Peter Vander Klippe's Webpage

Why Project Managers should read this article:
One of the primary tasks of a project manager is to communicate to others, with text being the most commonly used method. One issue I often see in written communication is that it is extremely hard to understand and one of the best ways to solve that is to stop writing differently than you talk.

Here is a quote from the article:

It seems to be hard for most people to write in spoken language. So perhaps the best solution is to write your first draft the way you usually would, then afterward look at each sentence and ask “Is this the way I’d say this if I were talking to a friend?” If it isn’t, imagine what you would say, and use that instead. After a while this filter will start to operate as you write. When you write something you wouldn’t say, you’ll hear the clank as it hits the page

So, read this, and start writing like you talk!

http://paulgraham.com/talk.html

For knowledge workers, performance declines beyond 35 hours a week. In one study they found that “output at 70 hours of work differed little from output at 56 hours.” Which is crazy.

“Time for Work,” an article by Dan Mall

Some strategies for stopping procrastinating, including tricking yourself.

The 4-Step Plan to Never Procrastinate Again | Greatist

Great quotes from this article:

We chronically confuse the feeling of effort with the reality of results—and for anyone working in a creative field, that means the constant risk of frittering time and energy on busywork, instead of the work that counts.

Call it the “Effort Trap:” it’s dangerously easy to feel as though a 10-hour day spent plowing through your inbox, or catching up on calls, was much more worthwhile than two hours spent in deep concentration on hard thinking, followed by a leisurely afternoon off.

In fact, though, if you can do your job brilliantly and still leave at 3 p.m. each day, a really good boss shouldn’t object.

Nobody Cares How Hard You Work – 99u

Seth describes an investment in your organization that always pays off.

Seth’s Blog: Infrastructure

This article is so good, it’s hard to know where to start. I really like how the author walks through his thought process when confronted with information that the policy he put in place wasn’t being followed.

Do you want to work at a good place to work? Here is a story of how one CEO stood for what is right.

Oh, and don’t just skip this one because you aren’t the CEO. No matter where you are in your organization you are the “CEO” of what you are responsible for. Take your job seriously and learn from other CEOs just like you.

A Good Place to Work – Ben’s Blog

Anger hurts. It’s also helpful. Here’s how to reap the good and leave the bad.

The Secret to Keeping Your Cool When You’re Really Mad | Psychology Today

From decluttering your desk to letting yourself complain, these 15 easy behavior changes can change how much you accomplish each day.

15 Habits That Will Totally Transform Your Productivity | Fast Company | Business + Innovation

As a Project Manager you will be brought into new projects all the time, which is very similar to the idea of a new leader being brought to a organization. This article discusses strategies for gaining quick wins in a new position that I think are very applicable to a consultant project manager role.

Key tips:

1. Focus on items that will be done in 6 months or less
2. Focus on items with tangible operational and financial impacts
3. Don’t spread yourself too thin, focus on one centre of gravity
4. Pay attention to how the early wins are acheived to make sure they align to the culture of the organization

New Leader? Get Early Wins

Read this article to find out how:

1. Writing Makes You Happier
2. Writing leads to better thinking + communicating
3. Writing is an outlet for handling hard times
4. Writing keeps you sharp with age
5. Writing leads to increased gratitude
6. Writing closes out your “mental tabs”
7. Writing leads to better learning
8. Writing is leadership at scale

Or in summary, you need to write more. Do it now.

The Psychological Benefits of Writing