Podcasts by Ask Cadence: The Project Management Podcast

Communication from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.464287

This week, our Cadence graduate writes, "communication is a key problem on our projects." In that simple statement, she sums up the baggage that comes with all projects in some form or...

Dragging Feet from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.457250

On this week’s show, Jay Christensen and Rob Bremmer discuss the challenges that come with team members who don’t fully support your project. Do they have a full understanding of the project obj...

Operations v. Projects from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.441692

When operations and project collide in day-to-day work-life, it’s often a complicated juggling act determining where staff attention should be directed. This week, Cadence CEO John Patton and CO...

How do you plan and execute simultaneously from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.389287

The problem card this week asks for help when a team is handed a new project and a timeline for delivery that most would feel is too tight to plan. John Patton and Connie Plowman work through th...

Active and Passive Metrics for Measuring Project Success from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.362738

Once you have your project management system in place, how do you measure deeper results of project success beyond major milestones? This week, Rob Bremmer and guest Listen

Is Project Planning Just a Waste of Time from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.351195

When the pressure is high it is easy to let the planning process slide in favor of diving in and getting the work done. But, at what cost? Cadence CEO John Patton and director of service deliver...

Solving the Unsolvable Technical Problem from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.341142

You are running into a mass production deadline on a significant project, but there’s a non-trivial technical problem that your team still hasn’t solved. What do you do with your project in this...

Election 2008 The Project of a Major Political Campaign from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.295850

The election for the 44th president of the United States of America has reset the bar against which campaigns will be measured. From unprecedented volunteerism to savvy strategy, the 2008 campai...

Seeding Project Management in Project Resistant Teams from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.278697

You’re the lone project manager in your group. Your organization is resistant to change. How lead the charge for project management as a key success factor in your group without alienating peopl...

Porting Project Management Part 1 from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.269284

This week, a listener email: “I have now moved on to a new company, a global bank in Europe. I intend to continue using the cadence methodology and would like to introduce it to the Bank. Do you...

Managing Smart Vendor Relationships from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.253876

What do you do when you’re working on a project and your vendors are behind, unresponsive, or incompetent? This week, John Patton and Scott Lissit will show you how to take vendors to task when ...

Implementing a Project Management Methodology in Organizations from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.241871

While a “Standard” tells you what to do, a “Methodology” tells you how to do it. So says John Patton and Scott Lissit, who join host Pete Wright today to work through the issues, strategies and ...

Tools&Project Control, Part 1 from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.180765

What information do you need as a project manager flowing into your operation in order to know what’s happening on the project, and how to make corrective action as appropriate? It’s easy to get...

Time, Barriers, and Implementation Plan from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.159565

Wrapping up our discussion on implementing a project management methodology in your organization, this week John Patton and Scott Lissit join host Pete Wright for a final discussion on just what...

Surviving the PMP Exam from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.086972

Passing the PMP exam and earning the coveted certification that results is becoming increasingly important for project management practitioners. In celebration of our own Wil Mercer’s newly mint...

Too Many External Influences on the Project from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.061077

It may seem like stakeholder meddling, but external influences competing for attention on your project can be a symptom of a much larger problem. This week, John Patton and Jay Christensen help ...

Finding Support from Functional Managers from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.052211

Are you a project manager seeking support from the functional managers who have their employees on your teams? Are you a team member looking for more support from your functional manager as you ...

Management is Unrealistic about Impact on CSP from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.049298

You have a problem. You escalate to your sponsor or steering committee. Their response? Don’t worry, they’re sure you’ll be able to solve the problem without impacting Cost, Schedule or Performa...

19 Techniques Part 1 from 2022-03-20T03:53:20.006277

This is part 1 of our special, “19 Techniques for managing people who do not report to you.” Jay Christensen and Rod Sharman discuss the importance of goal statements, clear objective statements...

