Challenging the C-Level Executives

How to get Fired at the C-level goes beyond the constraints of a book.

To that end the author offers some focused workshops, keynote presentations and insightful supporting education to help organisations achieve the success in strategic change that they desire, and to help C-level executives understand the challenge and benefit from the opportunity.

This is all about bringing a reality check to your executive team, and help can be found right here.

If your organisation or team needs a short sharp executive ‘scare’ session (or reality check) then Peter Taylor can deliver this, customised for your organisation, your executive team and the time available.

If you need to take it to the next level of detail, then the author offers two specific workshops based on his book.

Both can be customised to suit your audience’s needs and indeed, a fully customised engagement can be proposed if you feel your organisation requires something very specific in order to help you look at what you should be considering and doing to make sure your change, your projects, your organisation and you are still around for the foreseeable future.

Workshop 1: Executives – stop failing your projects!

Yes! You read that right – not ‘Executives – stop your failing projects’ but ‘Executives – stop failing your projects’.

The report Why good strategies fail: Lessons for the C-suite published by The Economist Intelligence Unit Limited in 2013 stated in its conclusion that there was a need for increased C-suite attention to implementation (and therefore projects). It said, ‘Leadership support is the most important factor in successful strategy execution, yet a substantial number of survey respondents indicate that the C-suite is insufficiently involved’.

This is why I make the loud and bold challenge that executives are failing their projects and why I strongly believe the situation needs to stop – now!

The workshop will explore the true value of your strategic change portfolio (projects) – which will probably be bigger than you think – and will explain why it, you and your organisation are at real risk of failure (and wasting a lot of that financial investment).

What you should do about this critical situation is, of course, explained simply. The two key actions you need to take to avoid strategic change failure will be introduced, making this undertaking far less onerous than it would have been had you attempted it solo.

 

Workshop time                                           1 to 3 hours^[1]

Participants                                                 C-level executives and senior project leaders

 

Workshop 2: Two key actions you need to take to avoid strategic change failure

If you are concerned about strategic change failure, and by association your portfolio of projects, then there are two key actions that can dramatically de-risk this potential situation.

Step 1: Strategies for project sponsorship

It is stated in the Standish Chaos Report, amongst many others, including PMI’s ‘Pulse of the Profession’, that the sponsor is the person who is ultimately responsible for the success (or failure) of the project, who represents the business and the business change. And yet, there is a chasm in many organisations between this statement and the reality of the professionalism and associated investment in development of those active sponsors.

We will explore the current challenges of project sponsorship maturity and offer some techniques for creating an effective sponsorship community as one of the two foundations of project success.

Step 2: Building the best PMO

Here will explore the true value of a good PMO in guiding project success and supporting the sponsor community in the management of the portfolio of project change.

We explore what is meant by a balanced PMO, a design developed by Peter, as well as presenting a new working model for project management excellence with the project academy concept.

This all adds up to a critical second foundation for project success.

The workshop will be an interactive experience with first-hand case study insights and the opportunity to spend some time with one of the world’s most experienced PMO leaders.

Workshop time                                           2 to 3 hours^[2]

Participants                                                 C-level executives, senior project leaders, sponsors and PMO leaders

The workshops are standalone but related and follow the journey from strategy investment through to the key foundations of change/project success.

Also available are keynote presentations based on this book, on project sponsorship and PMO leadership.

Peter Taylor

Known as The Lazy Project Manager, Peter Taylor is a project management office (PMO) expert.

He is currently leading a global team of more than 200 project managers acting as custodians for more than 5,000 projects around the world from Kronos Inc., a billion-dollar software organisation delivering workforce management solutions.

Peter is also the author of eighteen books, including the number 1 bestselling project management book, The Lazy Project Manager. In the last four years he has delivered more than 200 lectures around the world on his mission to show people how to work smarter, not harder in their quest for career success.

www.thelazyprojectmanager.com and http://tailwindps.com/how-to-get-fired-at-the-c-level/

[1] Workshop timing can be customised to the availability of the audience – the shorter workshop focuses only on the high-level issues with minimal interaction time permitted, the longer workshop allows for a ‘deeper dive’ and with audience interaction and discussion

[2] Again, here the workshop timing can be customised to the availability of the audience – with the longer workshop allowing for some audience interaction and discussion

Leading and Delivering the Best PMO for your Business

As a part of the PMI Australia Conference (Adelaide 30th and 31st May) where I will be delivering a keynote on ‘The Social Project Manager’ – I will also be leading a one day master class on 1st June on ‘Leading and Delivering the Best PMO for your Business’ at Flinders University in the CBD, Adelaide.

By adding this post-conference Masterclass to your registration, you get the chance to spend a whole day learning from one of the most experienced PMO leaders in the world.

Numbers are strictly limited for the Masterclass, so please make sure you book early to guarantee your spot.

• For Conference delegates:  $400 (full-day).
• For non-delegates:  $600 (full-day).

