It is always about half way through the second week that the small talk turns a bit more personal. You've covered the weather, local restaurants, feelings about the project, etc. and you're out of polite conversation. It's not that you aren't friendly but you know that you won't ever see these people again after the project is over. So how much do you share about yourself? What types of questions can you ask to keep conversations at a safe distance?

1. Local Weekend Vacation Spots
• Telling a good story can easily go on for many minutes and if you are visiting a client long term, then asking about what to do for fun on the weekends can be two sided. Do you go to the local state park, the near-by waterway, downtown bars, or the museum? Close or far? It is a friendly topic that you can learn about someone else on a personal level, what they like and don't like, without getting awkward.
2. Movies
• There is always something new coming to the local theater near you (like Jurassic World or Inside Out this week!). Whether you like romance or action, silly or serious, there is probably something you can share about a favorite actor/actress or director. A lot of movies these days are remakes or sequels or TV shows are still safe topics. This is great too because you can search or watch something new in your hotel at night to to brush up on their favorites if you need to take that extra step to make friends.
3. Sports
• This does have the stipulation of actually knowing about sports, but if you hit a nerve you can have a great thing in common that will forever be a go-to conversation starter. I love football (as you know from reading my blog), but if you talk about college basketball, you've lost me. Even if it's not your thing though, it may be theirs and they will be happy to talk about their trips to the stadium, trading players, and whatever other gossip is in the news.

I am an engineer by heart and yes, I can read binary. I think that the basics of computers are simple and graceful way to evaluate things and when I started thinking about it, there are a lot of applications for the on or off, true or false, one or zero, way of binary. Get inspired by math and see how a little technical thinking can make your projects easier to deal with.

Here is our example:


Step 1: Know how your processing power.

• A computer is limited by RAM and the processor to how many bits it can do at once. Projects also have limited power by how many people are on the team. You need to know how many people and what their workable hours are that they can dedicate to the project. You know that they can't do all 120 hours of work in one week!

Step 2: Break it down into bytes and bits.

• A byte is typically one full character (255 options) so in most instances that is 8 bits. The above example is 3 bytes. You have to read each byte individually before reading the next one. Each byte is like a stage of the project such as planning that must be completed before development can start. Don't even try to read ahead; stay focused and do one at a time.

Step 3: Zero or one, not done or done?

• The classic problem in project management is the answer to the question "Is it done?" and you get the answer "Almost". There is no grey in binary, no maybe. It is either all the way done or not. By limiting yourself and your team to the strict yes or no you can quickly know that status of your project step, project stage, and project deadline.

Special props to those of you that figure out what the example above actually is!

1. "Good job"
• Coming from anyone whether a colleague, manager, or meeting room, a congratulation of good job can mean a lot. I know most people want it to be specific but it doesn't have to be every time. If you simply seek an individual out to say these words to them, to their face, the effort enough is worth something.
2. "Have a good night"
• When you leave for the day, whether at 5:00 on the dot or after the lights start to dim, stopping by the cubes of anyone still there is a good practice. It shows them that 1) You notice they are working hard (or too hard if it is so late), and that 2) you are leaving (which means it's okay if they leave too). Sometimes it is hard to set down the deadlines. Just remember that all of that work and all of those problems will still be there for you tomorrow. Get some rest because it is good for you. It really is okay to leave it be for the night.
3. "What are you doing for lunch?"
• This one is kind of an open invitation that you may not be ready for but I feel like lunch is a safe and friendly commitment. Lunch is usually a set time, a cheap meal, and busy and laid back enough to not be weird even if one on one with someone new. You learn a lot about someone from the food they like to eat and how adventurous they are and how they treat the surroundings like carpooling or smiling at the waitress. And you don't have to extend a repeat invite if you don't want to. ;-)

1. Things that don't happen
• Aren't you glad that you haven't had to deal with some of the drama that fills the movie world? Death in the family, car accident, heart break, to name a few. Thank goodness none of that has happened recently (knock on wood). Be supportive of those that go through tough things because even if you can't relate, you know surviving take a lot of effort.
2. Others noticing your efforts
• Did your boss come directly to your desk and tell you good job? Did your quarterly numbers make all the other teams look bad? Sometimes we glance over these major accomplishments and jump into the next one too quick if we don't get a giant party. Sometimes we want more recognition for the amazing things we've done. Well,  there might not be a fanfare but it still counts and people went out of their way to say so. But they are still there so stop, smile, and be proud.
3. Silent wonder
• If you are someone's hero, you probably don't know it. Whether your kids, a mentor, or an intern at work, your experience and the skills you have are seasoned and what you've accomplished is impressive. I bet there are those that quietly and politely wonder how we did it and want to be like you. Take a look around and see who watching you and you may realize that your talents are appreciated more than you expected.