Subscribe to podcast
by Cadence Management CorporationFor nearly three decades, Cadence has worked hard to find new ways to deliver core strategic project management knowledge to our seminar attendees and organizational clients around the world. Today, we're pleased to introduce Cadence Media: audio series designed to allow you to get to know Cadence, our vision, our methodology, and our project management expertise a little better.
Recent podcasts
Virtual Team Communication: Episode 4
24/09/2007
In part four of the Cadence Podcast Series, "Virtual Team Communication", Connie Plowman illustrates the challenges in working with virtual teams when there are cultural differences that can impact work relationships. "I educate myself. If I'm working with a team member from Japan, I want to make sure I understand the Japanese culture," explains Plowman. "You really need to educate yourself as a project team leader on the customs and values of your team members, respect those values, and educate others of those values, customs, and cultures as well." Plowman outlines the key components to establishing a solid relationship with virtual team members, from making the effort to learn elements of team member languages to finding translation services for key project meetings, all in an effort to build respect and camaraderie on cross-cultural project teams. In this episode, Plowman makes reference to the book "Kiss, Bow, and Shake Hands: The best-selling guide to doing business in more than 60 countries". Click here to view this book at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Bow-Shake-Hands-Bestselling/dp/1593373686/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-6194279-4667967?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190075491&sr=8-1
Virtual Team Communication: Episode 3
17/09/2007
In part three of the Cadence Podcast Series, "Virtual Team Communication", Connie Plowman discusses the real and tangible problems when working with team members across different time zones. "It's something that's there, we can't change it," explains Plowman. "Unfortunately it's something we have to work with as a virtual team. We'll rarely have everyone in the same time zone, even in the same country." Plowman outlines the key components to establishing a solid relationship with virtual team members across time zones, from dealing with complicated daily scheduling constraints to recognizing when it's worth the effort -- and the expense -- to bring all team members across time zones for face to face meetings to accelerate project results.
Virtual Team Communication: Episode 2
10/09/2007
In part two of the Cadence Podcast Series, "Virtual Team Communication", Connie Plowman illustrates the challenges in working with virtual teams when there becomes a disconnect between project manager and team member. "I can't really see what they're working on, they may be feeling that they're all alone," explains Plowman. "I want to make sure that we stay connected." Plowman outlines the key components to establishing a solid relationship with virtual team members, from showing appreciation for their efforts, to clearly defining responsibilities in communication. Most importantly, she addresses the key question: how to you manage effectively, without micromanaging in a virtual team environment.
Virtual Team Communication: Episode 1
03/09/2007
In today's project environment, skill in working in virtual teams is becoming increasingly important in delivering project results. In this week's podcast, Cadence Vice President, Connie Plowman, introduces us to a few key characteristics of the virtual team environment. "It's not just about technology," says Plowman. "It's about techniques, relationships, building trust ... it's about working together effectively." In this discussion, Plowman outlines the ideal profile of virtual project team members -- and virtual project managers -- as well as the top six key challenges in working with virtual teams. The first challenge: Poor interaction between team members. "Maybe we're not working in the same language, maybe team members are working in sidebar conversations ... it's critical to define communication groundrules at the beginning," says Plowman. This week, learn how to define groundrules and expectations to increase productivity in your virtual teams.
"The 8 Biggest Problems": Problem 8
30/07/2007
In this week's conclusion to "The 8 Biggest Problems" podcast, Cadence president John Patton brings you problem number eight in the series: Project Managers are Passive.
"In some companies, this is problem number one. I've saved it until problem number one, however, because I want to underscore it's importance."
There's a core confusion in organizations between coordination and leadership. A coordinator assists the project manager in the logistical needs and support of the project. "They're describing the wake at the rear of the boat," says Patton. They are not project leaders.
On the other hand, project managers are well prepared with excuses defending poor project performance. "One of the most common," says Patton, "'This project was delayed due to circumstances beyond my control.' If it's out of their control, how could they possibly steer the project around it?"
This week, Patton gives organizations guidance on creating an experience-based career path that supports development of project management expertise in conjunction with project management methodology and maturity. He outlines the importance of credentials and technical background in developing project management, and outlines a plan of project manager promotion based on project success.
"I'm talking about persistence. It's a very powerful word in our language, and also translates well into other languages. If you fall down, you get up. If you fall down again, you get up again. You always focus on keeping that project moving forward. Never ever, ever give up."
