PPP 418 | How to Be Unoffendable, and Other Leadership Lessons About Excellence, with Randy Fox

Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Laura Barnard about her book, The Impact Engine: Accelerating Strategy Delivery for PMO and Transformation Leaders. They discuss Laura's journey in setting up PMOs, the common mistakes and resistance faced, and the importance of change management and mindset in driving success. Laura introduces the Impact Engine system, a framework she developed to help organizations deliver sustainable value. The conversation also covers how project managers can become strategy navigators and effectively communicate with stakeholders. It's a fun, practical discussion that will help improve your ability to lead teams and deliver projects. Sound Bites "People are not actually resistant to change. They are resistant to having change done to them." "A lot of what we teach first is that you have to shift the way you think about the work you do... and really become what we call the strategy navigator for the organization." "Give them what they want before you give them what they need" "It’s not just about the templates, tools, and process that you’re creating. It’s about the business problems you’re solving." "I wish I had me when I was you. I wish I had somebody who would say don’t do this, do this instead... I needed to help them so that they can have an easier path than I had." "Knowledge alone is not power. It’s the application of that knowledge where you make a real impact. If you do the work, you will see the results." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Start of Interview 02:27 Laura's Journey in Building Her First PMO 04:40 Common Mistakes in Setting Up a PMO 09:29 The Impact Engine System 15:21 Myths About Change Management 20:50 Give Them What They Want, Not What They Need 27:57 Understanding Transparency and Impact 29:34 Measuring Success and Stakeholder Engagement 34:46 How Laura Seeks Continual Learning and Personal Growth 39:44 End of Interview 40:15 Andy Comments After the Interview 46:47 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Laura and her book at IMPACTEngineBook.com. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Project Management, PMO, Change Management, Leadership, Business Transformation, Strategy Delivery, Continuous Learning, Organizational Change The following music was used for this episode: Music: Brooklyn Nights by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Dr. Yasmin Davidds about her book Graciously Assertive: How Becoming a Better Human Makes You a Better Leader. They discuss the importance of assertiveness in leadership, particularly in multicultural environments, and the need for leaders to benefit from diverse perspectives and promote a sense of belonging. Dr. Davidds shares insights on what she calls gracious assertiveness, including her personal journey and the pillars of gracious assertive leadership. She also addresses common themes in diversity and inclusion, the concept of holding space, and the impact of these ideas on both professional and personal relationships. In a world where diversity and inclusion have been politicized and often seem primarily about the numbers, this discussion makes it all much more practical. You will learn practical strategies for becoming more assertive and creating inclusive environments. Sound Bites "Graciously assertive is the ability to self-advocate, to communicate in a way that holds space for the other side, that allows everyone in the conversation to feel heard." "If we can be gracious and be more accepting and receptive to other people's messages without taking it personal, we would have a much better workplace." "We just show up different. We don’t need our armor here." "Establishing healthy boundaries is important for individuals to prioritize their energy and create a space where they can be their best selves." "Self-judgment is a reflection of when you judge other people." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:26 Start Of Interview 02:37 How A Crisis Counselor Saved Yasmin's Life 04:54 Understanding Gracious Assertiveness 08:20 The Pillars Of Gracious Assertive Leadership 10:47 Self-Compassion And Overcoming Self-Judgment 12:40 Overcoming Self-Doubt 15:07 The Importance Of Healthy Boundaries 18:22 Graciously Assertive Communication Model 23:18 Negotiation Strategies With Difficult People 24:03 DEI Mistakes 29:33 Understanding And Implementing 'Holding Space' 33:20 Developing Graciously Assertive Children At Home 35:46 End Of Interview 36:06 Andy's Comments After The Interview 40:29 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Dr. Davidds and her book at DrYasminInstitute.com/dr-yasmin-davidds/. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Assertiveness, Diversity, Inclusion, Leadership, Self-awareness, Curiosity, Empathy, Project Management, Cross-Culture The following music was used for this episode: Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes sociolinguist Valerie Fridland to discuss her new book Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English. They explore the significance of language use in leadership, including the use of filler words, intensifiers, and vocal fry. She challenges the notion that filler words should be eliminated, highlighting their cognitive and communicative benefits. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the complexities of language and its role in effective communication. It's a fun discussion about language that will have you laughing, for sure, but also leaving the conversation with insights to help you lead more effectively at work (and at home). Sound Bites "Probably the best answer is I know enough about other languages to order a beer in those languages and that's pretty much probably all you need." "But it's also on the other side that when we're letting ourselves get distracted by those speech features (filler words), and then we're dismissing what they have to say because of something we don't like, we're also doing something wrong." "I said I study vowel movements. He heard bowel movements and thought I was a gastroenterologist." "If parents are worried about the way their kids talk, just show really good interest in trying to copy it and they'll never say it in front of you again." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:21 Start Of Interview 03:34 Language And Social Identity 06:56 The Evolution Of Language And Social Identity 13:41 The Role Of Filler Words 22:53 The History And Use Of 'Like' 34:11 Pressures On Women In The Workplace 34:58 Vocal Fry In Media And Public Perception 35:23 Gender And Vocal Fry Criticism 38:38 Understanding And Adapting Speech Features 39:52 Effective Communication Strategies 41:32 Judging Speech In Professional Contexts 47:48 Advice For Parents On Communication 50:18 Wrap-Up 50:39 Andy Comments After The Interview 52:51 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Valerie and her book at ValerieFridland.com. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: project management, leadership, language, social identity, filler words, communication, vocal fry, gendered speech, linguistic diversity, parenting The following music was used for this episode: Music: Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Michelle Labrosse, the founder and Chief Cheetah of Cheetah Learning. They discuss Michelle's career journey, the importance of learning and focus, and her approach to accelerated learning. Michelle shares insights on removing hurdles in learning, dealing with information overload and distractions, and achieving mastery. She emphasizes the importance of thorough project assessment and planning, as well as the need for continuous learning and curiosity. Throughout the discussion, she shares personal anecdotes and practical tips for effective project management. Sound Bites "I was thrown from the car. So I think that now they would label me Asperger's but I wasn't Asperger's. I had a brain injury." "When you teach people how to be good at test taking, you open up a whole world for them." "We do a lot with anxiety. We have a lot of people saying they cured my test anxiety." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Start of Interview 01:48 Michelle's Early Life and Family Influence 03:03 Discovering and Overcoming a Brain Injury 07:14 The Impact of 'Do What You Are' 14:16 What Makes Learning Fast, Easy, and Fun? 27:53 Project Management Tips for Beginners 28:54 Understanding Project Risks 29:07 The Importance of Stakeholders 29:13 Resources and Self-Assessment 30:50 Curiosity and Humility in Project Management 33:10 Dealing with Project Challenges 36:40 Parenting and Project Management 41:54 Wrap Up 42:19 Andy Comments After the Interview 44:36 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more and connect with Michelle on LinkedIn at LinkedIn/in/Best-PMP-Exam-Prep-Course. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Ways of Working Topics: project management, career, accelerated learning, leadership, continuous learning, curiosity, parenting, identity capital   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with one of the gurus of governance, Ross Garland, co-author of the Project, Program, and Portfolio Governance Guide. They discuss the importance of governance in project management and how it differs from technical aspects like scope and risk management. Ross explains Cobb's paradox and why projects still fail despite knowing how to prevent their failure. They also delve into the principles of governance, such as treating change differently from business as usual and ensuring a single point of accountability for each project or program. The guide provides practical tools and templates for implementing effective governance. Sound Bites "Cobbs Paradox: We know why projects fail. We know how to prevent their failure. So why do they still fail?" "Most projects muddle through, they get through one way or another, they produce an output, they produce assets. And particularly if they're government projects, ministers tend to be very happy because they get to cut the ribbon." "One of the loneliest positions in the world you can have is to be a project manager who needs to get decisions made, and when they look up in the governance structure, all they see is blue sky." "Some organizations still have the concept that the experts in project management should be the people leading projects. Now, if you do that, what you end up with is lovely assets, but not business outcomes." "There tends to be in some organizations a very unfortunate tendency to think that accountability is about who to blame when things go wrong. And that is not the case. It's about empowerment." "A single point of accountability is essential for the success of a project or program." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:09 Start Of Interview 02:20 What Is Cobb's Paradox And Why Does It Persist? 05:05 How Do You Describe Governance, And What Is It Not? 07:02 How Do You Differentiate Projects, Programs, And Portfolios? 10:05 How Does Your Guide Compare To PMI's Practice Guide On Governance? 13:25 What Is The Importance Of Treating Change Differently From Business As Usual? 15:32 Can You Explain The Single Point Of Accountability Principle? 20:32 Real-World Example: Replacing A Payroll System 25:41 What Feedback Have You Received From People Using The Guide? 