Our Own Emptiness! - SP Singh Blog

If we cannot recognise good qualities and strengths in others (people, organisations, or communities), it is merely a manifestation of our own emptiness.

If given the choice, we often lean toward laziness rather than proactivity. We conserve our mental energy and focus on tasks only when they seem significant. Tasks become meaningful when our name is attached, when we’re clearly accountable for their success, when we...

Our fate is shaped by our decisions, actions, and what we learn (good or bad). It's entirely possible that luck could override all of our efforts, making our deeds seem irrelevant. Similarly, we might work hard and still be too unlucky to see the rewards. The reality...

The goals, desires, and aspirations I had in the past seem to hold little value today. Once achieved, I found myself searching for more. Their importance lasted only until the moment I reached them. This makes me wonder: things that feel essential to us now may lose...

The strength of character is determined by the courage to act. Change demands that we consistently embody this strength, facing challenges with resilience. Transformation begins when the community, united, mirrors this character in a shared direction. It all starts...

Even when two project managers (PMs) demonstrate equal hard work and skill, their internal goals (intent) ultimately shape the project outcome. As leaders, we must recognise these goals, which are crucial to the project's success. Take, for example, the first PM who...

We may take pride in being busy. However, we can be busy due to many wrong reasons, such as; firefighting customer complaints, employee HR issues, rescuing bad projects, and undertaking manual labour where automation is so accessible. Most living beings on our planet...

Life moves on with the faith that the future will be brighter. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s worth pushing ahead despite the struggles. We hold countless hopes, desires, and assumptions that the seeds we sow and nurture will grow into strong trees...

We can be good. But first, we must know what good looks like. The standard response to the following questions is often – Yes, we are good! How well are your business systems supporting your current and potential future needs? How are you managing continuous business...

Leave life alone, and it will complicate itself. When we are on autopilot and in the mad rush to satisfy society’s dumb norms, we do not help either. We complicate our life even further. For instance, We may not need more. We may not need to wait for weekends or...

When the resources are limited, and we have no clue how much more is left, we must be concerned about spending them. One such resource is our time. So, I must first develop clarity on my end goals to effectively utilise this valuable resource. Then, I must satisfy...

“When I earn over $150K, I will be happy.” Vs “I am happy and will earn over $150K.” “I want a leadership position so that I can lead people.” Vs “I lead people and will be in a leadership position.” “I will retire early and live my life to the fullest.” Vs “I am...

Strategic initiatives are important but often not urgent, making it easy to deprioritise them as organisations focus on immediate tasks that require attention. As a result, many organisations remain entrenched in day-to-day operations, continuing with outdated, manual...

Imagine a surgeon who is about to go into operation theatre, and he is agitated. His tense face makes others in the room concerned and too tense to operate effectively. We may all agree that the operation's success is at serious risk. Now, think of the corporate...

It is often perceived as safer to adopt a more conservative approach—think twice, proceed with caution, and ensure a measured response. Let others make decisions when needed, providing a shield to cover and protect yourself. This way, you gather enough evidence to...

Firefighting in business is becoming the norm. Managers and executives are constantly fighting fires lit by shortfalls in services, employee issues, the sales pipeline, systems and change management issues, and much more. It is a vicious circle as well. When capable...

My weaknesses hide behind my inability to take and stick with my decisions. My sufferings stem from being on autopilot and not being present now. My immaturity shouts out when I pretend to know it all. My foolishness manifests when I think I am controlling the stage...

Decisions require mental resources, and because our brains naturally seek to conserve cognitive energy, we often stick with past choices, even when we have the option to change. This tendency is evident when selecting service providers, like banks, insurance...

It often requires excessive effort to maintain appearances and seem competent. Most of us would rather win an argument than foster a meaningful interaction. I believe that by focusing on contributing to others' lives and prioritising their needs over my own...

I can truly give back to the community only when I genuinely own something. To truly own it, I must have complete control. But the highest form of service may come when I lose myself and recognise a single master within everyone I serve.

Many things we are obsessing or stressing about would not matter in a few months. Most people around us are busy with their lives and pay little attention to our failures and shortcomings. Even if they know, they will forget in a few months. Most of the decisions we...

Consider these questions: Should I invest in real estate? Should I quit my job and start my own business? Should I invest in automation within the business? All significant decisions are difficult. There are too many moving parts and many things we don’t know....

For goal setting, we are conditioned for ‘more’. For example, we may have targets in gyms to lift more weight. However, learning different sets of exercises may be more beneficial. Alternatively, we may gain better results by sticking to the exact weights, increasing...

Today's results stem from our past input and decisions. If the outcomes are positive, it doesn't necessarily mean we're on the right path. It doesn't mean we should immediately change course if they're negative. Instead, results provide a valuable opportunity to...

Many of us are sacrificing today to have a secure and prosperous tomorrow. I am referring to the sacrifices of not living fully today but hoping to live tomorrow. These sacrifices are to push on with time, play safe, and not take risks. This could be our plan. But...

