Page 30 - Straight Talk On Project Management IV

Many serial emailers have told me that they have discovered this amazing new technology – the
telephone! I've had conversations with people I'd previously almost exclusively communicated with
via email, in fact, one guy I've worked with for years (albeit from a distance) told me I didn't sound
like he imagined!! We've had communication for years but only heard each other's voices in this last
month!!

When you consider why you email someone, it's easy to quickly identify the emails you can replace
and map out better ways to communicate. For example, when I ask for information or an update on
progress and I send an email, I rarely get an instant response. BUT what if I call the person? I would
not only get a more immediate answer but also not have to deal with the email clogging up my inbox
on it's return. Plus, I also get to speak to a colleague and foster a relationship.
Saving The Planet

One of the most amazing side effects of this global lockdown is the benefits to the planet. Fewer
flights and car journeys mean air quality is improving, even cities with skies renowned for smog are
starting to clear. Did you know that reducing emails can have a beneficial impact on the planet too?

It's true, apparently, you can actually reduce your carbon footprint too:

Sending even a short email is estimated to add about four grammes (0.14 ounces) of CO2 equivalent
(gCO2e) to the atmosphere. To put this into perspective, the carbon output of hitting "send" on 65
mails is on par with driving an average-sized car for a kilometre (0.6 of a mile). Makes you think!

DeClutter

Often, when we're called in to rescue IT Projects that have lost their way, we come across a lot of
the usual suspects: scope creep; unrealistic budgets; overambitious timescales; etc.

More recently, we started seeing a new trend - projects that are failing just because they are heaving
under unnecessary layers of CLUTTER! We published a whole article on this too titled "Be an IT
Project Marie Kondo - declutter your Portfolio". It's about how we could all do with freeing our IT
Projects from the shackles of unnecessary clutter!

If you haven't heard of Marie Kondo, she is a Japanese tidying guru. In her Netflix programme, she
promises that her "KonMari" method will deliver, not only a de-cluttered house but also a clean and
de-cluttered mind. This forced new way of working has certainly encouraged me to declutter!!

These are changing times, and in Project Management we are used to change, but this is off the
scale!

Get in touch and share any ideas about how you're finding that the way we are being forced to work
could actually BE the best way to work, and any IT Project Management sharp cuts that you're going
to take into your post lockdown life.

BUT, more importantly, take care of your family and yourself. Stay safe.

Sources:
https://www.stoneseed.co.uk/stoneseed-blog/be-an-it-project-marie-kondo-declutter-your-
portfolio