27:46 Where To Find The Guide 28:46 End Of Interview 29:07 Andy's Comments After The Interview 33:30 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Ross and his guide at P3gqa.com/. If you’d like more on this subject, check out: Episode 387, with Atif Rafiq about his book on delivering projects Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Ways of Working Topics: governance, project management, program management, portfolio management, decision-making, accountability, project sponsor   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Tranceverse by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Dr. Sam Adeyemi, an influential leader and author of Dear Leader: Your Flagship Guide to Successful Leadership. They discuss the impact of personal backstories on leadership, the importance of principles and values, dealing with self-doubt, and managing multi-generational teams. Dr. Sam shares insights from his personal journey, providing practical advice on leading with empathy, authenticity, and intentional personal branding. This is a great opportunity to be exposed to a globally influential voice on leadership who will inspire you to go from self-doubt to confidence. Sound Bites "Leadership is first about being before it is about doing." "You reproduce who you are." "We never act beyond the capacity of that person that we see inside." "Building your personal brand is not about building your ego and trying to prove to people that you are what you are not." "We all are way better than we think we are. We're more powerful than we think we are." "We actually can't control most of the things that affect our lives, but we can affect the things that are inside of us." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:33 Start Of Interview 07:33 Principles And Values In Leadership 11:00 What Is Authenticity? 12:46 Decision-Making Guided By Values 15:33 The Role Of Identity In Leadership 18:16 Overcoming Self-Doubt 20:08 Overcoming Fear And Embracing Uncertainty 21:18 The Power Of Self-Talk And Identity 22:26 Generational Differences In The Workplace 26:12 Building A Personal Brand Vs. Ego 31:39 Applying Leadership Principles At Home 35:26 End Of Interview 35:48 Andy Comments After The Interview 37:53 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Dr. Sam and his books at SamAdeyemi.com/. If you’d like more on this subject, check out: Episodes 62, 153, and 416 with Jim Kouzes about his book The Leadership Challenge, and Episode 252 with Marcus Buckingham about his book Nine Lies About Work. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Brooklyn Nights by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Tropical Vibe by WinnieTheMog License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Steven T. Collis, a law professor and author of Habits of a Peacemaker: 10 Habits to Change Our Potentially Toxic Conversations into Healthy Dialogues.' They discuss the increasing polarization in society, and challenges in having healthy dialogues at work and in personal life. Steven introduces ten habits from his book aimed at transforming potentially toxic conversations into healthy dialogues. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of intellectual humility, seeking real learning, assuming the best about others, and practical strategies for engaging in productive discourse. Steven also shares personal stories and scenarios to illustrate how these habits can be applied, including dealing with difficult family members and controlling emotions. With all of today's political polarization and conflicts at work, this book is a must-read for aspiring leaders to help them at work and beyond. Sound Bites "My brother could pick a fight with a wall when he was growing up." "It's not enough to simply stop; you have to replace it with something else." "Being a peacemaker means having productive dialogues about hard topics." "We use a lot of slogans in our society and a lot of catchphrases, and chief among them is diversity, equity, and inclusion." "Could there be something else that's motivating this person besides my assumption that they're acting out of bad motives?" "If you're just an argumentative jerk, you're probably never going to persuade anybody." "It's easy to be judgmental of other people, but we know so little about each other and about what's happening in our lives." "We have to actually put in extra effort to free ourselves from these echo chambers." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:04 Start Of Interview 02:22 Steven's Background And Family Influence 05:34 Defining A Peacemaker 06:54 Navigating Potentially Toxic Work Conversation About Dei 10:14 Fights Into Treasure Hunts 12:48 How Technology, Social Media, And Dopamine Impact Dialogue 16:19 Seeking Real Learning And Avoiding Echo Chambers 20:44 Assuming The Best In Difficult Conversations 25:21 Handling Political Differences At Family Gatherings 28:25 Understanding Gaslighting 31:18 Applying Habits At Home 34:05 Wrap Up 34:27 Andy Comments After The Interview 38:32 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Steven and his books at StevenTCollis.com. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Ignotus by Agnese Valmaggia License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Bill Dow, the Director of Enterprise PMO at University of Washington Medicine and author of multiple project management books. Bill shares his extensive journey in project management, from starting as a data entry clerk in 1989 to leading PMOs in various organizations. The discussion covers the evolution of project management offices (PMOs), key lessons in leadership, and the significant impact of AI on project management. Bill emphasizes the importance of executive support for PMOs' success and explores future trends like increased automation and the integration of AI into project management processes. Both Andy and Bill reflect on the critical skills needed for effective project management, beyond just technical knowledge, highlighting the art of managing people and building relationships. Sound Bites "Project management's often misunderstood what they actually do. We hear overhead, we hear administrative, book a meeting for us, just bug people to get things done, go get us coffee." "I thought I'd be a project manager so I could just boss people around. Like they'll do all the work. Little did I know how complicated this job is." "If you don't have executive support backing you, you're not going to survive. It just does not matter." "One of the key aspects of what I'm about is tenacity. I just keep trying and trying. If it doesn't work, I'll try again and try again." