6 Key Questions to Ask BEFORE Starting a New Project
Most people mistakenly think that the first step of project management is project planning....WRONG!!!  The first - often overlooked - step of project management is project initiation.  Project Initiation focuses on vetting the idea to determine whether it should actually become a project.  Most of us at some point have been involved in a nightmare of a project that should have never been initiated in the first place - most likely, these are examples where there was insufficient project initiation.  Contrary to popular belief, every passing idea should NOT become a full blown project.  The six project initiation questions below are designed to help decision makers begin to analyze and vett the idea to determine if it should actually become a project.



Six Key Questions to Ask During Project Initiation
1. What problem are we trying to solve and is a project the best way to do it?
2. Is this a good use of our resources (time, money, staff, etc.)?
3. Do the anticipated benefits outweigh the risks?
4. What are the anticipated risks?
5. What is the cost of not doing the project?
6. Should we walk away?

Once the project has been authorized, a key first step for the Project Manager is designing an effective project kickoff meeting.   This video provides important tips to help design such a meeting.

Tips for Designing an Effective Project Kickoff Meeting
Tips for Designing an Effective Project Kickoff Meeting

For additional tips and suggestions for improving teams and individuals, visit our Resource Library to access complimentary videos and white papers.  
When to Avoid Social Media
Email seems to be becoming the snail mail of the 21st century.  More and more we're tweeting, posting, updating -- that's the communication of the future, right?  Well, social media certainly provides amazing benefits and opportunities, but there are risks as well.  As many public figures, leaders, and everyday workers have been reminded, there are definitely times to avoid sending that quick post, tweet, or social media update.

Don't Tweet/post when....
1. You've been drinking or are otherwise altered in some way.
2. You're angry at a person or about a particular situation.
3. It's later than 10 p.m. or earlier than 6 a.m. (unless there's a terrorist attack or other       life threatening emergency).
4. The message would be hurtful or embarrassing to anyone (including you!)
5. You're wondering as you're typing if the message might be misunderstood or                   misinterpreted.

For more information, read Dana's recent Huffington Post article

For additional tips and suggestions for improving teams and individuals, visit our Resource Library to access complimentary videos and white papers.  
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Dana Brownlee
Dana provides dynamic, engaging presentations focused on leaving audiences with practical tips that they can implement immediately!  If you're looking for a speaker or trainer for your workplace or organization, consider some of our most popular topics: 
  • Organizational Savvy
  • The NEW Time Management Model
  • Secrets of the Thoroughbred Leader...Are You One?
  • 7 Secrets to Work Life Balance Success
  • Project Management Skills Every Leader Should Have
  • No More Slackers!!! Building a Culture of Accountability in Your Organization
  • Facilitation Skills for Those Tricky Meeting Situations
  • Using Project Management Techniques to Enhance Your Leadership Skills
  • Navigating Office Politics...Sharpening Your Organizational Savvy
  • Facilitation Skills for Those Tricky Meeting Situations
  • The Secrets to Working Smarter, not Harder
  • 7 Deadly Sins of Newbie Entrepreneurs
Dana Brownlee has been featured in several publications and media outlets including  CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes.com, Working Mother, Entrepreneur.com, and Redbook magazine.  Please review Dana's bio to learn more about her background.   We also invite you to visit our  website  www.professionalismmatters.com  to view clips from actual training/speaking events and download white papers and other resources.  

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