Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change
By: William Bridges


I liked this book for the most part. The main concept that the book preached is super simple:
Ending -> Neutral Zone -> Beginning
The book dragged on a bit when Bridges talked through lists of tips, questions, and steps to achieve success in these stages, but for the most part these were useful to reference by picking up the book again, rather than memorizing to regurgitate. He did give some great detailed examples at the beginning and end of the book; I wish there were more examples sprinkled throughout like some of my favorite Malcolm Gladwell books. So here is my summary from the book:
  1. Emotions matter: acknowledge them and show them
    • Especially during change, you can feel fear, anger, surprise, guilt, loneliness, or any number of emotional responses. During change you need to encourage people to feel what they feel and not suppress their reactions. Talk about it. Listen and sympathize. And share back. Change is hard and if you can help those around you feel like they aren't doing it alone it will be much easier to make it through it.
  2. Sell the problem
    • Change is happening for a reason. Too many times managers and leaders are too focused on the new and "are we there yet". Your team members are probably a bit behind in accepting it and you need to make sure to spend time on the issue, the why of the change. Only then can people move forward towards the neutral zone and making the transition actually happen... instead of just talking about it.
  3. Change is constant
    • Bridges acknowledged that change often overlaps each other and so having a deliberate end and beginning that happens at the same time for everyone is unlikely. Because of that though, you can encourage innovation and ideas while trying to implement the new change. Of course the something new that is introduced isn't polished and the best method until you start using it so allow for (and expect) tweaks along the way.
The long days of summer inspire me this week. I love being able to come home after work during the leisurely enjoy a drink, relax, and think. Sometimes I read a book, sometimes I sit in the sun, sometimes I go to the park with my dog, sometimes I work on a home project. When the sun stays up until after 8:00 pm, you really can do a lot before dinner and bed. A long day gives you the opportunity to do a lot of short progress towards a happy life.
Hemingway knew the power of a short story and how lots of little wins can add up to mean a lot. He knew only a few words can convey meaning. Here are a few inspirational thoughts for the week, inspired by Hemingway.

  1. Hemingway six word story
    • Step forward. Try. Repeat until happy.
  2. Career advice in four words
    • Experience isn't gained silently.
  3. Favorite quote
    • "Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing left to add, but when there in nothing left to take away." -- Antoine de Saint Exupery
"Take. Me out to the baaaaaaall game. Take. Me out to the crowd." I visited Washington DC this past week and what was the most astonishing thing that I saw?

How many fun league baseball games were going on at the National Mall! There must have been over 50!! It was amazing to see all the matching t-shirts with the makeshift bases and fly balls. It was definitely cool to see all of the friendly competition. It made me think about what it takes to be a team, no matter how light hearted or serious it may be.
  1. Know your position
    • In baseball, you are either the pitcher, or the first baseman, or the outfielder. You don't overlap in your roles. On a business team, it is the same way; you provide the most value to the team by sticking to your strengths and being the person that matches the reason you asked to be a part of the team. Don't try to do it all and don't try to be something you're not. You'll be way off base (pun, I'm funny).
  2. The scoreboard is only for numbers
    • Sure, winning is important, in baseball and business. But you do get to decide what winning means to you. These home grown games in DC were obviously for fun and there wasn't a lighted scoreboard in sight. They were all achieving the goal of getting exercise outside and hanging with friends!
  3. Measure yourself, not just the team
    • Maybe you measure yourself against a league's wins-loses percentage, but the best players are not measured only on their batting statistics but rather what feels right. Are they a good leader and energize the team? You can still improve and catch more flyballs than the last game and it will add up. Don't forget to focus on yourself as a valuable team member.
And just for giggles, here are a couple fun facts:
Fun Fact #1: There are 8 MLB teams that have never won a world series; 2 of them have never been.
Fun Fact #2: The longest cold spell of winning a World Series is..... 107 seasons! By the Chicago Cubs. They last won in 1908.