As a registered delegate, it is an easy 4 steps to add a Masterclass to your registration.  Go to the online form at https://www.plevinevents.com.au/pmi2016.php

1. tick the box “I am already registered”
2. add your name
3. select the Masterclass and
4. make payment.

For further information about each Masterclass go to http://www.pmiac.org.au/masterclasses/

I look forward to meeting you in May.

EVENT MANAGEMENT

Plevin and Associates Pty Ltd

PO Box 54

BURNSIDE 5066

South Australia

 

Tel. Nat. (08) 8379 8222

Tel. Int. +61 8 8379 8222

Fax. Nat. (08) 8379 8177

Fax. Int. +61 8 8379 8177

Email: events@plevin.com.au

Gaining access to an Unavailable Sponsor

Gaining Access to an Unavailable Sponsor…

…goes far beyond talking the Sponsor’s Assistant into rescheduling the calendar!  It involves a fundamental shift in the sponsor’s perspective.  But how?

If you want to learn the Number 1 way to shift the sponsor’s view of you and many more effective techniques to deal with difficult sponsor behavior, register for a complimentary webinar called “Sponsor Influence Strategies– Masterclass” available for just one more week.

You’ll meet a colleague of mine, Kimberlee Williams who has advanced experience in change management, having led the global change management program for one of the largest, most respected pharmaceutical companies in the world (she’s also a former PMO leader and BlackBelt) and is now sharing her knowledge about dealing with difficult sponsors directly through this webinar. WEBINAR BOOKING

She’ll disclose her personal advice for dealing with the four mindset and behavior shifts that will accelerate a better relationship with your sponsor so you can get them to do what’s essential for project success. It also covers common mistakes and the Top 5 sponsor problems (including exactly what to do about them).

You ‘ll  receive several downloads including a very useful framework that will help you transform your role with your sponsor from ‘hands-on’ to ‘strategic advisor’, program action guide, and others. In addition, you are going to receive exclusive access to a free 3-part video series (1.5 hours) that dives into the other six project ‘people elements’ you must manage in order to be successful.  You can watch the videos yourself at your leisure and are also welcome to share them with others on your team.

Peter

PS: Don’t forget,  Kimberlee is offering a nice bonus with this program.  It’s not for sale anywhere and would probably be worth at least $65-70 USD if you were going to buy it.  You’ll get access to a free 3-part video series (1.5 hours) which explains the ‘7 critical people elements’ that most contribute to project failure rates, then covers her best tips to solve those.  It also tells you the exact technique to reframe your sponsor. You can watch the videos yourself and can share them with others on your team. CHECK IT OUT

PPS: In that program, you can learn how to post a simple reply to the video that could win you $700 USD, paid in November. WATCH AND WIN

Is this you?

One of the surveys for my book – Strategies for Project Sponsorship – showed a startling statistic:

85% of companies surveyed said they had project sponsorship in place

83% of companies stated that they did nothing to train, support, guide, or help their sponsors in any way at all

And yet 100% of companies stated that having a good sponsor in place was critical to project success!

Do you recognise this imbalance in your company?

If so, and you want some quick and effective new ways to deal with your sponsor, you’ll want attend a complimentary webinar called ‘Sponsor Influence Strategies- Masterclass’.

Unlike some other programs that tell you to go-change-your-sponsor, this one focuses on things that are 100% under your control…the four mindset and behavior shifts you have to make in order to influence your sponsor and get what you want. It also covers common mistakes and the Top 5 sponsor problems (including exactly what to do about them).

You’ll get several downloads including a very useful framework that will help you transform your role with your sponsor from ‘hands-on’ to ‘strategic advisor’, program action guide, and others. In addition, you are going to receive exclusive access to a free 3-part video series (1.5 hours) that dives into the other six project ‘people elements’ you must manage in order to be successful.  You can watch the videos yourself at your leisure and are also welcome to share them with others on your team.

Kimberlee has advanced experience in change management, having led the global change management program for one of the largest, most respected pharmaceutical companies in the world (she’s also a former PMO leader and BlackBelt) and is now sharing her knowledge about dealing with difficult sponsors directly through THIS FREE WEBINAR

PS – The webinar is only available for a short time, so make a bit of room in your schedule in the next few days and sign up today.

