the necessary documentation.

WHY did a change in project manager lead us to use the wrong version of a document?

I'll stop here because I'm confident you can figure out how to use this tool. You can also see that it takes more than five whys at times and less than five whys at other times. It's critical to keep continuing until you discover the true causes of the problem you're investigating. Of course, there's a chance you'll come up with multiple reasons to take action.

'And why are we doing this?' you're probably already getting looks from your team. That's a wonderful thing because they can assist you in getting started. Don't be put off by why inquiries. You are not required to respond to every why. This is a collaborative effort. You can make why inquiries enjoyable and ingrained in your team's culture. Invite your staff to act like children and ask "why?

Need more insights on the same? Enrol in a project management or business analyst course today!

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3 Best tips to maintain a high-profile while WFH

You don't have to be in the office to get ahead, as I discovered while studying for project management and Business Analysis Professional Certification courses. When working from home, though, you must be cautious. Here are three tips for working from home while maintaining a high profile.

1)      Over communicate – Don't leave folks guessing about what you're working on, what you're up to, or where they can find you. Make certain that your management and all of your team members are aware of your plans. You do this by communicating with them in a meaningful way.Because you are not physically present with them, you want to communicate with them more than you would if you were sitting next to them. Consider offering a daily update that is both brief and meaningful. When you're not in the office, set an auto responder on your email, make sure your voicemail shows your regular hours, and make sure everyone knows when you're out of the office. You never want someone to doubt if you're working productively or not for even a split second.

2)      Be seen – EEven if you work from home, make sure that people can link your face to your voice and your face to your emails and texts. You want everyone to know who you really are. This could be accomplished by spending time at the office with your co-workers. Use videoconferencing if you can't be in the office with your co-workers or if you can't be in the office with them both.It never hurts to have a team site where you can publish images, as I discovered while studying for project management and Business Analysis Professional Certification classes. If you do, make sure your photos portray you in your best light. You don't have to appear like a model, but you do want photos that show you as you'd like your co-workers to see you. On certain of your communications, you can also put a small photograph or image of yourself. Faces allow people to connect more instantly and easily.

3)      Change Your Method, Not Your Tone –Working from home can make it more difficult to locate individuals when you require their assistance. This can be really aggravating. Don't let on that you're frustrated. Don't make your message frightening or hysterical by changing it. Maintain a calm, courteous, and professional demeanour. Change the way you communicate.Perhaps you begin with an email, then move on to a text, then a phone call or a Skype call. Be prepared to be adaptable and understanding. It's possible that you're forgetting that there's a huge meeting going on back at the office. You may have forgotten about a holiday that your co-workers observe but that you do not. When you truly need someone and can't find them, you may always ask them how they like to communicate. Inquire about how essential communications should be escalated.

Need more insights on the same? Enrol in a CBAP or PMP Certification Toronto training program today!

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3 Tips to boost your career as a project manager!

I was recently requested to come up with three ideas to assist project management certification practitioners like you in moving forward in their professions. The idea was to gather advice from a variety of sources and compile it into a single document. Obviously, you want to learn how to manage projects and what project managers do. Beyond that, it's often a question of who you are as a person and how you act. With a little imagined drum roll, I'll end on that note. There you have it: three pointers to help you enhance your PM career!

1.    Be Flexible 

It is not always a straight path to the top. You travel sideways and then up at intervals. Others who are more open minded are moving ahead while you remain in the same place waiting for that promotion. Consider what you stand to gain before dismissing an opportunity. Is it allowing you to gain new knowledge about your company or sector, add new talents to your portfolio, increase your network, or strengthen working relationships? You will be judged against those who have demonstrated that they are not frightened to try new things.

2.    Be Likeable 

It takes a certain set of talents to be likeable. You have the capacity to gain popularity. Ability is something you can cultivate, not an all-or-nothing attribute, as I learned while studying for the project management certification. People are responsible for completing project work. When all other factors are equal, people prefer to be surrounded by people they enjoy. People are more eager to go the additional mile for you when they enjoy working with you, and you have a better pick of the best competent resources. How? Consider what you're saying before you say it. Be truthful and considerate. Respect everyone in your vicinity. Be a leader who others look up to.

