Tag: Peter Taylor

« AI and the Project Manager » by Peter Taylor

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Finally! The promised land of a project manager who is looking forward to enhancing own abilities, freeing the agenda of routine, necessary yet boring tasks, and, more importantly – finding ways of supporting decision-making process through forecasting and risk management. I can see clearly the many benefits an intelligent and ethical application of AI brings to my professional and personal life. With an estimated 80% of saving effort provided by AI, I will eventually find time to write that book I am thinking about.

One feature which distinguishes Peter’s books from the hundreds of books on project management is authenticity and unreserved sharing of own experience, with all its ups and downs of “the old and the wise”, delivered in a no-non-sense style. It responds to my brain’s need to learn from others. Another point of attraction for me is his very own perspectives on conceptual matters, such as, for instance, Actionable Information, for AI. I get that more than the widespread understanding of the acronym, especially if in your own language the word “intelligence” is void of the meanings it has in English.

The book is meant for reflective practitioners. Peter asks many important questions and invites us to stay inquisitive. After all, AI does not stay put. From a brief introduction and dismantling some myths surrounding AI, categories of AI into the core if it all – “people -centred AI”, each of us will find things to learn from and ponder on. Projects are about, by and for people, no doubts there.

And those afraid of or resisting AI should remember this: “The danger of artificial intelligence isn’t that it’s going to rebel against us, but that it’s going to do exactly what we ask it to do” (Janelle Shane).

My main take away: Stay calm, learn to benefit from AI and help people thrive! Thanks, Peter! So, when is a legacy sequel coming up?

The story of a book which saw the light in lockdown

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On a bright April day, as I was casually browsing Linkedin for updates, I noticed a post by Peter Taylor:

A month into full lockdown, my brain jump at it with delight. “A legacy-book to be published in 21 days? Phew! Why so long?!” I thought to myself. So, I responded to the challenge and so did 55 other project managers across industries from around the world.

“The Projectless Manager: Inspirational Thoughts from a World of Project Managers” is now on Amazon, both in paperback and for Kindle.

It is dedicated to “A global community of health carers and key workers. Its proceeds go to NHS. The book is, as Peter puts it, “unique ‘in the moment’ and ‘of the moment’ book.”

It was such a by-the-book project by itself: on time, within budget and objective – achieved, all this with members of a tribe who basically only know each other by Linkedin profiles.

I have to mention kids here. Those who know me, know that I am a full-time kids’ advocate. The cover is a result of a challenge for 9 year olds. So, it is also an inter-generational act of contribution and sharing. Kudos to kids!

“The Lazy project manager” by Peter Taylor

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I liked Taylor’s book “The Project manager who smiled”. I also liked “The Lazy project manager”.

I find the book’s lazy stuff very entertaining. Being on a train back from a mission and with two very serious gentlemen did not stop me from bursting into a loud laugh. You’ll read the story of Peter’s photograph taken in a giant bright orange and green carrot outfit, when he worked on the introduction of project management methodology in a company, and you’ll understand it. I could have used it when I worked in a project management office and had the same carrot or stick dilemma to incentivize the introduction of a similar methodology. Even only if to diffuse the tension around it.

The book spoke to me, as it seemed in parts dedicated to me: “You are on yet another flight, either to or from your latest project engagement, somewhere in the world.” Yes, that’s where I read it.

Taylor is honest. He does not present it as a project management book. Still, anyone on a learning path will find something useful. There were a number of things I learned. There were others I changed perspective on. Depending on your background and experience in project management, some of the lines of the book might resonate with you. Some may do so to a less extent. For example, for me the part on “complex project – senior project manager” in the context of risks raised other considerations. In addition to the number of years of experience, I would also consider the risk aversion. Some senior project managers might take on more risks, namely because of their experience. At the same time, some project managers at the start of their career might embrace a more cautious approach.

If you adhere to the productive laziness approach, you will find many useful tips in this book. Still, regardless of your productivity philosophy, I wish you to enjoy a pleasant project management ride wherever you are.

“The project manager who smiled” by Peter Taylor

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– What are you reading now, Oxana?project manager who smiled

– “The Project Manager who smiled”.

– Did you write the book? asked my good friend Frank.

– I wish. It’s Peter Taylor’s book, I smiled in response.

– See, it could be easily about you.

I do smile. Indeed, a lot more than at the beginning of my project manager’s path.

I believe now in the value of fun in project management. Walt Disney’s saying “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible” resonates with my believes as project management is often about making the impossible possible.

I discovered the book 3 years ago. I wish I discovered it at the beginning of my project management path.

It is one of my favourite books so far on project management.

The book is about having fun and being productive. In its Foreword, it brings the evidence of linkages between fun, good mood and healthy atmosphere and, ultimately, productivity.

Some personal notes I made:
It is unorthodox in a tools-templates-square–linear thinking project management world. Nevertheless, the book talks to you on pragmatic levels, from project manager to project manager, regardless of the size or location of your project.

It relies on a wealth of other project managers experience for things tried and workable approaches.

It puts a smile on the reader’s face and makes sure it stays there till the end.

The author is brave enough to give personal examples and stories, showing that there are gains in vulnerability. For example, in a moment of despair, Peter recalls a case when he walked out of a room full of team members, closed the door and pretended to be a boss firing him in a very loud voice.

You’ll not often find “expectations management” tackled in project management books. It has its place in this book. The book gives workable approaches to the management of expectations through e.g. constant feedback mechanisms.

It gives reassurance that creativity has its place and role in project management, making it thus appealing to more creative spirits who want to do project management.

Each chapter on Fun Inspiration, Fun Jokes, Fun Motivation, Fun Status, Fun Ideas, Fun Theme Tunes, Fun Team is followed by a PM Celebrity Gossip, sharing reputable project managers’ experience and projects’ successful fun stories. You can really relate or have an aha! moment in these gossips.

I warmly recommend it! It works both in project management and in overcoming storms at home. My kid will certainly respond with a smile when, in a moment of unhappiness, I’ll point a finger at her with ”don’t you dare smile, do not even think about smiling”. Enjoy the book!