I may claim my good deeds are for others, but often, they are for me. They are likely to keep me happy and fulfilled, boost my ego and pride, and make me a little happier after thinking about them. While they may appear noble and service-oriented, they can often be...

As leaders, we cannot directly change our people, but we can change the working environment that may influence our people. When it comes to changing environment, the change must start from within. So, we practice what we are preaching to others. If we want others to...

It is easier to be vague and add multiple disclaimers in one sentence. With some practice, anyone can learn to be slippery so others cannot get us on their hook. Committing to the outcome with definitive time and deliverables isn't easy. But this commitment and...

I am blessed with the trait of getting uncomfortable in a comfortable position. When things become repetitive and simple, my mind starts to ponder new challenges. This keeps me on my toes and helps me become a better version of myself. It's not always a good story...

Our level of arrogance is directly proportional to our level of success and inversely proportional to our level of maturity. This could explain why: Companies that were once on top are seen nowhere now. Top performers found themselves out of touch and out of the...

On the path to achieving goals, I work hard and try to do the best I can. However, I've learned that it's crucial to maintain a balance. When I stretch myself too thin, other parts of life, such as health and family, start to suffer. It's a constant juggling act, but...

The history of craftsmanship is a testament to the inevitability of technological advancement. Those who failed to adapt and effectively use tools in their trade were eventually left behind. Tools are designed to make craftsmen more efficient, effective, and creative....

I may dismiss high achievers by thinking, 'What sets them apart? After all, we all breathe the same air.' But their distinction lies in what they do with the opportunities they have. Their actions, habits, values, and even luck have shaped their success. They are...

It is convenient to open the door closest to where I am now. After all, it makes sense. Why search for new paths when I can try to open the door in front of me to move on? However, when the door does not open, I have a perfect opportunity to grow. This growth can...

Every day, I get into hand-to-hand combat with these champion time busters. Procrastination Boredom Allowing work to expand to the timeline without adding additional value Postponing major decisions Active distraction by (mobile, emails, shopping sites) Doing...

When decisions and judgments are complex, over-analysing does not improve our situation. We are likely to be better off first understanding our current state of affairs: What is at stake? For example, software projects, company acquisitions. What can we lose? For...

Ideas constantly fall out of conversations. Some are ordinary, others can be good, and a few are great when we get lucky. As leaders, we are not listeners, but miners. We keep mining until we get some good or great ones out. We mine by controlling the discussion...

As leaders, rational decisions are expected of us. However, our choices are biased by our moods, environment, recent wins/losses, personal preferences, love/hate, most recent decisions, time availability, and countless others. Hence, let us not assume that we are...

If I am not here forever and leave everything behind, then there is nothing I can achieve. After all, I may only attain something if I can keep it with me forever. I would instead learn to be more present and utilise life fuel efficiently because that is perhaps all I...

Saving money is good, but often it is silly to save on: Investing in cheap software Finding stingy workarounds to optimise software licenses Holding payment of vendors and pushing ways for additional discounts Finding the cheapest possible resources and consultants...

One thing that binds us together is our ability to demonstrate that we care. We care about the well-being of members of our team. We care about their personal goals and aspirations. We understand their circumstances, limitations, and constraints. We know where they...

Enterprise software is an expensive endeavour. There is a considerable cost involved in licensing and implementation. Sometimes, it may be overwhelming. We may question whether investing in and committing to implementing enterprise software is wise. To reach any...

Make a selection from the following: Learning to play: Guitar Vs Clarinet To be: CEO vs. Small Business Owner Buying watch: Rolex Vs Grand Seiko Most likely, you will pick the first option. Why? Because they are more cool, raise our status, boost our egos, and make us...

My indecision in improving my business is a form of self-harm. While I may have excuses like being busy or thinking business improvement projects can wait, this lazy decision-making costs me. Our businesses need our love, care, and sacrifice. It’s not wise to keep...

Who I am and what I can be are fundamental questions that I must consider seriously. The first can enlighten me about myself, and the second can remind me of the opportunities I might miss if I don't explore the path of possibilities. This introspective journey is...

What I did yesterday looks ordinary today. The artifacts I delivered a few weeks ago need updates, and there's much room for improving our current processes, software, and tools. I am not one to settle for doing what we've always done. My commitment to constantly...

We service our vehicles per the set schedule to ensure they function correctly. We check many things before going out on a journey. Similarly, it is good to consult a doctor occasionally to ensure our wellbeing. But how about our organisation? An independent health...

Good listening is not enough. Before we listen, we need to have an environment where others can speak comfortably. They open up and talk from their hearts. They express themselves with full faith and trust in us. Getting to the positions where others open up to us...

Yes, I can see that others are better players. They have been more successful and privileged. They are blessed with natural strengths and skills to succeed, and I accept and respect that. I have been sad about this for some time, but I have learned to admit and adopt...

One of the most common requests I hear is the desire to have everything in one system. While this aspiration is understandable, the ideal approach is to create a seamless working environment that integrates existing business systems. This practical solution allows...