3.    Be Low-maintenance 

Do I make life easier for those I work with, or do I make life more difficult for them? Am I high-maintenance or highly valued? Ask someone you can trust if you don't know the answer. "It is literally true that the best and quickest way to succeed is to help others succeed," Napoleon Hill said. You are serving people, regardless of how significant your title is or how much money you make. When you arrive to work, your goal is to help people. Others will notice your acts if they reflect service.

Need more insights on the same? Enrol in a project manager or business analyst course today!

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3 Accountability rules to follow for successful project management

Accountability is the best method to eliminate excuses, as I found while studying for a Project Management Institute certification, and project management can help you do just that. Everything is documented by the project management platform you're using, from task assignment to communication. If someone uploads an update or makes a modification, every team member is notified in real time, so there's no way for them to make excuses like they didn't see the message. Implementing the correct project management tool, on the other hand, is crucial for establishing accountability, which is the bedrock of your project's overall success.

A project's successful completion necessitates a tremendous lot of preparation, execution, control, and monitoring. All of these efforts, however, will be for naught if no one in the team is held accountable. The challenge now is: how can you ensure project accountability?

Accountability Rules You Need to Follow

There are particular accountability principles you must follow; just as effective accountability is mainly dependent on efficient project management execution. There are three guidelines to follow, as I learnt when studying for a Project Management Institute certification. These are some of them:

1.       A Strong Leadership: As a leader, you must clearly state why the project is being undertaken as well as the expectations. Your team members will not be able to view the importance or priority of a task/project if this is not done. When a leader explains the objective and advantages of a project, as well as the business value of each feature and the expectations of each team member, it helps them develop a commitment to the project, which is critical to its success.

2.       Communicating and Measuring Results: For discussing and measuring project progress, a collaborative environment is required, which is also necessary for enhancing accountability. It inspires individuals by highlighting those who are doing at their best. It also aids in identifying members who are not functioning at the needed level and the challenges they are facing, so that appropriate measures can be made to assist them in refocusing and getting back on track. The team will be able to inspect and adapt, which is essential for progress.

3.       Fostering the Culture of Accountability: The third and final guideline is to create a work environment in which every team member is held accountable for his or her actions. To accomplish this, make sure that everyone on your team knows the importance of individual and team accountability. You must persuade them that meeting deadlines and accomplishing tasks is insufficient. They are individually responsible for delivering the greatest degree of quality in order to assure the project's actual success.

Need more insights on the same? Enrol in a training program for professional credentials such as PMP, ECBA, CAPM, Scrum Master Certification etc.

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What are the roles and responsibilities while handling a project for project managers?

You have a project to complete. Take PMP training to do it effectively. But who will put that plan into action and turn the abstract into reality? Your project team, the most significant resource for your project, is the answer. There are timelines and resources to manage, regardless of the project's size, which is a full-time job. Then there are others who take on numerous responsibilities and see them through to completion: they, too, require management.

Project management necessitates a range of positions, each with their own set of responsibilities, in order for things to run properly. As a result, before you start that project, read up on the various project roles and their responsibilities. We'll also go through the tools that can assist each of those positions be more productive as an extra benefit.

Project sponsor

While a more senior position, such as executive sponsor, may exist, most projects have a project sponsor at the top of the project roles pyramid. This is the person who has a significant stake in the project's success.

The project sponsor is in direct contact with the stakeholders, which is why it was started in the first place. They are usually in charge of the project's budget and purse strings. They also have the last say on all project decisions, including resource allocation.

Project Manager

The project manager is in charge of the entire undertaking. They plan it, create a timeline, put together a project team, and manage their workload throughout the project's lifespan. Project managers are also in charge of risk and budget management.

The project manager is in charge of moving the project ahead, however they do not operate alone. They're also in charge of reporting on progress to the project sponsor and any other stakeholders with a stake in the outcome.

Project coordinator

A go-between is frequently present to aid the project manager's role in terms of project operations. They'll collaborate with the project team, which is especially useful when there are many remote teams working on the same project in different time zones. The project coordinator assists the project manager and the project team in keeping things going smoothly.

Project management office

An organization may have a section dedicated to defining and enforcing a set of standards and regulations to govern project management, as well as ensuring that such standards and policies are followed. This is more common in larger organizations, but it isn't always the case.

Focus well on PMP exam prep to know in details.

