Think Outside the Project Management Triangle

Think Outside the Project Management

TriangleElizabeth Michalka

@Michalka82#dpm2016

How Did I Get Here? UNC Journalism Major >> The

Wake Weekly >> Duke University’s HR Office of

Communication Services >> Duke’s Fuqua School of Business

>> Caktus Group

Who’s worked in-house?

Higher Ed Technical Consulting

• Many hats• Solitary DPM

• Plan-driven processes (waterfall / whatever works)

• No Billable Hours• Hierarchy• Traditional

• Clients down the hall

• Specialized• DPM Team

• Scrum Process• Billable Hours

• Flat• Modern

• Remote Clients

Similarities?

There are differences between working in-house & at an agency, but we have at least one thing in

common — relationships.

How do you use the Triangle?

In-House ConstraintsFixed:

Resources Budget (there isn’t one!)

Flexible:ScopeSchedule

Prioritize & Reprioritize! (repeat)

Collaboration

Communication

Relationships

https://www.flickr.com/photos/colinkinner/2200500024/

Think Outside the Project

Management Triangle

The Power of Phase 2Improved Collaboration, Communication, and Relationship

through:Listening

DiscussingAcceptingIteratingTrusting

Relationships are

opportunities.

So, how do you do this?

Invest in yourself

Invest in people and their success, not just the project’s success

Invest in Yourself

Give yourself a break.

Have confidence in your abilities.

Is there something you want to change or improve?

When people are happy, they produce better

work. - Brett Harned

Invest in Others

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nathaninsandiego/2705583592/

Collaborate & Communicate:

1. Be Present

2. Open Up

3. Preferred Comm. Method(s)

4. Accept Feedback

5. Give Feedback Kindly

6. Ask Questions & Listen

How to Build Positive Relationships

Ask Questions• What’s their history with the project?• Why are they involved?• Is there any tension among any of them?• Does anyone have questions or concerns about the

project?• Who holds the decision-making power?• Ask how you can help them.

The Rewards of Random Things

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sidereal/31952670/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/cbcastro/6908337562/

Think Outside of the Triangle

When you invest in others, they invest in you.

- Carl Smith

[email protected]

@Michalka82#dpm2016

Thank You!