As a reminder, it is no cost to you and you can register HERE NOW

One day workshop with The Lazy Project Manager

The art of productive laziness – how to be twice as productive and still leave the office early – a one day workshop with Peter Taylor (The Lazy Project Manager) BOOK HERE
	Date Tuesday 16th April 2013 Time 8:45pm Registration and refreshments 9.00am Start 5:00pm Close Venue The Hatton, 51-53 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8HN Presented by Peter Taylor, The Lazy Project Manager CPD Up to 6 hours (find out more about CPD) Cost £350 ‘Progress isn’t made by early risers. It’s made by lazy men trying to find easier ways to do something.’ Learn about the art of productive laziness with the lazy project   manager; understanding what is meant by the ‘productive lazy’ approach to   projects (and life) and learn how to apply these lessons ‘to be twice as   productive and still leave the office early’. The seminar will cover the definition of productive laziness, the science   behind the theory (yes there really is some), and will share some personal   learning experiences that led to the creation of ‘the lazy project manager’.   In addition the audience will be led through the three key project stages,   one of which the ‘lazy’ project manager works very hard in and the second   they should be in the comfortable position of enjoying the ‘comfy chair’ safe   in the knowledge that the project is well under control. A specific focus will be made on the third area, project closure, which can   be done so much better with very little effort but with a significant value   add for all ‘would be’ lazy project managers. Who should attend The workshop is directed at anyone who is directly or indirectly involved in   project based activity, experienced or otherwise, and is a great team   building opportunity: • Project managers • Senior project management practitioners • Project administrators • PMO staff All are welcome, only a keen interest in learning more about what an   effective project manager, and project team, can deliver is required. Benefits At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to: • Apply the approach of ‘productive laziness’ • Understand how to better manage themselves while managing others on   projects • Identify ways to apply the concept of working smarter, not harder • Apply personal efforts where it matters most on a project • Work with team members in a more productive way • Plan projects to start the way they want them to start • Communicate more effectively with the entire project team BOOK HERE Reviews “Peter is a powerful, passionate and persuasive speaker. His   presentation was one of the most exciting and memorable speeches we’ve ever   had!” Malgorzata Kusyk, Project Manager, Thomson Reuters January 2011 “Peter is a self-effacing presenter poking fun at himself. All of this is   what makes him so good.” Karen Fox, President, PMI NYC September 2010 “Peter is a highly knowledgeable expert. He has a unique ability to deliver   even the most complex messages with ease, using humour to connect with the   audience, leaving a lasting impression.” Mihaly Nagy, Project Zone;   Copenhagen and Budapest 2011 “Peter did not disappoint – I’ve been involved with organizations that   produce sessions for members for many years, and the feedback following   Peter’s was among the highest I’ve ever seen. Not only is he presenting   highly relevant and interesting concepts to get you to look at things   differently, he’s also a very engaging speaker who breaks down the theories   into manageable, easy to learn concepts” Barbara Porter, PMI IT &   Telecom Community of Practice 201 Bookings for this event are subject to the APM terms and   conditions. BOOK HERE

 

To Hell and Back in one Workshop

Happy New Year to you all from the Project from Hell team

Time is running out, only a few days to go before the 22nd January Project from hell workshop, so book now.

After successful workshops in the U.K. , USA, mainland Europe and Australia, The Book Authors Peter Taylor (aka The Lazy Project Manager) and Michael Finer (M.D. Dylanmae) will be back in London to host these workshops.

Analyse Project Failure, Achieve Project Success
Why learn about Project Success and failure factors in a dry, traditional manner when instead, you could participate in rescuing the “ProjectfromHell” in this exciting and engaging workshop, facilitated by highly experienced project trainers.

The workshop is a full day, team based highly interactive event providing real benefits to project professionals, senior management, and line of business personnel involved in project type activity such as campaigns and events, new product introduction, regulatory affairs.

Remember that if you have not already done so there is the free download from Amazon, or via http://www.theprojectfromhell.com of the ebook “The Lazy Project Manager and The Project from Hell”.

See http://www.theprojectfromhell.com for further information and to book an individual or team ticket. Please do it soon and take advantage of early bird pricing and special offers.

Leading Successful PMOs now available on Kindle

Leading Successful PMOs – Peter Taylor

Many organizations profit hugely by utilizing a Project Management Office (PMO), it means they achieve benefits from standardizing and following project management policies, processes, and methods. However, building an effective PMO is a complex process; it requires clear vision and strong leadership so that, over time, it will become the source for guidance, documentation, and metrics related to the practices involved in managing and implementing projects.

Leading Successful PMOs will guide all project based organisations, and project managers who contribute to and benefit from a PMO, towards maximising their project success. In it, Peter Taylor outlines the basics of setting up a PMO and clearly explains how to ensure it will do exactly what you need it to do – the right things, in the right way, in the right order, with the right team.

With a foreword by Chris Walters, Chairman of the PMOSIG, where he states ‘Peter’s book breaks new ground in looking at the leadership of PMOs’ and ‘This book reflects on PMO leadership topics based on Peter’s extensive experience in inventing and reinventing PMO functions in fast moving organisations. If you need a PMO (which you do, if you deliver projects) and you really care about your business (which I also assume you do), then you need a strong PMO leader. Reading this book will give you a fantastic vision for the role and the person that would fill it’.

US Amazon Leading Successful PMOs

UK Amazon  Leading Successful PMOs

And check out my tour delivering the workshop based on Leading Successful PMOs in Singapore, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne  One Day Workshop