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The Zen Approach is morphing into open-minded mindfulness: the ability to drop away conditioned responses based on unhealthy mental models. The same basic principles are to be found across all wisdom traditions. These principles transcend culturally aligned systems like Zen and Yoga. We need open minds and mindfulness because they enable skillful performance. We cultivate them using techniques that fit nicely into our normal lives, that don't take much time and that payoff in the ability to gracefully navigate and succeed in even the most challenging situations.

Post Project Reviews

Just about everyone agrees that post project reviews are great. But not everyone actually does them. Of those that do, some are successful some are not.

How do we analyze our performance so that it is not threatening to the participants while it candidly addresses all issues? We can of course focus on the positive; use Appreciative Inquiry (AI). There has been lots of success using the positive approach. The AI advocates say "instead of focusing your energy on fixing the 0.0001% that's wrong, AI foicuses on how to create more of what's already working." But, what if it's the 10% that's wrong? What if what's wrong is costing the organization dearly and creating conflict? Sometimes we need to focus in on the problems and defects. Then we can drill down into these negatives and find the causes so we can root them out. AI will lead to a process that includes the analysis of problems and their causes as a part of continuous improvement.

Limited time and lots to do

I have been reminded lately of my time limit. On the grand scale there is no worry about time; its just a concept. But when it comes down to us in our lives and our projects, there definitely is a limit. On a personal level, I am reminded of it as I watch my 99 year old mother-in-law age, while aches and pains and a recent wisdom tooth extraction remind me of my own aging.
Then there are project deadlines. There is so much to do, so many projects and the constancy of daily operations. Can we get it all in before the deadline? What will be postponed or put on the backburner until it becomes a fire?

kindness in project communications management

I was surprised to find that some colleagues were resistant to the use of the term "kindness" as a value along with truthfulness, clarity, completeness and others for communication in project management. Kindness is having the intention to benefit others, to be helpful and gentle. Kindness sets the stage for trust and openness which lead to more effective communications. Think about it, isn't it easier to communicate with people who are kind?