19 Techniques Part 5 from 2022-03-20T03:53:19.989479

In part 5 of our special, “19 Techniques for managing people who do not report to you,” Jay Christensen and Rod Sharman discuss the importance of using facts and data in supporting positions on...

Delivering Results with Vertical PM from 2022-03-20T03:53:19.972517

Setting responsibilities for delivering results in project management is critical for success on teams, but even more important for the management support hierarchy around projects. John Patton ...

The importance of behavioral models in project management from 2022-03-20T03:53:19.967090

This time we dive into human behavior. For project managers, helping team members understand and quantify their strengths can be a critical asset in guiding the team to delivering results. John ...

Fond Farewell to Connie Plowman after 22 years with Cadence from 2022-03-20T03:53:19.949326

Cadence Vice President and COO has served almost every capacity in her 22 years at Cadence. She has served as leader and mentor across the project management community and helped countless pract...

When the organization doesn't believe in project management from 2022-03-20T03:53:19.942617

As a new team member in an organization, what do you do when those around don’t understand or believe in the power of project management? We respond to this common yet difficult challenge with s...

Implementing a project with no plan for sustaining support from 2022-03-20T03:53:19.895548

The transition from project mode into operations is often every bit as critical as planning the project itself. John Patton and Jay Christensen take on this issue, and provide options for bringi...

Giving Back – Cadence and the PMI Education Foundation from 2022-03-20T03:53:19.876401

The Project Management Institute’s Education Foundation - PMIEF - is a foundation for spearheading the kinds of projects that support building best-in-class project managers for the future. John...

Dealing with a Devastating Loss to the Team from 2022-03-20T03:53:19.862203

This week’s project challenge comes from a recent attendee dealing with the loss of a critical team resource — a team member recently suffering a stroke. This sort of shock affects teams on many...

Growing and Migrating Project Management Skill in Leadership from 2022-03-20T03:53:19.857073

Former Cadence COO Connie Plowman returns to Ask Cadence to discuss portability of the project management skill set in her new role. John Patton and Pete Wright talk with Connie as she shares th...

PM SkillBuilder Part 1 — The Slow Start from 2022-03-20T03:53:19.844188

In the early stages of a project, a number of issues can crop up that can shift the project manager’s focus away from getting the project kicked off and on its way to eventual delivery. It’s an ...

PM Skillbuilder Part 2 — The Messy Middle from 2022-03-20T03:53:19.804866

It happens. The team is working hard and they’re trying to keep up. Everyone’s putting in the extra effort. Yet you’re running into a number of problems. In the middle part of the project, you c...

PM SkillBuilder Part 3 — The Eternal Ending from 2022-03-20T03:53:19.801967

As projects near completion, it can sometimes be difficult to finalize and deliver them due to issues that can drag on or situations that arise. Getting over that last hump, to deliver the finis...

Project Problem 4: People Don't Know How to Plan from 2022-03-20T03:53:19.789972

A common problem that we regularly see with clients in a broad spectrum of industries is that many people simply don’t have the ability to plan their section of the work required for the project...

Project Problem 5: Inability to Get Team Members from 2022-03-20T03:53:19.781522

A common challenge many clients face in project management is simply being able to get enough people onto the project team. To build crucial momentum, a successful project requires sufficient te...

Project Problem 8: Project Managers are Passive from 2017-07-30T22:28

In this episode's conclusion to "The 8 Biggest Problems" podcast, Cadence president John Patton brings you problem number eight in the series: Project Managers are Passive.

&quo...

Project Problem 7: Changes are Not Controlled from 2017-07-23T22:26

This time, in "The 8 Biggest Problems" podcast, Cadence founder John Patton brings you problem number seven in the series: Changes to cost, schedule, and performance are not controlled...

Project Problem 6: Responsibility is Unclear from 2017-07-16T22:25

A common stumbling-block for companies appears well into the project planning and implementation stage, when roles have been decided but actual responsibility at the task level is lacking. We ha...