We often test the patience of our most patient teammates. Hardworking employees often get more work. We often get lazy while reviewing the work of perfectionists. The above examples have one thing in common: we are lazy by default. It's important to recognise when our...

Exhaustion is a real thing. It not only affects our thinking, patience, and decision-making, but if it lasts too long, it can raise our stress levels and cause burnout. This should be a concern for all leaders. Technology projects are a battle against the status quo....

If you have an important meeting at a new place, you research the route and prepare for the journey. Similarly, when it comes to selecting and implementing enterprise software (ERP/CRM), learning from others who have been there before can be invaluable. However, we...

In business, the BAU (Business-As-Usual) work keeps the lights on, while the project work is the key to making the lights shine brighter and pocket more. It's crucial to strike a balance between these two. Businesses often struggle to keep the lights on because all...

Before making hiring decisions, we follow a set process to ensure that the new employee is capable and fit for the job. Similarly, with defined criteria for business projects, we can significantly increase our chances of success. However, we do not appear to have any...

Our decisions, seemingly insignificant in the present, have the potential to shape the lives of those who will come after us. We are not just making decisions for ourselves, but for the generations that will inherit our choices. Inheritance of material and wealth is...

It's easy for me to make choices based on my past experiences. I've developed a preference for certain dishes and coffee, and I've found comfort in the same restaurants over the years. I stick to clothes of known brands, sizes, and styles, all based on my past...

Effective communication is akin to crossing a bridge to the other side and connecting deeply. Often, we remain on our own imaginary islands, leading to communication gaps. To mitigate this issue, we must cross the bridge and understand others before seeking to be...

When I think of others as superior, then my energy is likely to be spent on impressing the other person. When I think of another person as inferior, my energy is likely to be wasted on boosting my pride and ego. When I am at a stage where I see all as one, my energy...

I have no control over my birth or death. Much of what I do aligns with what others in my age group do, suggesting that the aging process influences the broad direction of my evolution. My environment, genetics, and experiences shape my thinking. Overall, I may have...

Working with great leaders is like riding a powerful tide; their presence propels us forward seamlessly. They alleviate our burdens, like painkillers, helping us forget our struggles and reach our full potential. These leaders leave an indelible impact on us,...

Our common perception of an organisation or team is a top-down hierarchical structure. The executive and management sit at the top and actual workers are at the bottom of the hierarchy. While it is a typical representation, it is often too wrong. Maybe we need to...

After working hard to attain reasonable positions of power, status, wealth, and luxury, I realised that they are reasonable goals to aim for. These goals are good because, when I attain them, I realise that they are not the end. They are rather a manifestation of my...

My Karate Sensei teaches us to always be in a stance. As we move around, kick, and punch, we transition from one stance to another. A stance represents power and stability. When we maintain our stance, we have a better chance to protect ourselves, attack, and win....

Business capability development requires our capacity. In other words, we must have the capacity to work on the business to improve its capability. However, if the entire staff is fully utilised in operations, we will continue to stay where we are today. So, if we...

While playing it safe, taking little risks, saving cents but losing dollars, sweating the small stuff, keeping things secret, and trying to get more from others than we give, we are likely to make little progress. Big leaps of progress require a clear goal and the...

You may have come across many labels, like: ‘99% fat-free’ on a juice bottle. ‘Dermatologist tested’ on skin care products. ‘Low carb’ on cheese products. These marketing labels are always true and misleading at the same time. Similarly, the software industry has a...

Good leaders care about two things: the set goal their troops The troops have the potential to attain the set goal. So, the leader servers the troops to be at their best to reach the destination with minimum possible effort and damage. Perhaps, this gives a clear...

What is the cost of my rigidity? The cost of advice that I ignored because I thought I knew more. The cost of not paying enough attention to listening while I was preparing my response. The cost of pretending to be busy and not giving my full attention. The cost of...

Small, consistent positive actions have the potential to manifest big, transformative changes over time. These changes often appear sudden, like when a kid suddenly seems to behave like a grown-up, a player gains instant fame, or a performer becomes famous overnight....

As professional problem solvers, our first task is to define the problem, even when faced with preconceived solutions or impatient stakeholders. This task is very tricky because when we are busy formulating problem statements, other stakeholders are ready to implement...

'Creativity' sounds too positive. For example: The Project lead is creative in managing the expectations of stakeholders. We have to work under the given constraints and get creative in developing a solution. We cannot do what we have always done, it is time to get...

Creativity is in scarce supply. We often talk about it, hear and lecture about it, but seldom experience it in our day-to-day lives. Why? Maybe because our society likes us to fit in with what we have. Maybe because our education system is busy teaching the rules of...

Things, either good or bad; happen to us because of our luck. We have little or no control over our luck, so we may have to accept our fate. Things also happen to us because of our decisions (either a decision or a stack of decisions over time). This is where we have...

When things go south, we are well equipped with the reasons. The reasons tend to be everything else, but not us. For instance: Projects took a long time because of vendors, consultants, and technology, but never due to our lack of project management skills. Similarly,...