When you aren't at home for a days or weeks at a time, the hotel room quickly stops become an escape from the ordinary and instead become a stuffy, uncomfortable room. The mattress, pillow, lights, and shower aren't on the settings you prefer. I travel over 50% of the time for my job and a hotel room can be tough to get used to and still feel refreshed in the morning. I've learned some tricks of the trade that hopefully you can use too!
  1. Charging your tech gadgets
    • One of the grossest things is looking behind furniture for an outlet. A tip is to look to the gadgets that are already in use in the room. In particular, the TV. These days most modern TVs have HDMI and USB ports on the back of them. Just swivel it to the side and plug in your phone. 
  2. Privacy from housekeeping
    • It makes me nervous having people clean my stuff for me. I've come back at the end of the day to my makeup meticulously organized on the bathroom counter. Did they use it before placing it like that? I'll never know. Instead of wondering if they do something strange out of curiosity or intentional, just hang the "Do not disturb" sign on the door knob when you leave for the day. It will keep housekeeping out and your stuff untouched. Just remember to hang up your towel and reuse it (you do that at home anyways!).
  3. Ask for the minifridge
    • I do not like hotel breakfasts. I'd rather eat granola bars in the morning, even at home. If I'm in a new place for a week though, I prefer to go to the neighborhood grocery store and grab breakfast (and/or lunch and/or dinner) for the week. Most hotel chains have a fridge (with microwave combos) that are on rolling carts. Sometimes there is a fee associated with it, but often there isn't. Then you can keep your juice cold until morning. :-)
This week I'm inspired by this picture: an overrun forest with a path blocked by a fallen tree. Sometimes you feel like this, in that the obvious route is not the easy one. In your career, there can be many cases you feel like this: market competitor, money, career path. How do you deal with it?

  1. Find another path
    • Often in life, the path you're on isn't the one you set out on or thought it would be. Why would this time be different? Maybe you wanted the path to go up the mountain, but instead it is winding around it leading you to a different destination further from view. It's okay to take a detour adventure; it's better than going back down the known path and not getting anywhere.
  2. Wait for the tree to rot
    • Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but sometimes playing the waiting game is not the worst choice. Now there is a limit to how long you should put your goals on hold, but conditions will change even if you don't. Maybe the rain comes and washes away the dirt causing erosion and the tree falls out of your path! It can happen when you least expect it, and you can continue forward even more determined.
  3. Blaze your own way around
    • Why wait for someone to go before you and lead the way? Go around the fallen tree any way you can. Be creative. Be a risk taker. Be an entrepreneur and show the trail who's boss.
Disclaimer: When hiking in parks, stay on the designated trail! Taking shortcuts (especially on steep slopes) causes erosion that can harm the area long term for animals, plants, and other hikers. Be smart about going off on your own and know your surroundings before jumping into them.
A resume needs to be easy to read. It needs to be simple. It needs to be fast to identify who's resume it is. That means the first thing on the page is your own name. It is the one thing that doesn't require an expert to wordsmith it to make you stand out. You are unique and your name calls attention to just that. Show the world what you are made of!
Here are three simple tips to understand why your name on your resume can send such a powerful message on it's own.
  1. Your Name
    • It may seem silly, but your name should be the largest thing on your resume. Truly it is the most important because they can forget everything else about you but if they forget your name, then you will never win. And you never want the recruiter to have to look for your phone number or email address. If you want the job, they have to contact you and use your name so make it as easy for them to find as possible.
  2. Middle Name
    • Should you put your full name on your resume? A good test for this is to do a Google search or a Facebook search. How many other people share your name? If it is a common name, or a name that returns negative connotation results, make yourself unique by including your full given name. You know that recruiters will search you on social media so know what is out there about you, whether you are the one that put it out there or not.
  3. Called by Name
    • A pro tip is to use your nickname on your resume. Still use something professional, but if you prefer a shortened version like John or Rich to Jonathan or Richard, then share that in your profiled resume. You can include both your full and shortened name if you want with parenthesis. For example: James (Jack) Frost. Write down what you want your desk name tag to say on your first day when you get hired!
It's summer! And that means mowing the lawn in a routine weekend activity. I actually enjoy spending the time outside making my backyard pretty, but like any homeowner, there is a constant struggle against....