Project Problem 3: Projects Start Slowly from 2017-06-25T22:23

We see this all over the world and it is one of the most common problems clients talk about: our projects start slowly.

Reasons for these slow starts vary, and some are highly contradicto...

Project Problem 2: Inadequate Scope Definition from 2017-06-18T22:22

The planning phase is the stage that comes into play immediately after authorization and initiation, and it is critical to the success of your project. During planning, your focus is developing ...

Project Problem 1: Execution from 2017-06-12T12:21

The execution phase is the stage that comes into play immediately after authorization and planning. While previous phases have eliminated risks and problems, more will be discovered in this phas...

Introduction to the 8 Biggest Project Problems from 2017-06-11T22:19

Cadence founder John Patton brings us this series based on his speech, "The 8 Biggest Problems with Project Planning and Execution ... and Solutions for Each." These eight problems com...

How do you avoid jumping to implement from 2011-09-19T15:00

This week’s problem card asks, “we’re dealing with so many external influences demanding quick successes — how do you avoid jumping to implement in a way that drives success but doesn’t forget t...

Executives are not able to make decisions from 2011-09-12T15:00

This week’s problem card focuses on the busy executive that, for whatever reason, is not making tough decisions quickly and is beginning to impact the smooth march forward of the project. This w...

Career Planning in Acquisition from 2011-07-18T15:00

A Cadence graduate called for help — after relocating for a promotion, his company was acquired by a new firm. Management roles changed, and it was time to renegotiate. John Patton and Pete Wrig...

PMI Global Congress EMEA Recap with John Patton from 2011-06-27T15:00

Each PMI Global Congress, we like to sit down with Cadence representatives and do a brief recap of lessons learned. The Global Congress in Dublin gave us an excellent opportunity to visit trends...

Why should an organization pursue portfolio and program management from 2011-03-28T15:00

Organizations that invest in developing their project management initiatives quickly recognize the complexity that comes with newfound sophistication. To tackle broader and more robust initiativ...

Do not fear PMs who are not technical people! from 2011-03-21T15:00

There is a fear and misconception that project managers without technical or engineering skill will put the projects they manage at risk. Further, that organizations that adopt project managemen...

John Patton on 28 years with PMI from 2011-03-14T15:00

For 35 years, John Patton has been serving and supporting the Project Management Institute, both as CEO of Cadence Management Corporation, and as a professional project manager and researcher of...

Balancing customer priorities and managing difficult resources from 2011-02-14T16:00

During the execution phase of the project, the team is stretched by the customer to add to scope. It’s causing strain on the team and putting pressure on the schedule. Jay Christensen and John P...

Lack of Timely Decision-Making from 2011-01-10T16:00

Lack of timely decision-making can cause rework and re-scoping on projects. Jay Christensen and Pete Wright take on this challenge from a course attendee and offer suggestions for maintaining te...

The clock is ticking, but the project isn t authorized! from 2010-12-28T05:50

You know the project is coming, but it hasn't been authorized. As the window to deliver closes, how do you push sponsors to move the project forward before the schedule slips? Jay Christensen an...

Unclear Priorities coming from the Steering Team from 2010-12-20T16:00

Jay Christensen and Pete Wright discuss a key project management hurdle as presented in class: there are unclear priorities and mixed messages coming from the steering committee and an unwilling...

The Importance of Training in Teams from 2010-10-18T15:00

On projects, it’s all about the team. The same is true for training. John Patton and Pete Wright discuss the importance of attending training and consulting events in teams, leveraging the exper...

Cadence grad Denise Tischler talks project management and elementary education from 2010-03-15T19:59

The Cadence scholarship program for educators, in partnership with the PMI Education Foundation, has been a boon to teachers and administrators looking to bridge practical business and organizat...