Life is constantly pushed and pulled in two directions: day and night. One side urges me forward to do the right thing, make the best use of my time, and achieve steady progression. The other side tempts me towards the dark abyss of boredom, lethargy, and...

Influential individuals who lack the necessary depth of expertise can pose significant risks. While their ability to tell persuasive stories might initially impress us, they can ultimately lead the organisation/project astray, sometimes without notice. They are not...

The best wins are the ones where we achieve our objectives without a fight. So, elimination should be our keyword. Before planning to improve a process, we may want to assess if the process can be eliminated. Before hiring a new resource, we may want to assess if we...

When I make others wait for me in meetings, when I constantly change my mind on decisions, when I keep altering the rules of the game, when I force others to act on my directions, when I speak more than I listen... I may be fooling myself by thinking I hold a position...

We are here to play the game of life. There are wins and losses along the way, but what matters is progression, not winning. We may desire to be at the centre stage of the game, but our position will change over time. What matters is the spirit with which we play, not...

If I am decisive, focused, and hardworking, then I have much to be grateful for. These virtues are blessings, not earned, so there is no reason for pride. Comparing myself to others can lead to a roller coaster of emotions such as pride, jealousy, or envy. This is a...

When I am in a position of power, I clearly see what’s not right. So, I put controls in place to make sure others do the right thing, or can’t attempt to do the wrong thing. However, I keep assuming that I am fine and don’t need checks in place for myself. Who knows,...

Often, in my pursuit of executing and perfecting tasks, I overlook the importance of asking fundamental questions: Why is this activity important? How does it add value to the project, task, bottom line, or risk mitigation? What may happen if I eliminate it? Who truly...

My best friend is the one who opens my eyes to the obvious that I don’t see. They hold my hand, lead me from the front, and push me to notice vital things I might find uninteresting. They make me uncomfortable for my benefit, spot my biases, false assumptions, and...

When we adapt and learn to live with problems, we become part of them. The longer we have them, the deeper they engrave themselves into our lives. After a while, we don’t see them as problems; they become part of us. At some point, we may be lucky to have an outsider...

The question is not that if we can improve something, the question is that if it makes business sense and we have the appetite for improvement. The improvement can be in any dimension. For example, process, automation, communications, efficiency, customer service...

I often hear this: "We want to get a new system that processes payroll (or any other process) with the click of a button." In summary, customers want an easy-to-use automated system. However, achieving this is not just a procurement aspiration but a procurement and...

Sometimes, I find it hard to convince people to act on rational things. I wonder why they do not understand basic questions and address the problems in front of them. I often get perplexed by the thought that people cannot see what is in their best interest—losing...

Common sense is overrated. In theory, most of the world around us can be functional using basic common sense. However, we need processes, procedures, rule books, communications, contracts, legal bindings, and systems to operate smoothly. We may organise massive chaos...

I asked myself: Who have I lost to most of the time in my life? It didn’t take long to realise that I have often lost to myself. I lost when I didn’t keep my promise to commit. I lost when I wavered from the decisions I made. I lost when I knowingly distracted myself,...

If it's clear that the work needs to be done, then we should start it promptly. Sitting on the fence and merely raising issues and risks is easy and unproductive. While learning from past experiences and making informed recommendations is important, these actions...

If the result of helping others is feeling happy about myself, then the help is still superficial since it is based on internal happiness and perhaps pride. A deeper level of help comes when we help not out of volunteer service but out of a sense of duty. When it is...

We all make sacrifices for various reasons. Some of us sacrifice time to earn more money, while others give up money to gain more time. We might also sacrifice our resources for justice, status, legacy, or other goals. Often, we aren't fully aware of what we're...

Perhaps we are all blessed with countless treasures. Perhaps one of the purposes of life is to identify and explore these treasures, using them to make a positive impact.

I'll do it tomorrow. It's not that important. All right, I'll get to it eventually. This pattern of slow responses and procrastination isn't harmless. Lethargy comes at a significant, often unquantifiable, cost. How can we measure the price of missed opportunities,...

As a child, I learned from my environment, teachers, and parents. As I grew older, I sought counsel for guidance and support, knowing I didn't have all the answers and needed help. Upon reaching adulthood, I mistakenly believed I knew everything and began ignoring...

We live in parallel worlds. What is considered right in one country may be deemed wrong in the neighbouring country. It may be primarily influenced by differing cultures and societal norms. These cultural and societal frameworks shape our perceptions of morality,...

Workarounds can be appealing because they provide quick solutions to immediate problems. However, if we rely on them without thoroughly understanding the underlying issues, they can proliferate rapidly, leading to more significant challenges. Over time, a habit of...

The critical KPI for my work is the degree to which I have moved the needle. I may spend time demonstrating the value I add or my knowledge or skills. I may choose to showcase how others are not doing the right things. My critical KPI is the degree to which I have...

When I view the present through the rosy lens of the 'good old days,' the present may disappoint me. However, life continues to move on. Things continue to expand, contract, start, and stop. While it may seem disappointing, perhaps, this is how the world has always...