Oh, the dreaded dandelion. It holds such fond memories as a child of blowing wishes with friends but now to the one striving for a well manicured lawn, it is just a weed. What can we learn from the dandelion?
  1. Appeal to the kid in you
    • Everyone likes to have a good time whether it's playing Frisbee, laughing at a joke, or solving a problem together. So if your silly behavior is detrimental to your surroundings (i.e. not helping the work get done) then make sure you're making those that are working hard enjoy their work that much more.
  2. Move fast
    • Dandelions grow fast. One day they're green buds, quickly opening to yellow flowers, and the next day they're seeds blowing in the wind all over your lawn. If you screw up in the work environment, don't dawdle; move quickly onto the next lawn and the next project. Beat the gardener (or manager)!
  3. Find opportunity in everything
    • Dandelions aren't poisonous. Actually, dandelions leaves can be eaten and there are recipes to brew dandelion tea or dandelion wine. So a flower becomes a weed can become a vegetable! Be optomistic and turn challenges into opportunities. :-)
UNDO UNDO! Unfortunately, not everything has an undo button. If you delete something, sometimes it is gone for good. If you cut something too short, you can't make it longer! I'm inspired this week by a home project that I'm working on that definitely depends on precise measurements: crown molding!

  1. Double check yourself
    • Literally, "measure twice, cut once". In project management, the first assessment of a timeline can seem reasonable and correct, but then upon a second inspection, you find a dependency that you missed that changes your initial estimate. In crown molding, you might notice your design doesn't quite line up right on a flush joint. Better try again!
  2. Ask for a second opinion
    • I am a big fan of inviting a second pair of eyes to look over your work from a fresh perspective. They may notice something you didn't. Whether it's a missed paint spot or something more serious like a corner alignment, grab a friend and ask for their help. A department manager of the team members on your project might have more insight to schedule conflicts that you didn't know about. For example, vacation times or key financial periods of your client stakeholders that you'd want to avoid.
  3. Prepare extras
    • For precision projects, you just can't skimp by buying only what you need. You will need extra because you will mess up, intentionally or not. I bought many extra pieces and am very glad I did for my molding project. It is better to plan with some "wiggle room" (a technical term for a contingency plan) than to have to scrap it and go to a Plan B with all new material.
Documentation is one of the most essential parts of a good team and yet can also be the most time consuming. You have many opinions, tons of formatting issues, and the endless editing and upkeep of the document. It is a pain when you have better things you could be working on. I am a decent writer, but I do consider myself one of the fastest editors. Why? Because I some tricks up my sleeve. And I'm willing to share them with you!

 Intermediate User:
  1. Copy, Past, Undo, Redo
    • We'll start with the classics. Almost all users are familiar with Ctrl+Z for undo, Ctrl+C for copy selected text/area, and Ctrl+V for paste. The ones you may not be as familiar with are Ctrl+X which is cut (so copies and removes), and Ctrl+Y for redo.
  2. Ctrl + Tab and Windows key + tab
    • Switching between PowerPoint, Excel, and Word a lot? These two are key for jumping between windows. Ctrl + Tab is a simple way that displays the program icon. Widows key + tab does the same thing but in a 3-D way showing a preview of each window. Both effective, one is just a bit fancier and the keys are right next to each other.
  3. Windows key + L
    • This is the shortcut to lock your computer. I don't know about your office, but if you walk away and leave your computer unattended, it may get hacked. And by hacked I mean playful IM messages or emails sent by "you" by a inconspicuous user. Always safe than sorry unless you like to be the butt of a joke... or worse.
Advanced User:
  1. Ctrl + arrow
    • While in a word document, don't you reread and find spelling errors, grammar fixes, and other changes that are in the middle of a paragraph? This one lets you jump around the document without using the mouse. Ctrl + arrow left or right jumps to the next word. I love this keyboard shortcut. It allows you to insert a word into a sentence quickly!
  2. Ctrl + Shift + arrow
    • My personal favorite, this extension to the above has completely changed the way I type. I hardly ever use the mouse with these shortcuts - so much so that even with my touch screen it's less efficient. It allows you to jump between words while selecting the words. Fantastic for replacing a word or phrase, cut and pasting a section to another location, and 
  3. Windows key + arrow
    • This one is the keyboard equivalent of the Windows 7 drag to an edge and and snap to size feature. It is great for viewing two windows side by side for multitasking or rekeying. What takes this shortcut to the next level though is that it works when windows are off your screen. So if that top bar is in a place you can't grab with your mouse, you can rescue it to your main screen.
  4. Ctrl + ;
    • This one is a winner for those PMs that struggle in Excel (or Google Sheets), this one will enter in today's date. Want to quickly denote a task as completed today? Ctrl + ; will quickly enter 05/31/2016.

