Category: Systems + Processes

Refusing to Track Project Task Durations Keeps You Forever at the Starting Line

I’ve been trying to get some of my colleagues to go along with me in terms of estimating task durations and then tracking actual work durations on each task. It’s not easy. “This is the kind of thing I hate about the project management stuff.” That’s a common sentiment. It does seem like a waste [...]

Tuesday September 27th, 2011 in Systems + Processes | Comments Off

Will China Change the World on Its Economic Ascent?

Will Chinese industry forge a new path to turbocharge their economic growth the wayJapandid in the 1960s through to the early 1990s with their world-changing focus on quality improvement? Or will Chinese industry simply adopt the concepts and models developed by others in the West and inJapanand present the world with the same-old, same-old? Chinese [...]

Tuesday August 16th, 2011 in News & Commentary, Systems + Processes | Comments Off

Lawyers and Accountants Should Not Be At the Helm

A little while ago, and every so often, I encounter some friction and unanticipated concerns from the financial folks in the organization whom I must satisfy. Accountants, lawyers, and other risk analysis and procedural gatekeepers have their place, of course – particularly in a government bureaucracy – but I can’t help but think of some [...]

Friday December 24th, 2010 in Leadership, Systems + Processes | Comments Off

Fewer Meetings Plus Better Meetings = More Productivity

I don’t know about you, but I get my best work done at the office between 4pm to 7pm. I don’t like having to stay until 7pm, but I find that’s the best time that (a) matches my own physiological rhythms, and (b) when there are very few interruptions, if any. Meetings, in particular, can [...]

Friday November 26th, 2010 in Leadership, Systems + Processes | Comments Off

Jack be Nimble, Jack be Quick – Jack Better Not Imitate Government

“Welcome to Government,” said my friend after I voiced my frustration at the lack of clear, unambiguous command and responsibility. Most of us have seen the television crime dramas or movies where local law enforcement is investigating an incident when the black cars carrying the Feds arrive.  Guys in dark suits with dark sunglasses invariably [...]