The importance of Cultural behavioral models in project management from 2010-02-22T16:00

This time, we take on culture. Building off our on-going discussion on behavioral models for individuals and teams, John Patton and Pete Wright discuss the importance of defining and understandi...

The importance of Group behavioral models in project management from 2010-02-15T16:00

This time, we take on groups. Building off our discussion last week on individual behavior models, John Patton and Scott Lissit introduce group behavior dynamics and outline critical strategies ...

The Importance of the CAPM Certification from 2010-01-25T16:00

The CAPM certification from the Project Management Institute was originally fashioned as a milestone in the development of the professional project manager. But John Patton has a different take ...

19 Techniques Part 7 from 2009-12-21T16:00

IIn part 7 of our special, “19 Techniques for managing people who do not report to you,” Jay Christensen and Rod Sharman discuss problem solving and managing progress of critical tasks. After 7 ...

19 Techniques Part 6 from 2009-12-14T16:00

In part 6 of our special, “19 Techniques for managing people who do not report to you,” Jay Christensen and Rod Sharman discuss how project managers can manage difficult people on their teams. ...

19 Techniques Part 4 from 2009-11-30T16:00

In part 4 of our special, “19 Techniques for managing people who do not report to you,” Jay Christensen and Rod Sharman discuss task definition, specifically around critical impact tasks, and h...

19 Techniques Part 3 from 2009-11-23T16:00

In part 3 of our special, “19 Techniques for managing people who do not report to you,” Jay Christensen and Rod Sharman discuss issues and concerns, with special focus on how to manage resoluti...

19 Techniques Part 2 from 2009-11-16T16:00

In part 2 of our special, “19 Techniques for managing people who do not report to you,” Jay Christensen and Rod Sharman discuss roles and responsibilities on your projects, ensuring that commit...

Roles are not understood across the organization from 2009-09-22T07:21

You can help your organization understand the roles and skills required for the project management function — you just have to know where to start. Jay Christensen helps outline the planning ele...

Priority Between Groups from 2009-09-15T07:20

When working to build your team, you may find yourself in a sticky political mess when you find different groups in your organization are prioritizing your project differently. Consistent priori...

No Steering Committee from 2009-08-24T16:00

It’s one of the most common things we see on troubled projects, and sometimes the trickiest to navigate: No sponsor or steering committee supporting your projects. Jay Christensen dives into the...

Managing Time on Critical Overlapping Projects from 2009-08-10T16:00

The problem card this week says it all: “Three project teams working on mandatory compliance projects to 18 countries, all three high priorities. Tasks from all three due all the time. How do I ...

The Supplier Can't Deliver from 2009-07-27T16:00

Any number of challenges can slow a supplier delivering a complex product on your project. From engineering challenges to methodological roadblocks, it’s your job as project manager to keep reso...

The Project is Off to a Slow Start from 2009-07-20T16:00

From the problem cards this week, “The project is off to a slow start — how do we gain traction and get this project moving?” Turns out, it’s all a matter of focus on the life-cycle. This week, ...

Webinar Preview: Overview of Agile with Jay Christensen from 2009-07-13T16:00

Thinking about Agile and how it might help your development projects? Looking for more detail on how the Agile approach maps to the Cadence Methodology? Coming in August, Cadence’s Jay Christens...

Positioning Yourself for a Future in Project Management from 2009-06-30T07:17

If you’re facing an abrupt career change, you have a wide road before you. You’ve crafted your resume. You’ve done the networking. But have you really positioned yourself to be the perfect candi...

Weather the Project Economy from 2009-06-23T07:17

If your teams have suffered as a result of layoffs or reorganizations, you’re weathering the project economy. If you are juggling scope changes and resource reallocation, you’re weathering the p...

What is Agile PM and how does it map to Cadence? from 2009-06-16T07:16

We have been getting this question with great frequency: what is this Agile thing, and how does it map to the Cadence project management methodology? As it happens, Agile maps cleanly to the Cad...

