Pareto and Eisenhower Would “Let It Burn!”
Mastering the Art of Project and Task Triage The “fighting fires” metaphor is all too familiar in the fast-paced business world. It describes the frenetic, reactionary mode where one jumps from crisis to crisis, extinguishing issues as they arise. However, constantly fighting fires is unsustainable and often counterproductive. Instead, the key to practical project and […]
S.E.L.F. H.E.L.P: Transformation’s Ultimate Goal
In the ever-evolving landscape of consultancy, the primary goal is to provide clients with tools and strategies that enable them to achieve sustained success and autonomy. One powerful framework that encapsulates this transformational goal is the concept of SELF HELP. This is a focusing acronym where SELF stands for Simplify, Eliminate, Liberate, Facilitate, and HELP […]
The Rise and Fall of Six Sigma at GE
Six Sigma, a data-driven methodology aimed at eliminating defects and improving quality, became synonymous with General Electric (GE) in the 1990s . Under the leadership of CEO Jack Welch, Six Sigma was not just a quality control program but a cornerstone of the company’s culture and strategy. However, the prominence of Six Sigma at GE […]
Ingredient Lists or Baked Cakes?
There are many examples of technologies and systems often labeled as artificial intelligence (AI) that don’t meet the true definition of AI. Here are some common examples: 1. Automation: •Systems that follow predefined rules to perform repetitive tasks. •Example: A simple script that processes data entries. 2. Advanced Statistics: •Complex statistical models that analyze data […]
Be Smart About Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformative force in the modern world, offering vast opportunities and posing significant challenges. As organizations and individuals rush to adopt AI technologies, it is crucial to approach this powerful tool with a balanced perspective, acknowledging its potential benefits and inherent risks. Opportunities in Early (But Not Too Early!) AI Adoption […]
Projects Well In Hand: A Methodical Metaphor
During the course of over 3 decades in IT, the author was “blessed” with the opportunity to be exposed to multiple project management methods. Coming from a family background in the construction industry during the 1970’s, the Waterfall method was – and still is – the most comfortable. Critical Path Management in IT is like […]
Half Full? Half Empty? Who Cares?
Rethinking the Glass Why It’s Not About Half Full or Half Empty, But About Customer Preferences For years, the proverbial question of whether a glass is half full or half empty has been used as a measure of one’s outlook on life. The optimists see it as half full, while the pessimists see it as […]