I feel so inspired by this picture! It reminds me of this lavender mini donut from a food truck I bumped into in Belmar, Denver, CO. It was delicious and fluffy!! I explore a lot of different foods when I travel, and so why not explore at home too!

I hate to visit chain restaurants (i.e. Chili's or Panera Bread); not because they aren't good food and great service but I can get it anywhere. And if I'm someplace for a limited time, yoIu've got to learn more about the local flavors. You've got to see what "spicy" means to the town. Here are a few things I always try that are my favorite.
  1. Pizza
    • Duh. I mean, are they a city with pride in Chicago deep dish or New York thin crust type? Personally I like the thin crust fresh balled mozzarella ones, but you can never turn down pizza. Even when traveling with my gluten-free colleagues there are great options out there. Yum!
  2. Wine
    • I've traveled to some designated wine country spots (a favorite being Dry Creek in Sonoma, CA) but wine vines grow almost anywhere. I found dessert wines prevalent in a mid-west town. You can learn a lot just by walking the aisle and seeing what is available from local growers as to whether the climate is better for white or red. Interesting!
  3. Sushi
    • You can tell a difference if you are in an ocean bordered state, haha. This is more about supply chain than anything else. It also shows the diversity of the town whether Indian, Malaysian, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and more lumped together as a generic Asian Fusion cuisine restaurant or not. Or it could be a "foodie" town with noticeable regional categories when you search on Yelp. Fun!
My boss from Texas always does BBQ whenever he travels to gauge the area. What is your favorite?
The Richest Man in Babylon
George S. Clason

This was a super fast read and in my opinion, is pretty much a masked list of financial saving rules to live by. It wasn't much of a story and not my favorite book. Maybe because I'd consider myself fairly conservative as a spender before this book, but if you're new to being on your own and aren't sure about what retirement planning means at age 22, then maybe you'll enjoy this.
  1. Pay yourself
    • The book's main message is that you can't get rich if you never pay yourself. Too many people go on a spending spree when they have a surplus. What that means is it's gone when it's gone. Instead, you need to pay your future self. You do that by contributing to an IRA, 401k, or other long term goal. Only then, after you've set some aside, should you splurge on that new TV.
  2. Don't overspend
    • It is so easy to spend without looking at the remaining balance these days. Without writing checks or counting cash, the electronic payment world of credit cards, PayPal, and bitcoin is actually quite scary. Layaway is the worst idea ever (IMHO) as you shouldn't take out a loan in any size ($1 or $100,000) that you don't know when you will pay it back. You have to know when you will be back at zero instead of negative! You can't go positive without first passing zero.
  3. Use compound interest
    • Whether it's the risky stock market, points on credit cards, or interest at the bank, you shouldn't be afraid to move around to get the best 0.01% bump. It all adds up! As the book says, "make your money work for you" and have it make money too.
What is an acceptable excuse to take a break from the daily grind of work? It seems like smokers are the ones that have a craving that is strong enough to demand structured breaks every hour or so. I don't think the unhealthy habit should be a precedent! I've found the next thing: Fitbit! The latest update tells you to get up and move with a goal of 250 steps every hour. It forces you to get up and away from your desk, stretch, and relax your eyes and brain.
Breaks at work are really healthy for you (and mandatory by law in cases), whether it is looking at facebook, surfing e-bay, or taking a few steps around the office. A mental and/or physical stretch will help you focus on your work better. Here are a few things that taking a break can do for you.