Levels of Practice&the PMO from 2009-03-31T07:15

If you’re considering implementing a project management methodology, it is important to know where you stand against the standard set by the Project Management Institute. This week, John Patton ...

How do you deal with team members that are project blockers? Part 2 from 2009-03-24T07:14

Part 2: Every team has them. They may be well-intentioned, but for some reason or another, they’re blocking progress on your project. Whether they are raising inappropriate questions in your sta...

How do you deal with team members that are project blockers Part 1 from 2009-03-17T07:14

Every team has them. They may be well-intentioned, but for some reason or another, they’re blocking progress on your project. Whether they are raising inappropriate questions in your status meet...

Tools&Project Control, Part 2 from 2009-03-17T07:13

Part 2: What information do you need as a project manager flowing into your operation in order to know what’s happening on the project, and how to make corrective action as appropriate? It’s eas...

Defining Roles and a Success Story from 2009-02-24T07:12

There are very few key roles to be filled in even the most complex project environment, but each of them is critical to successful implementation. From project manager to technical leader to spo...

The Minimum Elements of a Project Management Methodology from 2009-02-17T07:12

This week, John Patton and Scott Lissit join host Pete Wright to outline the key elements of a methodology implementation for project management, from an adaptable life cycle approach to strateg...

Things to Consider when Implementing a Project Management Methodology from 2009-02-10T07:11

There is no perfect way to implement a project management methodology. This week, John Patton and Scott Lissit join host Pete Wright as they unravel the complexities of project methodology imple...

The What If Show from 2009-01-27T07:11

What if your projects are affected by the recession? What if your team is broken up, reassigned, or restructured? What if you’re asked to make cuts to budget or redefine deliverables? This week,...

Do You Need Project Management in a Recession from 2009-01-20T07:10

When the economy turns sour, it is easy to let fundamentals slip. When you find you are in danger of making reactionary decisions in place of strategic ones, it is critical that you step back, e...

Project Management by Consensus Part 2 from 2008-12-30T07:09

When it’s time to make the tough decisions, does everyone have to agree? This week, we wrap up our two-part conversation between John Patton and Scott Lissit on project management by consensus, ...

Project Management by Consensus Part 1 from 2008-12-23T07:09

When it’s time to make the tough decisions, does everyone have to agree? This week, we begin our two-part conversation between John Patton and Scott Lissit on project management by consensus, th...

Porting Project Management Part 2 from 2008-12-16T07:08

This week, a listener email: “I have now moved on to a new company, a global bank in Europe. I intend to continue using the cadence methodology and would like to introduce it to the Bank. Do you...

Smart Portfolio Management in Difficult Times from 2008-11-17T16:00

Executives have to manage the portfolio of projects across the organization in spite of staffing changes, potential layoffs, operations scaling and other complicated market conditions. The decis...

Brute Intelligence from 2008-11-11T07:00

Companies are being driven to take on projects with fixed due dates in spite of having to complete engineering development tasks which they have never attempted before. What are the costs of imp...

When Team Members Leave Your Project from 2008-10-21T02:16

If you run large projects, you have seen team members come and go. But what do you do to keep your project moving forward while you transition to a new team member who might not have all the pro...

When Team Members Won't Commit from 2008-10-14T06:58

In spite of your best efforts, you have a team member who refuses to commit to their tasks. How do you get to the bottom of the problem diplomatically, while keeping your project moving forward ...

Dealing with Power Struggles from 2008-09-29T15:00

When two key executives are locked in a power struggle that affects your project, how can you resolve the issue and keep your project on track? This week, Cadence CEO John Patton and seminar lea...

The Importance of OPM3 from 2008-07-22T02:17

Continuing our discussion on the importance of OPM3 to modern project management, we sit down with John Patton and Scott Lissit of Cadence Management Corporation to discuss how companies can get...

