What Makes a Star Business – and a Star Project?

This post focuses on one unique quadrant of the BCG Growth Share matrix – the Star. It goes deep and hand-on into the defining attributes that make a Star, discusses implication for strategy, and goes into applications in project management. The Star – and Growth and Share as Strategic Factors What is a Star – … Read more

Use the OGSM Strategy Framework to Align Strategy and PM

This post examines an interesting strategy implementation model, the OGSM framework – composed of Objectives, Goals, Strategies, and Measures.  It outlines the framework, provides lots of examples of each of the components, and provides the linkage between the OGSM framework and both the strategy function and the practice of project management. What Is the OGSM … Read more

Atomic Habits for the Strategic Project Manager

This post reviews a highly effective framework for building more effective habits and extends it beyond just the individual level. You can use it to improve results on projects and programs as well as to introduce organizational change. The key is to recognize it as a process, and be willing to start small and gain … Read more

Managing Strategic Projects and the Goldilocks Rule

The Goldilocks Rule codifies an interesting phenomenon – and how we can leverage it. This post explores what it is, and how it applies in so many areas of endeavor. The focus is on how it applies to us personally, how it applies to strategy, and how it applies to project management. What Is the … Read more

Job of Agile Release Train Engineer and Status Reporting

This post examines the overall responsibilities of the Release Training Engineer (RTE) within the SAFe methodology. It then dives deeper into one of those responsibilities – progress reporting. It then looks at the intersection of RTE responsibilities with the strategy and project management functions – and shows how broad of a role RTE can be. … Read more

Breakthrough Brainstorming Process Steps for Strategic PM’s

This post looks under the hood at various aspects of brainstorming – unlocking our collective minds to solve problems and seize opportunities. It looks at the importance of brainstorming, key elements and the natural brainstorming process, and approaches to brainstorming unique to strategy and project management. Why is brainstorming important? Sticky, thorny, unclear problems require … Read more

A Digital Business Value Chain Model for Strategic PMs

This post looks at building digital business value chains, and how they are a natural extension of traditional, low-tech value chains.  It explores the impact to strategy, and links to several relevant strategy models and frameworks for analyzing digital opportunities and approaches.  Finally, it looks at what it takes to implement digital value chains on … Read more

Digital Transformation Strategy Framework for Strategic PM’s

This post looks at the opportunities and challenges of digital technology transformation – and delves into HOW to do it. It looks at the whole picture – all elements required for a successful change transformation – which boils down to a more cultural and human set of obstacles than technology hurdles. What Is Digital Transformation? … Read more

Elements of a Feasibility Study for Strategic PMs

A Feasibility Study tells you whether it’s even possible to achieve the objective of a potential project, and can also point to the solution with the best chance of success. This post explores when you need a Feasibility Study, the process for doing one, and strategic and project management impacts. It also asks what IA … Read more

Strategy and a Business Case Plan Template For Your Projects

This post explores the nuances of writing a business case. It dives into the elements of a business case: identifying a problem or opportunity analyzing ways to solve the problem or seize the opportunity choosing the best option (or choosing to walk away) developing an implementation approach It proves a solid template and associated resources … Read more