Project Management
Collaborative Mastery: Overcoming Egos for Project Success
World XP Open Season 1
Summary
The group discussed the nuances and challenges of project management across various industries like tech, education, entrepreneurship, and finance. A key topic was navigating personality differences and minimizing ego to collectively merge ideas. They explored the design thinking method which includes empathizing, ideating, prototyping, and testing, emphasizing the importance of a structured approach. There was a mention of the inefficacy of meetings that don’t yield tangible outcomes. The group aims to create an action plan with defined metrics to measure progress and ensure actionable outcomes. They considered integrating agile methodologies like Scrum and the significance of active listening throughout project management. The conversation also touched on the importance of forward planning in education and the potential efficiencies technology can bring to project management.
About the Leaders
- Dahna Weber, Founder at M!NC
- Lucia Cieza de Leon, MBA Candidate
- Isabelle Gervais, Senior Project Manager at Cofomo
- Glenn Funamoto, Retired, Previously SAP Transport Coordinator and Landscape SI at Bombardier Aerospace
- Carmen Kuczewski, Professor at Concordia University
- Daphnée Lessard, Entrepreneur
- David Piché, Accounting Intern at CN
- Kashef Ahmed, Student in Business Administration
- Helen Kalavriziotis, E-Commerce Merchandise Planner at Global Electric
Action Plan: Project Management Across Industries
Objective:
To effectively integrate collaborative project management practices across diverse industries, while navigating personality differences and minimizing ego conflicts.
1. Understand Industry Nuances:
– Research and understand unique challenges and practices in industries like tech, education, entrepreneurship, and finance.
2. Design Thinking Application:
– Phase 1: Empathize with stakeholders to grasp their needs.
– Phase 2: Ideate to brainstorm possible solutions.
– Phase 3: Develop prototypes based on brainstormed ideas.
– Phase 4: Test the prototypes, gather feedback, and refine.
3. Meeting Efficacy:
– Ensure each meeting has a clear agenda and desired outcome.
– Minimize non-productive discussions.
– Track and review action items post-meeting.
4. Define Metrics for Success:
– Set clear, measurable objectives for each project.
– Establish milestones and checkpoints to review progress.
5. Incorporate Agile Methodologies:
– Explore the feasibility of adopting practices like Scrum.
– Ensure iterative feedback loops are in place.
6. Active Listening:
– Foster a culture of genuine listening to understand, rather than merely respond.
– Create opportunities for feedback across all stages of a project.
7. Forward Planning in Education:
– Begin planning at least a year and a half ahead for any major changes.
– Collaborate with different departments to ensure cohesive strategies.
8. Leverage Technology:
– Identify and adopt technology tools that can aid in efficient project management.
– Ensure training is provided to all relevant parties on using these tools.
Review:
Hold regular check-ins to assess the progress of the plan and make necessary adjustments based on feedback and outcomes.