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4 Options to consider when the team is behind schedule

You’re a project manager with a PMI Certification. It's the afternoon of Friday. This is the current state of your project:

Your crew is two days behind schedule.

Because the project is so vital and the deadline is so important, team members working on critical path activities have committed to stay late tonight and work both Saturday and Sunday to get back on track.

Your sponsor just texted you to inquire about the status of the project. Your sponsor is unaware that the squad is two days behind schedule. She took a two-week overseas trip and is just getting back into the office. When she departed, everything was fine. That'll teach her to take time off!

As learned while preparing for a PMI Certification - you consider the following options:

1.       Because you are convinced that everything will be fine, tell her everything is good. Why would you want to disturb her? You assume her SMS is only a check-in, informing you that she has returned from her holiday and has not forgotten about the project. Everything will be alright when she is truly ready to pay attention.

2.       Respond by saying you'll meet with her on Monday to catch up. Then, on Monday, you can give her an update on the project's status and let her know what's been going on. At that point, the team may or may not have done the required work and will be back on track, but you may brag about how hard they worked all weekend. Of course, you secretly hope they'll get back on track.

3.       Ignore her text until later in the weekend, and then send her an update once you're back on track. A SMS is not considered a formal communication in your corporate culture, according to your thought process. In reality, you may have texted your sponsor and received no response for up to 24 hours. You believe you have a good reason to wait. This way, you'll be able to see how much you got done tonight and tomorrow. Your hope is that the team completes the work as scheduled, and you may text her to let her know everything is well.

4.       Tell her the truth about the situation and the strategy — we are now two days behind schedule and will be working the weekend to get back on track. Of course, this results in a lengthy text. If she prefers texting, find a method to be succinct while yet being reassuring. Otherwise, give her a call or send her a quick email.

Which of the options do you prefer: one of the options above or none of the options above? What would YOU do in this situation?

Need more insights on the same? Enrol in a Project Management Professional training program today!

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3 Best practices to deal with toxic relations at work!

Leaving even one toxic factor uncontrolled can have serious effects, as I realised when studying for Project Management Institute certifications. Employees are frequently left to deal with their difficulties on their own. Here are some suggestions for improving your working relationships with 'toxic' co-workers.

1.     Direct Approach

Doing it head-on is one of the most efficient methods to solve any problem you have with your co-workers. If you have a problem, talk about it.

In the best-case scenario, you'll reach an agreement and things will get better. Worst case scenario: you go on to other possibilities now that you know you won't be able to reason with this person.

However, before ranting at someone, make sure you observe a few ground rules. Make an effort to:

·         Be honest;

·         Be sincere;

·         Be reasonable;

·         Be understanding.

Another thing you must do at all times is maintain a positive attitude. No one benefits from losing your voice in a yelling contest. You may dislike the individual in question. They could be the most obnoxious person on the planet.

At this time, your patience may be wearing thin. Forget about it. It's not your objective to make somebody feel awful; it's to solve the problem. You're much more likely to succeed if you carry on the conversation in good faith.

2.     Taking It Up

When all other attempts to solve the situation on an equal basis have failed, you can consider bringing in a third party. It may appear that approaching your supervisor or HR with your concerns is a drastic step.

But there's no need to be concerned. If your complaints are real and your co-worker’s behaviours keep you down, there's nothing wrong with asking for aid from higher up the hierarchy ladder, as I learnt while studying for Project Management Institute certifications.

All you have to do now is present your message in a clear and focused manner, free of drama, backstabbing, personal attacks, or whining. Tell the truth about what upsets you and why it troubles you. Make a suggestion for resolving the issue.

This kind of responsible attitude will protect your superiors' reputation while also assisting them in better understanding and resolving the problem.

3.     Coping

Fighting fire with fire is the most popular response to poison that you should never use. Never start acting in a way that you consider improper when someone else does. Do not engage in gossip, backstabbing, snide remarks, or insults.

Use your frustration to propel you to greater accomplishments. Examine the situation and come up with better options. Maintain your composure and calm.

Accepting the circumstance as something that happens from time to time at work can help you get by for a while.

Need more tips on the same? Enrol in a professional certification training program such as PMP, PgMP, Scrum Master Certification training programs.

