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Author Archive for Bob Zimmerman

The Networking Meeting That Changed My Life; And It Can Change Yours Too!

The Networking Meeting That Changed My Life; And It Can Change Yours Too!

I remember when I was introduced to networking. It sucked! I was uncomfortable. I was actually shy and didn’t know what to say or do. Most people that know me today wouldn’t believe it. But it’s true. Before I share with you what I consider the most important networking best-practice, I’m going to share the […]

Stop Padding Your Estimates! There's A Better Way...

Stop Padding Your Estimates! There’s A Better Way…

When you pad an estimate, you typically increase your estimated effort/cost due to fear. I call this estimating from a place of weakness. You are afraid of the unexpected event, so hopefully padding it will cover it. When asked why you think something might take 50% longer or cost more than expectations, it leads to […]

What Projects and Airplane Flights Have In Common: Turbulence

What Projects and Airplane Flights Have In Common: Turbulence

I love this metaphor to help leadership, management and project teams all see the forest for the trees. Here are the key points I share: Nobody will remember the turbulence, if the plane arrives on time and in the right city! I used to fly quite often. One of my frequent destinations was New York. Depending […]

Stay Inside the Lines to Manage Projects Effectively

Stay Inside the Lines to Manage Projects Effectively

Throughout the Getting Predictable blog, I talk about alignment. For many, the word “alignment” is a bit vague. Does it mean we agree? Does it mean I actively support you? If I don’t actively support you, but I don’t block you either, am I “aligned” with you? As it relates to projects, doesn’t alignment simply […]

Make Meetings More Effective: Stop Chasing Squirrels

Make Meetings More Effective: Stop Chasing Squirrels

Learn how to be more effective in meetings and stop “chasing squirrels”.

Project Glossary: The Right Way to Create One

Project Glossary: The Right Way to Create One

How about a project glossary that is used to explain the intention of a word, not just to define it? Learn how a project glossary can help create alignment.

So You Want A Promotion? "What Problem Are You Solving?"

So You Want A Promotion? “What Problem Are You Solving?”

I had an “AHA” about a great way to eliminate the more painful conversations around career growth and how to focus on true opportunities. It centers around the question: “In a particular role, what problem are you trying to solve?”

Solutioners are from Mars, Supporters are from Venus

Solutioners are from Mars, Supporters are from Venus

Are you a solutioner or a supporter? Uncover the difference and how to work together to set your teams up for success.

Why Your Change Request Estimates May Be Out Of This World!

Why Your Change Request Estimates May Be Out Of This World!

Estimate Change Requests by not only measuring the effort the change would take to implement but also the impact it has on the rest of the build.

Change Control: Do You Own It or Does It Own You?

Change Control: Do You Own It or Does It Own You?

Change controls don’t mean that the project has to go off the rails. Check out some of these best practices to manage and implement change.