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:03 Start Of Interview 02:27 Bill's Career Journey In Project Management 04:18 Misconceptions About Project Management 07:57 Lessons In Leading People And Projects 12:52 The Evolution Of PMOs 18:42 Signs Of A PMO At Risk 28:26 Achieving Success As A PMO Influencer 34:32 Wrap-Up 34:50 Andy's Comments After The Interview 38:56 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Bill at BillDowPMPTraining.com. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Tranceverse by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Rich Diviney, a retired Navy SEAL commander, about his book, The Attributes: 25 Drivers of Optimal Performance. Rich shares his insights on the difference between attributes and skills, the concept of optimal performance, and how understanding these attributes can help build high-performing teams. They also talk about the importance of dynamic subordination, the relevance of attributes in hiring processes, and how parents can help their children develop these essential traits. The conversation highlights the need to look beyond resumes and skills when evaluating team members and the value of understanding and developing attributes for individual and team success. If you're looking for an innovative way to better understand and develop yourself and your team, this is a must-listen episode. Sound Bites "In stress, challenge, and uncertainty, when things hit the fan, personality tends to go out the window. We're running on these very raw things called attributes." "We train for certainty; we educate for uncertainty." "Skills direct our behavior in known and specific environments, but attributes inform our behavior in unknown environments." "A high-performing team is one that performs optimally even when things are not going great." "Optimal performance means I'm going to do the very best in the moment, whatever the best looks like in that moment." "Dynamic subordination means that problems and challenges can come from any angle at any moment. The person who's closest to the problem, the most capable, immediately steps up and takes lead." "If someone is unwilling to take criticism, they are unwilling to understand what they're doing wrong. They're unwilling to step back and cede control. That is a dangerous place to be in." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:04 Start Of Interview 04:02 Differentiating Skills From Attributes 07:20 Developing Attributes In High-Stress Environments 07:07 Story Of The Non-Swimmer At SEAL Training 08:45 Attributes Vs Character 09:33 The Role Of Context And Environment 12:19 Senior Leaders Who Get Defensive 16:15 The Role Of Narcissism And Optimal Performance 19:39 Peak Performance Vs Optimal Performance 31:26 Training For Certainty Vs. Educating For Uncertainty 33:25 Attributes In Marriage And Parenting 38:43 Wrap-Up Of Interview 39:07 Andy Comments After The Interview 42:02 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Rich and the attributes at TheAttributes.com. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Funny by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy speaks with Dr. Judy Ho, a clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, about her new book, The New Rules of Attachment: How to Heal Your Relationships, Reparent Your Inner Child, and Secure Your Life Vision . Seriously? Attachment theory? Reparenting your inner child? What does this have to do with leading teams and projects? You'll find out in this episode! Andy and Judy delve into the importance of attachment in leadership and how understanding attachment styles can impact leadership and team dynamics. Dr. Ho discusses the different attachment styles: avoidant, anxious, and disorganized, and their influence on self-concept and behavior in professional settings. The conversation highlights key strategies for leaders to recognize and adjust to the attachment styles of their team members. Before you're done, you'll have a new appreciation for attachment theory and its practical applications for personal and team development. Sound Bites "It's really about learning these practical strategies to clear up your mind so that you feel the most effective when you come up to a stressful situation." "This idea of psychological safety--it basically has the same effect on our bodies and our minds as physical safety." "It's really all about clearing cognitive space, especially when you're stressed." "The ability to be able to even name how they're feeling. Often when people have insecure attachment, they have this phenomenon that we psychologists call alexithymia." "We are social beings, and we need to stay connected to others to be able to achieve everything that we need to achieve." "It's amazing how these things still continue to impact us years after, even when those situations and circumstances have changed." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:29 Start Of Interview 02:50 What is Attachment? 04:42 What is Judy's Attachment Style? 09:33 How Attachment Theory and Emotional Intelligence Relate 12:30 Common Leadership Blindspots 18:19 Influence on Self-Concept 21:02 Clues to Attachment Styles 25:14 Dealing With An Anxious Style On Your Team 26:41 Life at a Glance Exercise 29:21 Practical Next Steps for Leaders 31:25 Wrap Up 31:50 Andy Comments After The Interview 35:26 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Dr. Judy Ho at DrJudyHo.com. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license