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3 Tips to consider when shifting to remote work

You'll need to learn how to be a leader and a counsellor, a manager and a mediator, a boss and a cheerleader quickly. This post presents the finest suggestions and methods you can apply today to assist you lead during the lockdown, as learnt in project management and business analysis certification training.

1.     Be Patient

The first step is to just breathe, and then remind your staff to do the same. We're all still figuring out how to deal with this unanticipated disaster. So try to be patient and compassionate. Recognize that mistakes will occur. There will be obstacles, and your team's productivity, efficiency, and performance will suffer as a result. That's fine, though. It's only a matter of time. You and your team will make the necessary adjustments. But now is not the time to be a taskmaster, inventing every rule and regulation and enforcing every performance metre. You'll need to toss out the rulebook, or at the very least put it aside for a bit.

2.     Stay Focused

Relaxing the rules and being a little more flexible with your standards, on the other hand, does not imply a free-for-all. There's still a lot of ground to cover. That job, in fact, can be a saving grace, not just in terms of guiding the firm through these trying times, but also in terms of giving you and your team something to focus on other than COVID-19 for a bit.

Staying on task and collaborating to discover specific solutions to help your team function efficiently from home will give you a feeling of purpose, normalcy, and accomplishment just when you need it the most.

3.     Talk It Out

Leading a virtual team, as studied in project management and business analysis certification training, necessitates excellent communication. Your team will need you to be responsive and "present" now more than ever, even if you are working from afar.

The younger members of your team, particularly millennials and Generation Z, are likely to feel at ease talking digitally, but they are unlikely to have the patience to wait for an email. Text and instant messaging, as well as video conversations and conferences, and anything else that enables near-immediate access, will almost certainly be what people require and expect.

The lack of face-to-face engagement will likely be more difficult for older workers, particularly baby boomers. They might have trouble using the technology as well, so be ready to offer extra help when and if it's needed.

Need more insights on the same? Enrol in professional business analysis or project management courses today!

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Guidelines to effectively manage your commute time

Back when working remotely was considered as a bonus, the "lack of commute" was seen as one of the key advantages of such working arrangement, as I learnt when studying for a Project Management Institute certification. There will be fewer bills, less wear and tear on automobiles, and possibly less stress if you don't commute, but that isn't the point of this post. When you switch from going to the office to strolling down the hall, the biggest every day shift is time. The typical commute time in the United States is roughly 26 minutes, which corresponds to about an hour per day for the average person.

The question is, what are you doing with this new-found time?

Most folks weren't thinking about this when the lockdowns started. They were only attempting to make things work. Few people made deliberate choices about how to use their free time. Some required it for their children, others needed it to sleep longer, and others simply needed it to get through the day.

Those mainly unconscious choices have resulted in new habits about how we spend our "spare time," and not all of them are beneficial. Now is the time to consciously ask ourselves, "What do I want to do with the time I used to spend commuting?"

Creating a New Routine

Consider the following methods to get a fantastic answer to the issue, as I discovered when studying for a Project Management Institute certification:

1.       Examine how you've used your commuting time since starting to work from home.

2.       Congratulations if you are satisfied with your response (and you might want to skip down to the comment about productivity below).

3.       If you're not satisfied with your answer, consider how you'd prefer to spend that time.

4.       Create a new routine or habit that allows you to spend your time the way you want instead of the way you are today.

5.       Make your new usage obvious, and explain why you think it's a better option.

6.       Once you've decided on your new preference, share it with the rest of your family (or others who will support you).

7.       Get started.

A Comment About Productivity

I know what many folks did with their travel time after they "lost" their commute and began working from home because I've spoken with hundreds of them. They simply added it to their workday. If this is the case, please allow me to ask you two questions:

·         Are you getting more done than before?

·         Is your task list shorter?

If that's the case, that's amazing! Unfortunately, no, according to many of the people I've spoken with. Remember that there will always be work to be done, and if you're working longer hours but not making progress, you're not being productive. The numerator and denominator of productivity are the amount of work completed in a given amount of time, not the amount of work completed. If you discover that you are spending more time working but not accomplishing more than before, you should think about creating new routines for the time you used to commute.

Need more insights on the same? Enrol in a Project Management Professional, Scrum Master Certification etc training program today!

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Are project management and people management different at all?

In the organizational paradigm, project managers are largely responsible for carrying all of the procedures and tasks associated with project development on their shoulders. You can get your certification from Project management Institute and be a good project manager.

