Download PMW_0003_SuccessFailure.mp3 (18.2MB)
There are many theories in terms of what separates success and failure in project management. However, the one common denominator in all theories is the human factor. Projects are driven by people, and it is people who will determine the direction and perception of a project’s outcome. Project Managers often focus on the activities that make up a project. However, organizations and stakeholders often judge success on the product or outcome of the project. Thus, project managers and PMO leaders need to recognize that group dynamics and stakeholder impact on projects. This episode will examine the critical role people play in making or breaking a project.
Our show is divided into 3 segments.
In part 1, we will go Roaming with the Salty Dogg and examine how consistently executing does not always ensure success. To do so, Wayne Thompson shares the dominant regular season success of one major league baseball team and its failure to attract fans to home play-off games.
In part 2, we talk to industry insider, Max Wideman, who has more than 40 years of project and program management experience in a wide range of projects and industries, including heavy engineering works such as hydroelectric projects and construction of major building complexes. Wideman is recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on modern project and program management. The Wideman PM Glossary is one of the most widely-referenced lexicons of project management terms and terminology in the world. In this episode Max will be sharing with us the importance of evaluating the project and its benefits or outcome when determining success.
In part 3, our in-house project management specialist, Willie Maykett, will sound off in Painfully Honest with Willie Maykett. Willie examines the historical development of the Leaning Tower of Pisa project and its centuries of evolution from failure to success.
We hope you enjoy the show and encourage you to send your questions, issues, and war stories.
Music Notes
1. The opening of the episode – “Montreal” by Glass Rose
2. Intro to Roaming with the Salty Dogg – “Braves of Thunder Vocal Bird Youmans” by Ryman Ready
3. Interview with industry insider – “Baseball Tears” by Chesty Frank
4. Intro to Painfully Honest with Willie Mayket – “Your Honesty Is Killing Me” by Pete Krason
5. Outro to Painfully Honest with Willie Mayket –“Shaky Ground” by The Seventh Triangle
6. The closing of the episode – “Success” by Danny Dep
