Project Management – The Specialist-Generalist

January 18, 2020January 18, 2020 John Worne Leadership, Management, Project Management, Specialist-Generalist, The COO

Ockham’s Razor

William from Ockham (or Occam), was a philosopher of the fourteenth century. Today he is most often associated with ‘Ockham’s Razor’, the idea that explanations should be as simple as possible. But he said the same about how we spend our precious time and resources... As Ockham put it: "It is futile to do with … Continue reading Ockham’s Razor

June 10, 2019June 10, 2019 John Worne Change, Optimism, Project Management, Specialist-Generalist

Optimism

Optimism - it’s the Specialist-Generalist’s best friend. Nine times out of ten you just don’t know if something’s going to work or not; and you’re likely surrounded by experts who will tell you all the things that could (and maybe will) go wrong... But, most of the time they probably won’t. And if they do, … Continue reading Optimism

January 22, 2018January 22, 2018 John Worne Optimism, Project Management, Purpose, Specialist-Generalist

Obstacles

Running a big project, trying to get something done or just trying to get through the day; it can feel like people are throwing up obstacles everywhere. But a simple aphorism can help the Specialist-Generalist keep the optimism up... obstacles are the path. The telling point is: if it involves people, money or your time … Continue reading Obstacles

May 27, 2017May 27, 2017 John Worne Change, Leadership, Project Management, Specialist-Generalist

Small is beautiful

By John Worne Big ideas - and big projects - are vital for any organisation to move forward; and there's usually no shortage of them. But real energy and momentum, pace and progress often come from doing smaller things. On spotting a useful 'small change' a Specialist-Generalist will often be jostled by stakeholders, senior leaders … Continue reading Small is beautiful

Here's what Harvard Business Review has to say on 'Imposter Syndrome', every Specialist-Generalist's constant companion:

"We’ve all had that feeling of being unqualified to do something we’ve been tasked to do. But the fact that everyone occasionally suffers from impostor syndrome (even CEOs and Prime Ministers) doesn’t make it any easier to handle.

Try these three things:

1) Recognise there are positives to being new in your field. When you’re not steeped in the conventional wisdom of a given profession or industry, you can ask questions that haven’t been asked before or approach problems in ways others haven’t thought of.

2) Adopt a learning mindset. Focus more on what you’re learning than on how you’re performing.

3) Know that you’re not alone. If you’re feeling like an impostor, chances are that others feel the same way."