They are the foundation of the entire system, and without them, everything would fall apart.

The fundamental goal of project managers, as we all know is to complete all of the projects on their roster on schedule and using the resources available in the resource pool.

But that doesn't mean they shouldn't pay attention to the most crucial aspect of the process: the people.

The development team members and all other project participants are the most significant resource in the resource pool since they are responsible for ensuring that all tasks, reports, risks, project deliverables, and objectives are met.

So, when it comes to good project management, it's a no-brainer that you need a well-functioning team that can deliver the project on time while also ensuring that it meets the clients' and company's expectations.

Project management vs People management

This is an intriguing topic since most project managers in the organizational paradigm will respond by arguing that while people management is an important aspect of the project management process, it is not the most important part.

We're here to warn you that if you think people management is a little aspect of the project management process that doesn't deserve its own respect; you're in for a rude awakening when the project development process becomes increasingly difficult.

Why project managers may sometimes screw up while managing their human resources?

The entire project management process has expanded dramatically over time, from a single-threaded operation to a multi-layered behemoth. This is where PMP certification would be helpful for you.

This entire process has also become more complicated because project managers must rely on technology and other tools to bring efficiency and reliability to work-related operations.

Despite the fact that there are numerous tools and technologies that can assist a project manager in completing their task quickly and efficiently, many of the projects on which they work wind up being massive failures.

How do you bridge this gap between project management and people management?

People management is one of the most crucial soft skills that a project manager should have if they are a pro in their line of work, as we stated before. This is because human resource management is a critical component of accomplishing much larger corporate milestones and objectives.

a.       Understanding the dynamics of basic human behavior

b.       Give your team the necessary autonomy

c.       Improve team communications

d.       Recognize and reward

Get PMP certification and upgrade your skills as a project manager.

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3 Top Tipsto Start & Sustain Stakeholder Relationships

As defined in the project management courses, three techniques for forming and keeping these relationships year after year is outlined in this guide.

1.      Don’t Undervalue the Stakeholders on Your Team

Some of your stakeholders will be more involved in your project than others. And how you speak with an investor or a supplier will differ from how you communicate with a co-worker or a corporate boss. This is due to the fact that each relationship is unique. Employees' inquiries and demands tend to focus on day-to-day operations, whereas investors' questions and requests tend to focus on big-picture growth.

Though your ties with bankers and investors are vital, be sure you're not putting them ahead of your co-workers. It's critical to instil a sense of worth in your staff and to recognise their contributions. Increased productivity leads to company-wide success when morale is raised. As a result, your business's success attracts new investors while also reassuring existing investors that they made the correct decision by betting on your idea.

2.      It’s Not Just Who You Know, It’s Who You Get to Know

Starting a new stakeholder connection has nothing to do with luck and everything to do with being in the right place at the right moment. You routinely put yourself in a position to develop more relationships by actively pursuing opportunities to network with potential stakeholders. While there's no assurance that a prospect will join your project right away, if you're consistent, the odds are in your favour.

As defined in the project management courses, another wise method is to reach out to current stakeholders and make new connections through them. Because you've already won the trust of their industry peers, these potential stakeholders you contact with are more inclined to get involved. "It's not just who you know, it's who you get to know," to paraphrase a well-known expression.

3.      Avoid Gray Areas & Keep Your Stakeholders in The Loop

Managing multiple stakeholders' communications at the same time is a difficult task. The more communication channels you have, the more difficult it is to keep everyone up to date on the project's progress. If your team is unsure of what they are supposed to do, productivity will suffer. If an investor is denied access to critical information, he or she may opt to abandon the project entirely.

It's critical to build a communication system early on to avoid mass confusion and worst-case scenarios. There are various ways to disseminate critical information, from organising interviews with stakeholders to providing current status reports. Because they are informed, supported, and participated in this project, your stakeholders will be more eager to invest in future projects if you prioritise communication.

Want to learn more tips about the same? Sign up for project management or business analysis certification training today!

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Boosting Morale: Leadership in Project Management

What makes you feel better when your spirits are low? Hopefully, you know at least one person who makes you feel better when you're down in the dumps. By achieving a project management certification, you’ll know that go-to person who always manages to clear the air and leave you feeling energised. They get a boost whenever they assist you. The act of assisting others makes you feel better, and the more you assist in raising morale, the more you will want to raise morale. That's what you'd call a win-win situation.