My achievements give the impression that I am a winner. It could be delivering a successful project or scoring a goal in soccer. It is natural for us to focus on the person closely associated with the final action, whether it's a successful project or a soccer goal....

The pressure of what others think of me often seems unnecessary. My default response is often, 'So why should I bother?' This mindset gives me the freedom to do what I think is right without worrying about impressing others. On the surface, this approach makes sense....

In searching for more, we often overlook what we already have. In routine matters, we fail to understand how to capitalise on our existing skills, relationships, and resources. For example: I may not need new customers; instead, I could find opportunities to offer new...

Self love: When I put myself at the center of the world, my decisions are driven by my desires and comfort. I choose options that are favorable to me. Sometimes I feel a sense of achievement, although it is often short-lived. Love: When I put others at the center of...

Being present allows me to see through other people’s eyes, read their minds, feel their heartbeats, and observe their body language. It guides me to know when to slow down and when to trust my instincts. In moments of presence, I understand my emotions better and let...

The real damage is done by people who do exactly what we ask. For example, they design software the way we want, follow our instructions like a rule book, and act without asking questions. On the surface and in the short term, this approach seems ideal. However, over...

It seems we are constantly struggling to gain attention, seeking acknowledgment that reassures us we are enough. This attention can fill our moments, days, weeks, and months with joy and fulfilment. Attention comes in various forms: a nod from a stranger with a hint...

We all are characters on the world stage, playing our parts before passing our roles to the next generation. Some of us are privileged, occupying positions of power and higher socio-economic status. These 'lucky' ones often receive more attention and admiration,...

Good things need space to grow and prosper. Plants need space from weeds. Ideas need space from constant chatter in meetings. Mental clarity needs space from chaos –from our work desks to shoe racks. Implementing new ideas needs space from a constant inflow of shiny...

I may be able to prove that we are not making progress because of you. I may demonstrate that I am right and you are wrong. I may even show your weaknesses and incompetence. As a team, if we cannot move the needle, none of my arguments will matter. Our achievement is...

When we're caught up in the whirlwind of busyness, it's easy to get swept away. The constant buzz of new tasks and projects can make us feel important and in demand, like acrobats skillfully juggling multiple tasks with razor-sharp focus. But in this frenzy, time...

When someone is looking at us, our performance tends to skyrocket instantaneously. It may be at a gym. When you know someone is looking at you, your focus goes to the next level. It may be a sport, a dance, or any performance. With spectators and an audience, we tend...

We get into trouble because of the people who say ‘Yes’ when the response should be no! If we observe closely, we may be the culprits for saying yes. Here are some examples: Yes, our team can complete the project on time and with additional scope. Yes, if you vote for...

The whole point of communication is to understand each other. The problem is that it is a difficult task. Here are a few reasons why listening is too difficult: It consumes a lot of brain power, and our brain often tends to wander on light topics. We seek pleasure and...

When we focus on our goals, our energy flows toward achieving them. Some goals may be easy, while others are more challenging. We may persist in achieving some while changing our minds about others. As we remain focused on our goals, we often notice our gains and...

When we are passing through a jungle, our direction must be right. However, there may be many ways to traverse through it, given that we are heading in the right direction. So, two things are essential: direction and progress. The analogy works with enterprise...

I want to take this opportunity to thank my teachers, parents, tutors, peers, managers, mentors, customers, board members, community, friends and family for checking on me. I would have had too much of lazy, incomplete work if you had left me alone. I would have taken...

To win something, I must lose something. I must, therefore, be mindful of what I am winning and at what cost. I don’t know how long I am here to play. Hence, I must be intentional in my choices. The game I play should be pleasurable and return value to the ones around...

If I am asked to make a final decision about enterprise software procurement, here is what I will ask of the selection panel: Consider a selection of enterprise software as a project. Appoint a project manager. Seek outside help (a consultant) to facilitate the...

When a fighter is fresh in a ring, he may look strong and confident. The real test of his character is when he continues to fight strong with his swallowed face and bloody nose. We are all like fighters in the ring. Keeping calm in the face of adversity and giving...

Imagine you are a Project Sponsor or executive Project Steer Co/Board member. Suppose I report to you as Project Manager that the project timelines should be extended because we have identified technical issues in development. Further, there are no resources available...

Often, organisations struggle with a plethora of stand-alone, semi-implemented business systems. The staff hates to use the unmanaged systems and invents their own ways outside the business systems. Over time, more processing becomes manual and adds additional...

If my house is a mess, buying more fancy and new stuff will not make it any better. Instead, I may want to sit with my family and understand the root causes of a mess. Similarly, before investing in the new software, there is value in asking a simple question: Why do...

Bad marriages, failed software implementations, and bad major decisions are painful. To feel better, we naturally seek assurance from others that it is not due to us. Instead, it is the other’s fault. We tend to work hard to collect enough evidence to prove that we...

Doing anything new and big can be intimidating. We often throw such initiatives in the too-hard basket and tend to run back to the status quo. The transformation, however, comes at a cost— the effort of taking risks, making decisions without comprehensive information,...

