Keeping the Peace

This month’s question is not uncommon. You are interviewing for a job that you really want (and possible also really need), you match MOST of the qualifications. What do you say about the areas where you are not a match? Of course this leads to internal conflict, lose the opportunity or misrepresent your skills and [...]

This month it is my honor to introduce to you Josh Nankivel. Josh coaches new and aspiring project managers to achieve their career goals through various publications and training courses. Visit Josh at http://pmstudent.com/. Just a few weeks ago Josh and I worked together to answer some of the questions that he was [...]

Hi everyone. Before we begin this month’s question I have a confession to make. This month ‘Ask Margaret’ is really ‘Ask Cornelius’ as in Cornelius Fichtner. Cornelius is my go-to guy for this type of question. Why? Because he can explain it concisely and clearly! Thank you Cornelius.
Question: How does my job as project manager [...]

Q) Margaret, I wish to develop and improve my soft skills, where should I begin?
A) Thank you for recognizing the importance of soft skills as part of your career development. When you combine your technical skills with soft skills you really do have a winning combination.
Now I am not 100% certain which area you mean. [...]

Q) When would a project manager really have time for all this people stuff like stakeholder analysis and learning team member likes and dislikes? Won’t I be too busy managing the project and working on the schedule and budget? You know, doing the real work?
A) Well before I answer this question, I must in all [...]