Consider morale-boosting to be a mental and emotional workout. You will become stronger the more you do it. This is healthy for your heart, as the introductory quote suggests. Perhaps not your heart as a muscle, but certainly your spirit's heart. However, when your morale is good, your stress level is low, which is beneficial to both your physical and mental health.

What is your workout plans for this week? Will you attend a yoga or Pilates class? Have a personal trainer assisted you with weight training? I hope you have time to go for a stroll, work out at the gym, or run. Physical activity aids in the clearing of the mind, the discharge of tension, and the reconnection with creativity.

By achieving a project management certification, you’ll include another sort of heart-healthy activities in your routine. The kind that entails assisting others. YOU have the potential to reach out and raise others up with your hand. It is beneficial to both them and you. You'll find opportunities to accomplish this type of lifting all around you.

·         Encourage a co-worker who is experiencing a career setback or disappointment.

·         Encourage the staff that is working nonstop to accomplish an impossibly tight deadline.

·         When layoffs or budget cuts are announced, boost employee morale.

·         When a favourite colleague departs the team or the firm, boost morale.

·         Raise your spirits when "Murphy's Law" kicks in and everything that can go wrong does.

·         When a presentation goes wrong or a prototype is rejected, boost morale.

These are just a few examples of situations where you can help folks. When people's spirits are low, YOU are the one who lifts them up. They'll feel better, and you'll feel better, too!

It takes a combination of mind, body, and soul to be a good leader. You can't offer what you don't have, as one of my teachers often reminds me. Build your strength and your spirit. Don't put your own mind, body, and spirit on hold for the sake of others. Include encouraging and uplifting others in your strategy. Everyone benefits when you do so.

Need more insights on the same? Enrol in a project management or business analyst course today!

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5 Steps to effective study the PMBOK guide

The nomenclature in the PMP Exam Content Outline and the PMBOK guide vary, as acquired in the PMP and PfMP course. Domain is referred to as "tasks" in the PMP Exam Content Outline, while domain is referred to as "process groups" in the PMBOK guide. The PMP exam adheres to the terms outlined in the exam's standard guide and book. Many other reference books utilise distinct lingo, which causes confusion among aspirants. As a result, reading the PMBOK guide and comprehending its terms will assist you till the very finish.

How To Study the PMBOK Guide?

This is an excellent question for new entrants. Many hopefuls begin reading the PMBOK guide when they are just about to begin studying for the PMP test. Several aspirants choose to skim over some topics in order to finish the guide.

So, if this is your strategy to reading the PMBOK guide, or if you're considering about adopting it while preparing, stop. You need to evaluate your approach to reading the guide. So, before you begin reading the tutorial, I've compiled a list of key topics.

1.     Understand and not memorize

You must use this strategy from the first chapter until you have completed all of the chapters. If the question is conceptual, you will be able to grasp and answer in this manner.

2.     Read Process Group-wise

Because the PMBOK guide is based on the knowledge area methodology, many of us believe that this is the best way to prepare. However, this is not the case because the Process Group is followed in the real-world project. As a result, adhering to the Process Group will assist you to a much higher extent.

3.     Read it along with a reference book

Of course, referencing to other books is vital as well. Along with the guide, you should consult other sources. This manner, you'll have a different viewpoint on a task. As a result, completing this PMBOK guide will make it easier to read. Meanwhile, who wouldn't want to pass the PMP test on the first try and feel confident about it? Right!

4.     Determine the relationships between processes

We all know there are five process groups and 49 sub-processes, as we learnt in the PMP and PMP CERTIFICATION. As a result, each process has an input and an output. These inputs and outputs are now intertwined to the point that one process' output becomes the input for another. As a result, all of the processes are interconnected and in a relationship with one another.

5.     Relate it to your projects

For you, this point will prove to be a win-win circumstance. How? I'll explain everything to you. When you first start reading the PMBOK guide, think about your current project or previous projects. This manner, you'll have a better grasp of the PMBOK guide, which will aid you in passing the exam and completing your project. I believe you have a good understanding of how to read the PMBOK guide up to this point. Let's take it a step further and figure out how many times the guide should be read.