It is common practice to form a selection panel for enterprise software selection. The selection panel typically comprises senior managers of different departments, such as finance, professional services, procurement, and sales. Being on a panel is a big...

While procuring enterprise software (ERP/CRM), we often forget one thing: It is not about me! It is not about me; it is about my organisation on behalf of which I am making decisions. So, rationally, we should not be shy. Instead, be vulnerable, and ask dumb...

When we select a builder for our new house, we don't merely compare their prices and choose who is cheaper than others. Instead, we carefully shortlist the types of builders that suit our tastes and preferences. We then select a builder that is compatible with us....

If we are building a new house, the following things would be important to us: Project budget Quality of the build The choices and selections we are making throughout the project Plan to transition to the new house Clear communications to all stakeholders of the...

We may not determine a project's success by the degree to which it has met its three constraints (time, quality and budget). Instead, we may base its success on the value the project execution returned to the business and the value of the outcome (product the given...

The problem is not that people don’t want to give. The problem appears to be that not many want to become seekers. Plenty of good advice, suggestions, recommendations, help, and handholding are available near us. We need to get out of our shell and become seekers....

We usually know little about the project when we initiate an enterprise-level digital initiative. It is the discipline of project management that helps the Project manager lead the project team and stakeholders through the unknown. For example, when we initiate ERP...

When it comes to communication, we encounter individuals who are skilled at expressing themselves clearly and precisely, while others may struggle to convey their thoughts effectively. Upon closer examination, I've realised that this is not merely a communication...

We love to have a life filled with pleasure. Pleasure is usually the fruit of pain. Sometimes, we are lucky to have people who relentlessly follow up and check on us. People who make sure we do the right thing. People who look at us from a distance because they care....

As we grow, we often outgrow our service providers, tools, processes, and software. We are so used to them that we usually do not realise they are becoming our constraints. They limit the possibilities of our growth and the value we can offer. They may be limiting our...

Often, we inherit work from others. The work can be a job, an initiative, a deliverable, or a project. We may inherit it from our competitors or associates, or they may be unknown. As each of us can have unique perspectives, methods, and operating models, we often...

Every activity and venture involves risk. Everything from breathing to sitting on a plane has risks. For a few of us, every risk makes us paranoid, while others tend to be too optimistic. Both extremes are equally dreadful. On one extreme, knowledge of risks restricts...

Life often throws a lot of stuff at once. We feel overwhelmed and too crippled to take any step. Our minds run in different directions. We put much effort into moving forward but feel stuck. One thing that I find helpful in such situations is asking this question:...

Enterprise software (ERP/CRM) projects are already too complex and expensive. Consultants who implement these software projects are often paid by the hour /day. So, their incentive is based on the amount of time they work. Their internal incentives (bonuses and...

I am influenced by a self-serving bias. If I am not careful and alert, I default to being an actor during success and look at someone else during failure. Many egocentric biases influence my mind every day. If I am not careful, I may protect my ego for all the wrong...

Looking at you, I can see your shortcomings, weaknesses and limitations. At this point, I feel I am complete, and you are so incomplete.When I am patient enough to look into your eyes curiously, then I see myself clearly. I see myself looking for short-term gains,...

Enterprise software projects (ERP/CRM) are complex, multi-dimensional moving beasts. The ERP Project manager's job is to clearly state the facts and present the project's current status. Yes, with an indication of the planned next steps and an estimate to complete the...

In the ERP world, talking about things is much more expensive than doing them. For example, configuring the ERP is often relatively straightforward. The complexity is in understanding requirements, documentation, testing, and providing training. So, the cost savings...

In the B2B environment, when I announced, “We have made a strategic decision to implement a new ERP and cracked a great deal with the implementation partner.” In parallel, there is likely to be another announcement on the vendor side, “We have secured a major project...

Life is too confusing to deduce any meaning out of it. Things that are too important for one person; other is distributing it for free. A few of us are running like crazy to get there; others who have been there find it worthless. Over our lives, there are constant...

Progress is not directly proportional to activity. We may make progress by doing less: Making difficult but sensible choices about cutting unnecessary steps in the process. Deciding to actively descope automations that add no value. By eliminating problems, so we...

ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. If we try to understand ERP by its name, we will limit its potential and scope. ERPs are no longer limited to resource planning at the enterprise level. Though its roots are in materials resource planning, it has outgrown...

Consider that you are building a house. The builder called to inform you that the house would not be completed by the agreed date. Then he gives you a few options: You remove the backyard and garage door completion from the contract (descope). Or, Move the completion...

Sometimes, the writing on the wall is crisp and clear. Everyone can see it, but no one talks about it. It may be because we are busy, follow norms, feel shy, think it is not our problem, and start to believe - it is what it is. Yet, when one of us (usually an...

Imagine living with your family in more than one house. Each house is built for a specific purpose (sleeping, getting ready, or cooking). However, the houses are far apart, and there is minimal communication. Imagine the everyday chaos you and your family may have to...

Ego-based thinking is one of the top constraints in every project, relationship, or interaction. By default, we tend to overestimate our own contribution. Our thinking patterns put us at the centre of every discussion point. So, we feel good when we hear our praise...

