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Tips on managing deadlines, navigating stakeholder expectations for Project Management

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Six months ago, I jumped headfirst into a tough project, super excited to get started! The beginning involved figuring out different ideas and gathering important info from everyone involved. It was a whirlwind of learning, but by April, we had a clear plan for the project! Except, things got a bit tight deadline-wise. We had two super important goals to hit in a shorter time, and keeping everyone on the same page with the project (especially those who cared a lot about it!) added another layer of challenge. But here's the thing: I never gave up. Even though the project started off a bit tricky, sticking with it and talking things through clearly really helped. By April, we had a solid plan in place. The deadline got shorter, so we had to hustle to meet those two big goals. Keeping everyone informed during this intense time was another hurdle to jump. Fast forward to the end of May, and guess what? The first training class launched in a big way! A total win, if I do say so myself.

Growth your white hair is not a choice but you can choose to growth your personal effectiveness

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Let's face it, a few more grey hairs aren't what keeps me up at night. What truly troubles me is the gap between the reasons people give for staying stuck and the incredible potential for growth we all have. I recently met a dedicated and hardworking colleague who had achieved a lot in his career. He was working on a project, but he wasn't meeting deadlines, and one of his reasons was feeling overloaded and overwhelmed. The tasks seemed too difficult for him. This kept happening – for over 3 months! In actual fact, the task is basically one week of schedule planning!!!!! Based on my understanding of his industry, I trusted his abilities, but it was clear he was feeling stretched thin by all the other urgent and important tasks. Sometimes people say they're too busy or a task is too hard as reasons for not doing their best work. This can happen over and over again. Do you have the same experiences? Please share your story with me in the comment section below. The really

Noisy vs Quiet

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Would you thrive in a noisy, somewhat uncontrollable classroom, or do you prefer a quiet environment where students sit and listen to your teachings for 8 hours straight? 🤔  In a noisy classroom buzzing with discussion, there's often a lively exchange of ideas and active engagement among participants. This can be indicative of active learning, where students solidify their understanding by explaining concepts to their peers. Furthermore, the diverse perspectives shared in such discussions enrich the learning experience and foster critical thinking skills as students analyze information and evaluate arguments. On the other hand, in a quiet classroom, there may be a focus on concentration and individual work. However, this quietness could also indicate a lack of engagement or participation, leading to missed opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and collaboration. Students might feel hesitant to ask questions or seek clarification, resulting in a more passive learning experience.

I passed the Takaul Basic Exam!

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I passed the Takaul Basic Exam! 🎓✨ This achievement holds deep significance for me, not merely as a validation of my knowledge (even though I only received a B 😅 ), but as a testament to the importance of continuous learning and professional growth. In my nearly two decades of experience, I've come to understand that remaining relevant in our fields demands a commitment to ongoing education. Lifelong learning isn't merely an option – it's a must (but most of them stop after school and only pick up very specific skills). Throughout my career journey, I've prioritized self-investment, whether through pursuing certifications, participating in workshops and conferences, or seeking mentorship opportunities (admittedly, this has become increasingly challenging). I'll be candid – it hasn't always been smooth sailing. There have been obstacles, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. However, I've remained steadfast in my dedication to personal growth and development

If hard work can lead to success, why should we work with a heart?

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The viewpoint of "hard work leads to success" emphasises the importance of effort, but it doesn't suggest that success can only be achieved through effort. Success usually requires a combination of multiple factors. Firstly, success is not solely determined by effort. Although effort is crucial, the definition of success varies from person to person, and the path to success is unique for each individual. Apart from effort, success also requires support from other factors such as talent, opportunity, environment, and interpersonal relationships. Sometimes, even if a person works very hard, they may not succeed if they lack these other factors. Secondly, putting one's heart into something is not just for success. It is an attitude, dedication and focus on what one is doing. Doing things with the intention not only improves efficiency and quality but also brings inner fulfilment and growth. Even if the desired success is not achieved, the experience and growth gained thr

Control what you can control and let go of what you cannot control

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The Struggle of Constant Overwhelm As a corporate executive, you're no stranger to the daily hustle and bustle. The pressure to meet targets, manage teams, and deliver results can be overwhelming. The never-ending stream of tasks and external factors can leave you feeling stressed and burnt out, impacting not only your professional performance but also your personal life. The Toll of Trying to Control Everything The natural inclination is often to exert control over every aspect of your professional domain. However, attempting to micromanage every detail can lead to a constant state of agitation. It's crucial to recognize that not everything is within your sphere of influence. This realization can be a game-changer in fostering a healthier and more sustainable approach to leadership. The Power of Control and Letting Go Understanding the Circle of Control and the Circle of No Control is pivotal in mastering your corporate journey. The Circle of Control encompasses the aspects of

I am not Superman, and I will get tired

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In the fast-paced and demanding landscape of modern work, a growing concern looms over working adults—the pervasive threat of burnout. The relentless pursuit of personal and professional goals often leads to an unsustainable lifestyle, leaving individuals physically and mentally exhausted. As the demands of the workplace continue to escalate, maintaining personal effectiveness becomes a formidable challenge. Burnout not only jeopardizes individual well-being but also diminishes overall productivity. Do I look positive all the time? Do I feel energetic all the time? Well, hell no. Do I have all the answers to all the problems? I do not know! I will feel tired, and I will feel down. I will get stuck in a situation where I need time to think. Furthermore, I need help from the people around me. Does this situation sound like you, look like you, and maybe is like you? You may have tried many ways to stay energetic, stay positive, and become resourceful to handle your work challenges. But it