Ready to take on the professional certification exam? Enrol in a PMP, CAPM, or AGILE CERTIFICATION program today!

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Benefits and Drawbacks of Classroom PMP Certification Training

The benefits and drawbacks of a classroom PMP certification course and exam prep has been mentioned and examined in this post.

Benefits of PMP Certification Classes

Some of the benefits are:

The Best Use of Your Time- If you're on vacation or taking a break from your job and want to make the most of your time. Then PMP classes are a wonderful option for you. It's a terrific technique to study in peace and concentration. However, before making any commitments, make sure that the class schedule fits into your calendar. A limit on the number of pupils is also in place. So, consider carefully.

High Motivation to Pass the Exam – You must pay the price for your scheduled session in advance. Because your money is on the line, you'll be more driven.

The Best Preparation- The study materials offered in the classroom PMP certification course are well worth the money. You will receive a copy of the PMBOK guide's text. Which is a large preparation resource where you will find a variety of study materials to aid you in your exam preparation.

Coaching From an Expert–Because there are less individuals in the classroom, you will receive more attention and a better gathering. The facilitators will provide you with excellent exam advice and ideas. Even after class, some of the coaches make themselves available to students who require assistance via emails and other means.

Post Workshop Support-Even after your classroom training, you will have access to ask questions and clarify your issues. This manner, you'll be able to answer a lot of questions without wasting time.

Disadvantages of PMP Training Classes

Some of the drawbacks are:

It May Seem Expensive-When compared to other possibilities, the classroom training programme is more expensive. Because it is the most effective method of training. If you value your time over money, this is a realistic choice.

It May Be Inconvenient for Some –Because they aren't coordinated everywhere unless you live in a big city. Travel and overnight accommodations are required for the 3–5-day programmes. It is especially challenging for people who have families and jobs. So, before you schedule your classroom training sessions, you must first manage.

Limited schedule and openings-Classes are held in various large urban locations, as previously stated. The classroom instruction has a limited number of seats and is only available at certain times of the year. This will make it tough because your schedule may or may not coincide with the session time.

Ready to get professionally certified? Enrol in a PMP, CAPM, PgMP, or PROJECT MANAGEMENT  INSTITUTES  training program today!

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Justifying Risk Analysis in Project Management

As learned in the CAPM, PMP, and PfMP course, risk management is an important aspect of project management. That means you'll need to know how to do a risk assessment. This strategy predicts negative events/risks that may damage the project or parts of it in advance. Analysing risks entails identifying and reducing them. This includes reducing the severity of dangers as well as the possibility of them occurring at all.

What is risk analysis?

A risk is an incident or condition that has the potential to affect the project's success in project management. Here are a couple such examples:

·         External risks include those posed by customers, suppliers, stakeholders, contractors, and other third parties.

·         Internal risks concern team members, senior management, and other internal individuals, issues, or circumstances.

·         Project-related hazards, which could include issues with technology or logistics, for example

·         Economic crises and political concerns are examples of event-related hazards, which are difficult to foresee and even more difficult to mitigate.

As a result of reacting to these occurrences, judgments may be taken on the spur of the moment, posing risks and challenges of their own. In project management, risk analysis is a method of foreseeing these eventualities. As a result, you'll be able to devise a strategy for dealing with potential dangers.

What does a risk analysis look like?

As learned in the CAPM, PMP, and PfMP course, the likelihood of these risks occurring and their impact are quantified independently using a risk analysis matrix.

On a scale of 1 to 5, the risk matrix assesses each of these factors:

·         The probability of a risk: 1 indicates that there is no probability of the danger occurring, while 5 indicates that the risk is a certainty.

·         The level of impact: 1 indicates that the risk has essentially no repercussions, while 5 indicates that the risk has a high likelihood of creating a late delivery or financial damage.

A project manager can use this matrix to assess whether the risk is high, medium, or low.

Keep in mind that this is not a one-time use tool. It's a project management method that should be employed on a frequent basis throughout the project's lifecycle.

The importance of risk analysis

The value of a thorough risk assessment cannot be underestimated. It's also a skill that project managers are supposed to have honed via experience and education. That's why PMI included a whole section on Project Risk Management in the PMBOK Guide.

Need more insights on the same? Enrol in a CAPM, PMP, and PfMP prep course program today!

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