Sometimes, we like to take it out. We want to talk about our problems, issues, and challenges. We like to discuss things that are not working. We bounce ideas and ideal scenarios of what should happen. We may draw conceptual diagrams and paint a picture for the...

Progress without a plan is likely to be more drifting and less progress. We may see effort and outcomes but are unaware of direction. However, we are not designed to plan and implement. If no one mandates a plan, we are likely to continue with no plan. Perhaps that is...

Stumbling upon the long list of cognitive biases and their effects on our decision-making, I realised I am not a rational person! Consider taking some time for self-reflection.

Take a moment to think about your childhood. Ponder the days of your uni or the early days of your career. It may all seem like distant memories, with some faded recollections of your experiences. Even if we try to recreate the good old days, we will likely regret our...

Technology projects earn a bad name due to uncertain completion, outcome, and quality. The Project teams tend to be on the extreme north or south of the project methodology spectrum. Either they notoriously follow a set methodology, or there is no project management....

We often debate ways of working (methodologies, processes, procedures, and rituals). Here are a few points to consider: The ways we worked before may no longer serve us well. Two distinct ways can be equally valid. Hybrid ways (the amalgamation of two ways) may serve...

The following policies and procedures may sound bureaucratic. Some may want to uproot such limits. Casual wear is only on Fridays. No mini skirts or shorts are allowed. The Project Manager must always own the Project Risk Register and Project Schedule. The CEO must...

If I know every tackle and trick in soccer but don’t know how to play with my teammates, I will likely be useless. I may be the best guitar player, playing solo, but I struggle to play in the band; my skills are limited to my room. Similarly, enterprise software...

When we are in constant, extreme pain due to a problem, there is a high chance that we will put effort into resolving it. So, pain (being painful) works in our favour. Other problems sometimes cause extreme pain and other times reasonable pleasure. Most such problems...

Problems cause pain; hiding them under the carpet and moving on with life is often straightforward. But most issues don’t go anywhere. They grow stronger and stand in front of us over and over again. Solving one problem has the potential to unlock numerous new...

I may find fulfilment in serving others. I may find peace in donating my savings. I may feel better after caring for my family. I may feel a sense of achievement in making more money. I may feel smart by fooling others. You may label me good or bad based on what I...

Many reasons can cause our current mess. It is often easier and more practical to start from scratch, which relieves us from the painful analysis of finding the reasons for the current mess. Here are a few examples: My kitchen is messy, and I will organise the kitchen...

Two people can have the same qualifications, experience, and skills. Yet, there can be massive differences in their earnings. The earnings difference is likely due to the personal brands they both carry. We carry a personal brand at all times. Some polish it and make...

Motivation is scarce and short-lived. Multichannel communication methods and long lectures will not help in the long run. So, consider developing the work environment with the following attributes: Try to tell stories about everything, as we love stories. Gamify...

The small number of hardcopied letters (mail) was more valuable than the many emails in our mailbox. In our teenage years, two pairs of ordinary shoes and jeans were more valuable than the heaps of fancy clothing I possess now. The once-off treat of buying the ice...

Few thoughts to help move attention away from ourselves: Thinking that I do great work can be an illusion. The work is likely being done through me. So, possibly, I am a medium and not an actor. My ability to do anything is due to the ecosystem of services others...

As leaders, we may have temptations to be in the limelight. It boosts our ego and pride after sharing a project update. We may carefully weave words to show how well the team performs under our leadership. However, let us keep reminding ourselves that it is not about...

We love to get things done instantly, with minimal effort, cost, and overhead. We tend to desire and appreciate things that increase our status and boost our ego. We love to look good in front of others. We assume that we are rational thinkers. The sales and marketing...

Eat less, exercise more. Live within your means. Take care of yourself and your people. Keep your ego in check. Know that you are a minuscule part of a vast ecosystem. Associate with only one. There are a handful of simple rules for living an excellent life. Yet, our...

One ball and two sides make a game. The association on each side makes up spectators. The potential number of spectators is associated with money, glamour, speculation, and fun—the hype of possibilities, in turn, is associated with media, commentators, lights, and...

There are certain things that I must do. I know they lead to my goals and aspirations. Yet, I see myself choosing things that are more pleasurable and fun. Short-term pleasure, relief from pain, and distraction often win over things that matter. This is one of the...

Fasting is said to be good for our bodies, yet most of the world appears to be obsessing about food. We need uninterrupted time to produce great work, yet we design open offices and meetings to stay busy. Simplicity is said to be the path to peace of mind, yet we...

Some tribes (organisations, teams, and families) are extraordinary. The members of the tribe support each other. They love, sacrifice, and deeply care for one another. They prosper together and achieve great heights. One day, however, the world turns upside down for...

When I try to exploit every avenue, squeeze a little more, and do too much, I exhaust myself, feel unfulfilled, and miserable. My fulfilment, satisfaction, and joy are hidden in giving up on things that do not matter and focusing on things that matter. However, this...