  1. Focus
    •  Do you multitask? It's likely that what you sat down to do at 8 am isn't done because you got distracted by other items, people, or emails. If you take a break, it means you put down all of the tasks. And when you come back refreshed, you are ready to start tackling only one thing and one thing alone again.
  2. Retain information
    • Slow down! When you take the time to think things over, you can consider possibilities or perspectives that you might not have realized on first glance. You can mull it over in the shower, hand-write it down, or even forget about it to look at it with fresh eyes. It can help you remember things better.
  3. Maintain emotional intelligence
    • Everyone can have their patience tested and risk hitting their limit. To keep a level head, you have to step back and relax. Different people recharge in different ways. Whether you prefer to vent to a friend, scream at a pillow, or meditate, it is important to step back and reflect on yourself to gain back your mental energy.
How many breaks and how often? There are many theories on that, like the 4-Day Work Week and the 50-10 rule.






Continuing from Part 1 and Part 2, my advice for scope management goes beyond defining the scope of the project. It must cover what happens if scope creep happens after the initial planning steps. If you want a project to stay on the track of success that was started, you have to have a plan. You must be able to answer these three questions... before they occur!
  • What happens if something new comes up or something comes up that can't be ignored?
    • Does it immediately affect the project and put everything else on hold until this new problem or idea is resolved? Hopefully not. You want to be able to maintain the original plan until proven otherwise so make sure that everyone knows their task and keeps to it.
  • How will change be handled?
    • Okay, so something new has comes up. Is it important enough to implement and change course or not? We don't know, but the PM might know if it can fit into the plan. :-) Make sure you've defined the person or log that keeps track of these items as they come up.
  • What is the process to determine the time and cost that new scope will pose? 
    • Once it's on the list, due diligence can be done just like the original successful scope evaluation. Then they can be discussed by stakeholders at appropriate meetings to make the right decisions. Without a strong process, the power that people have over project success will continue and you can complete milestones on time and on budget!
Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune
By: Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr.
  1. If you care about something, you'll make it happen to every detail
    • Throughout her whole life (until age 104) Huguette love dolls and doll houses. Not as playthings, but as ornate beautiful pieces of art. She commissioned so many detailed projects and would politely reject things if they weren't right like the width of a door. It doesn't matter what it is that you're passionate about, but it shows when you fawn over every bit of it.
  2. Honestly, it's not the wild west anymore
    • It's sad but true, the world just isn't like the goold ole' days of striking gold in a mine, or banking as an entrepreneur. In the book, Huguette's father first got rich by buying eggs and carrying them across country to winter Montana. The land isn't free, information moves fast, and the economy is global. To become a millionaire, it take a similar brain but a different application. It's tough!
  3. Always be polite
    • One of the things that didn't surprise me in the book is in her old age, Huguette threw money at problems to solve them, even a friend's health. But what was a bit surprising to me in the book was everyone said she was so generous. Not just with gifts of large sums, but even when saying no and sending something back that "wasn't good enough", she was always warm and friendly. I'd like to be remembered that way too.
Today's advice is about writing it down. There is lots of writing to do during a project, but I think the most happens at the planning stage. When you are evaluating scope early on in the project, you are starting fresh. At this point, your job is not to reel them in. You need to simply write down everything that comes up. Even the dumb ideas, the un-doable ideas, and the small ideas. On this recent project of mine, I ran into three situations that I was glad I had written down what I heard, thought, and noted so that I could reference it later.

