ISSUE #8

Welcome to the + 2 newsletter from The PPM Academy

Each month, I’ll send you two quick and simple approaches to improve your Productivity and Project Management that you can try, test, and adapt into work and everyday life.

Being proactive is highly valued by clients, colleagues, and managers, yet finding the time and headspace to be proactive is often a challenge. In this edition’s Project Management tip, I'll tell you how to implementing the “share before they care” approach which is high on value and low on effort. 1 minute, 3 seconds reading time.

This edition’s Productivity tip is called the rule of 3 and is a simple but effective way to keep you focused on what’s important to move you closer to the goals and outcomes you want to achieve. 1 minute reading time.

Project Management Tip: Share before they care

Often the way a Project Manager communicates can be very functional; we share the facts, this is what’s happened, this is what will happen, these are risks, actions etc..

A good example of this is a status report. They’re valuable and effective but can get repetitive because they miss that personal touch following a pre-defined structure.⁠⁠

The share before they care approach isn't meant to replace the standard status report but supplement it with a more personal touch directly to your primary client or whoever needs it.

It’s also a 121 approach a⁠⁠s you need to think about what the recipient really needs to know, what will help them, or put their mind at ease and ultimately increase their confidence in you and show that you care. ⁠⁠

Also, think about what they are not expecting, what will surprise them and make them notice that you’re thinking differently, care more and will improve the relationship you have with them.

What are the benefits of doing this?

1. The client's respect and appreciation for you will increase.
2. Because you’re thinking differently, you stand out from those around you.
3. For only a small amount of effort, in the clients eyes, you’re going above and beyond and then when you do a problem, they’re more likely to help.

But remember it's an ad-hoc approach for when it's really needed, so don't over use it, as it will lose its impact and then start to compete with the status report, and neither will win. ⁠⁠

Productivity Tip: The Rule of 3

The rule of 3 is an easy and effective approach to skyrocket productivity and eliminate time wasted on unimportant tasks.

It’s as simple as setting three critical goals or outcomes each day, month, and year and prioritising them above all else.

With this laser-sharp focus, you’ll be able to concentrate only on what truly matters and avoid getting sidetracked by less significant tasks.

This method also streamlines your day, month, or year, keeping you on track and preventing procrastination.

It’s the perfect tool for those easily distracted by new and shiny things that divert their attention from what’s essential for you now and in the long term.

Taking a more manageable task or a task that will give you short-term satisfaction over tasks that will give you greater reward in the long term, is much easier to do.

Using the rule of 3 will keep you focused on what’s important to you now and in the future.

Also, once you’ve done all three, you can always do more!⁠

PS: If you like these tips, did you know I have a programme where I develop PMs on their Project Management skills, Productivity and Mindset to become high-performing Project Managers and Leaders? If you would like to learn more about working with me, you can book a free discovery call here.​

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