When I put myself at the centre of the universe, then everyone must listen to me, adhere to my preferences, follow me, and understand my goals and aspirations. When I put my organisation (higher goal) at the centre of the universe, I must listen intently to everyone...

I know a lot of good stuff. But that doesn’t mean I necessarily do it. I know the value of losing weight, cleaning clutter, delegating, managing time, and other such topics. Yet, I often struggle to implement them in life. Similarly, I have access to templates,...

Evaluating current problems, brainstorming groundbreaking ideas, developing a vision, reviewing future possibilities, documenting plans, and seeking expert advice is just a first step. All of these initiation endeavours are often fascinating and glamorous. The next...

Most of my misery appears to be when I put myself in the middle of everything. The dilemma is that I am conscious that it is not about me, yet I naturally tend to put myself in the middle and suffer. Here are a few examples: I want to make my project a grand success....

When I move house, I have a choice. I can choose to invest resources to migrate seamlessly so my family will feel proud of my management skills. But such migration will come with a hefty bill without guarantees of my family’s happiness and my pride. Alternatively, I...

Any meaningful positive change requires our sacrifice. Sacrifice may take the form of our time, effort, or resources. Losing weight, learning to play new instruments, and changing habits are hard work. Fasting for two days and waking up early once a month is a wasted...

ERP implementations are costly, complex, and time-consuming. It is common for business stakeholders to get eager to complete the implementation and return to normal life. But, in reality, we are never done after the first project. Here are a few common reasons: Not...

Controlling ourselves and making sure we do the right thing is great. However, it may be good to examine the source of cravings. For instance, I eat, check my mobile, drink coffee, and walk to break the current cycle and prevent boredom. So, I may need to find more...

In business, we often see major technology projects (ERP, CRM) as an obstruction to operations. These projects are additional overhead. They require more money, resources, and time from the organisation. They cause business disruptions. Staff hate to experience...

Over time, people understand our obscure objectives and intentions. Our intentions become transparent with our decisions, body language, and actions, which people around us observe over time. With time, people could see through us. If our intentions are good for them,...

It is easy for busy parents to blame the naughty child for any mischief in the house. While this may be an efficient way to move on, it does not solve any problems and may make matters worse over time. Post-Go-Live, we can experience quite a few issues while using the...

We often like to outsource things that are too complex and where we lack the required experience. Change management is one such service. We assume the new Change Manager should be able to manage change initiative, as she has 20 years of experience and many...

Organisational Change Management, OCM, can be pretty challenging. It is one of the main reasons for projects to take painfully long. Corporations invest substantial amounts in Change Management, yet OCM remains a constant challenge. So, we may wonder what the solution...

Sometimes, we know that new ways of working are the way to go. They are more efficient, complete, and practical, yet people resist adopting them. From the outside, it makes no sense to resist. But, when we look closer, we find that people have emotional connections to...

In change management, we want others to accept change happily. We don’t want any resistance to change. But, before setting such expectations, we may want to take time and ask a few questions: Do we know enough about the new change we preach to others? Do we fully...

In change management, we seldom manage change. Instead, we manage: Our response to potential change. Promotion of strategies for adopting and adapting to change. Learning new behaviours, processes, and systems to live with the change. Exploring how the potential...

Topics like sustainability, embracing diversity, environmental awareness, and change management are deep learning topics. They challenge our current thinking patterns, culture, and decision-making. It all sounds too hard! So, most of us choose an easy solution! A...

Parents, teachers, coaches, managers, sponsors, boards, and steering committees can be annoying. They are in a comfortable overseeing position and always pick on us. They always have something to say. They have no clue about our challenges and constraints. Yet, they...

Adapting to and adopting change is difficult. One may have to understand new concepts, processes, and systems. It requires additional effort and sacrifice. So, why will our employees be willing to support the change? There must be good reasons for this. As sponsors...

In the last post, we covered how we confuse organisational change management (OCM) with change marketing. Change marketing typically involves broadcasting your messages multiple times using different mediums, hoping the message will resonate over time. We often call...

During project execution, we send stakeholders many messages about the change. We use many mediums (email, print) to present our information. We consider publishing forthcoming changes and providing support (training, a cheat sheet) as change management. These...

As change managers, we must learn from school teachers, team coaches, and professional mentors. They facilitate change in the lives of their pupils daily. Think of how great teachers, coaches, and mentors have shaped and transformed the lives of many great men. I am...

If the change is constant, then we must have a plan to manage it! However, we do not carry any formal plans all the time. For example, we are maturing and growing old, and our priorities and lifestyles are changing. Without noticing, we must be constantly changing. We...

IF, I choose to serve my customers, project, and team genuinely. AND I don’t pretend to have answers to all questions. AND I stay humble, genuine, and vulnerable, yet I work hard to find the appropriate answers. AND I genuinely give credit to the team members who...

As a leader, I should ensure we reach the best possible outcome within the given constraints. I should not be controlling my people. Instead, I should be guiding them towards a shared outcome. Unfortunately, I still see leaders controlling their people and demanding...

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