June Monthly Dinner Presenter - Jim Brosseau
The key distinctions between successful and failed projects have not changed over time, and likely will not change in the future. Advances in tools and technology have largely been a distraction, and only recently are thought leaders in the business world coming around to talk about what’s really important. With all that, though, there remain many projects that fail to deliver as expected.
In this talk, Jim will show how we are slowly making progress (in some circles), and expose some of the shiny objects that have kept us from focusing on what is important over the years.
From this foundation, he will describe the core elements that project leaders and team members alike can focus on, today, to dramatically improve their environment, culture of interaction, and approach to delivering value on projects.
Q&A with Jim Brosseau
Which industries do you see leading the charge in what's really important for delivering successful projects?
I see the charge slowly happening across many industries, in those teams that appreciate the value of collaboration and human capital. This is working best in smaller teams and startups.
From an industry-centric perspective, I think tech's ongoing crush with process, tools and technology is actually holding them back in this regard.
What do you enjoy most about being in a consulting role?
The endless variety of clients and challenges has always energized me and kept me from falling into a rut.
The autonomy to choose how I spend my time has allowed me to be selective about who I work with, how far out of the box I can go, and build appreciative relationships that have lasted decades (so far).
The consulting role has allowed me to cast off the work-life balance challenge - my work is an integral part of my life, which allows me to simply be me in all situations.
How would you describe what you do in a single sentence to a stranger?
I work with people and teams to bring out their best.
"Never eat more than you can lift" - Miss Piggy
What one book has inspired you or one that you have recommended most?
Wow, that's a tough one. Man's Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl.
Can you think of any failure that later set you up for success?
Dropping out of Systems Engineering at Waterloo almost 40 years ago helped me realize that almost any obstacle can be overcome, with the right set of attitudes and support.
Do you have any favourite quotes you would like to share?
"All models are wrong, some models are useful" - George Box
"A mind is like a parachute - it doesn't work if it isn't open" - Frank Zappa
"The most damaging phrase in the English language is 'It's always been done that way.'" - Rear Admiral Grace Hopper
Thank you Jim for taking the time to answer our questions and allowing us to get to know you better! We are looking forward your presentation and learning more about high performing teams.
For anyone that is interested in learning more about the event The Future of Project Success – Using Today’s Knowledge or to register please click below.