Introduction to OPM3 with John Patton from 2008-07-14T16:00

This week, we sit down with John Patton for an introduction to OPM3. This new organizational benchmarking tool can be prove to be a daunting undertaking. Patton serves to clarify each component ...

What do you do when people don t know what to do from 2008-06-30T15:00

Planning isn’t easy. If you’re project is not starting well, it is most likely because you have been tripped up in the planning process. This week, Cadence CEO John Patton and director of servic...

What do you do with an unrealistic objective from 2008-06-17T06:56

There are some things you simply cannot control. This week, Cadence CEO John Patton and Director of Service Delivery Scott Lissit address one of the most frustrating of these for project manager...

Keeping your Project Management Skills Sharp from 2008-05-20T06:55

Organizations dealing with cuts to their training budgets are suddenly forced to think creatively about getting teams the training they need to build results. This week, Rob Bremmer and guest Listen

Creative Problem Solving for Training Teams (Special Guest Dr. Sean Harry) from 2008-04-28T23:10

Organizations dealing with cuts to their training budgets are suddenly forced to think creatively about getting teams the training they need to build results. This week, Rob Bremmer and guest Listen

When Training is Hard to Find from 2008-04-22T06:53

What do you do when your organization is forced to trim training budgets? You get creative! This week, the regular team is joined by Listen

Poor Visibility of Customer Project Planning from 2008-04-14T23:06

When working with customer-based extended teams, how do you remain responsive and reactive when you don’t have visibility of customer project planning efforts? This week, John Patton and Connie ...

Team Member Evasion from 2008-03-24T22:55

The problem card this week asks for help when a team member evades the work of the project and turns in sloppy work to the team. There are a number of reasons this might be happening on your pro...

The Fast-Growing Team from 2008-03-17T22:51

This week, how do you drive for accurate and efficient communication when your department or operating team is growing faster than work can be delegated? This week, John Patton and Connie Plowma...

Extra-Team Enthusiasm from 2008-03-10T22:50

When team members jump into your project uninvited, do you have an opportunity to leverage many hands into light work, or a politically charged vehicle for self-promotion? Join Cadence president...

Managing Up from 2008-02-25T22:44

When a key manager holds the keys to your project schedule, how do you deliver results without creating a politically charged situation around your project? Join Cadence president John Patton an...

Customer Who from 2008-02-19T06:48

On this week's show, Jay Christensen and Rob Bremmer discuss the challenges that come to project managers who fail to take the time and initiative to know and understand their customer. Whether ...

Vacuum Planning from 2008-02-12T06:47

On this week’s show, Jay Christensen and Rob Bremmer discuss the challenges that come to project managers who plan their projects without any input from the team. Whether it comes from a subcons...

The Skill Gap from 2008-01-29T06:46

With more projects than people in today's project environment, organizations are often forced to assign team members to project teams who are not equipped with the skills required to contribute ...

Last Minute Scope Change from 2008-01-22T06:45

This week, our Cadence graduate writes, "Complete requirements for the project are received before the project is due to be complete." Without complete organizational understanding and...

Scope Creep from 2007-10-31T06:43

Keeping a keen eye on scope is a key responsibility of every project manager. The ability to address any element that affects project performance risks triggering a cascade of changes to cost an...

PMI Portland Special: Randall Englund on Project Sponsorship from 2007-10-24T06:41

PMI Portland dinner meeting attendees were treated to this rousing speech by Randall Englund, author of the book “Project Sponsorship: Achieving Management Commitment for Project Success”. Englu...

Define scope right from the start from 2007-10-23T06:42:07

A universal understanding of project scope is critical to overcoming confusion in project start-up. This week’s problem comes from a project manager dealing with just that; multiple sponsors and...

Get the Right Skills on Project Teams from 2007-10-16T06:40:31

This week we are thrilled to launch the inaugural episode of Ask Cadence!, tackling your gorilla project management problems, one week at a time.

This week, Scott Lissit and Jay Christens...