  • In one case, it was a lower level employee had an idea to simplify her job. It sparked an organizational need that I wrote down to explore further. They had 10 different documents that were all lumped into one. Why? It made it cumbersome to sort through everything when we could create separation; a great idea but did it fit in the scope? It was a small change to management but made a big difference down the line and it quickly took a back-burner to other items that needed more attention. It didn't resurface until the final list was reviewed, it was still there even though it was far down the list. But because it was well documented it was easy to readdress the need and the idea was raised in priority enough to make it into the phased project. This need may have come up again later in the project when it wouldn't be as easy to add, so because I had notes to bring it up again before it was completely off the table, a valuable scope item was defined.
  • In another case, we were at the final stage of the planning phase where certain scope ideas were being tabled to future releases. The important items were the accepted items and the high risk scope. Sometimes you don't want to rehash the items far down the list due to time constraints. However, we reviewed all items, and the nods in the room were good for two reasons. One, they were easy decisions, "yes, this item doesn't meet the scope requirements" for everyone to agree on. Having unanimous agreement is encouraging for everyone. And second, I got a smile from the submitter in that she appreciated the recognition. Her idea wasn't forgotten. It wasn't pointless. It just wasn't in this project. By her facial experession, it was obvious that it meant something to her for her idea to not be lost and that I remembered even that issue. That is key because now, she has confidence in me that I won't lose other things throughout the project.
  • The last case we ran into was the dangerous assumption. Maybe I assume we don't need it, or they assume we can do something with little to no risk. It is never as easy as simply the level of importance on issues. It can be frequency of the need, risk, price (time or money or both), or any number of things. There is a whole methodology in project management to assess value of each scope item. So the final review isn't, "oh can we just add this little thing". Don't assume what it takes to complete something; write down what's promised so assumptions don't fall through the cracks.
Okay, I'm from a microbrew hub in Boulder and Denver Colorado area so when I travel and am seeking out a beer, I want something other than a Coors that I can get, well, anywhere.When in Iowa I enjoyed the beer below, and in Ohio I tried the holiday seasonal beers of Great Lakes and Southern Tier. It's a treat to try the new flavors, hang with friends, and enjoy a nice cold brew while on the road.

  • Chemically relax
    • Beer (and other alcoholic beverages) have alcohol that impair your senses by relaxing your nerves and slowing you down. When you're on the road traveling you have a lot of stress so looking to alcohol as an induced way to reduce stress isn't always a bad thing. Travel takes its toll on you so I think you can take all the help you can get to feel refreshed the next day. Of course, do use moderation, in travel and beer. :-) 
  • Socialize
    • If you are out on the town getting tipsy in a unknown area, make sure to bring a friend. Especially women, don't drink alone! For many reasons, but showing others your non-business side can sometimes ease the tension at work when you return. Makes you seem more human and you can connect on something other than the project you're working on.
  • Support local
    • As you might have read in my coffee post, I'm a big fan of small businesses. Drinking the microbrew at a pub near you instead of the conglomerate at a restaurant chain is supporting two startups at once. You get learn about the place you're visiting on a whole new level and that's not something you can get at home.
If you drink, make sure to be safe and don't drink and drive! There's a hotel bar, walking, or a fridge in your room. Be safe!
    Scope creep is one of the most dreaded pitfalls of project management. It can turn any project into a late, expensive, and unhappy situation for all parties. So it's important to communicate and draw the line when you need to. I experienced successful scope management on a recent project - we caught risks early, planned on some changes, and made decisions to nix other changes. We are on track, on budget, and on time so far! Here are some lessons I've learned from this successful management of scope, in a three part series!

    The first part of project planning is the analysis of business needs. Early on in the project, ideas are flowing. "What about this?" "Wouldn't that be cool?" "Oh, can we do this?" The excitement is there about a world of possibilities. This excitement is key!
    • Is everyone excited, or just you? Excitement is contagious and so if it's just the management team or the younger crowd that's excited, let them talk about it! Share it around so that you can't hear the Debbie Downer or Derrick Doubter anymore. You need to get as many people as possible on-board and enthused early on for the best results later on.
    • Excitement has momentum and the peak of it is typically at the beginning. Before all of the decisions and change, it is just the familiar coming . It's like Santa Claus and little kids; better be good for goodness sake! You can't let that wonderment die before Christmas arrives. You need to keep reminding them of all the surprises that will make their lives easier with the new software.
    • And lately, it makes your job more fun! It will keep you motivated and working hard if your client is excited about coming to the status calls to hear how things are going. If you can keep the "What's new?" attitude going, you will face smiles at every meeting. And let me tell you, that pays off. We all want to love our jobs, right?
    You know the feeling. You're in charge, at the center of the universe, and you're lost. You're project has derailed. You don't know what the next move should be but you can't let your peers know that. There is a science to getting yourself and your team back on track. Here's 3 steps to get you started.
    1. Stop what you're doing
      • You're obviously not doing something wrong. If the project is not on track then that's a pretty good indicator that your future plans (that follow the same thought process) are also going to get derailed. Don't try to doggy-paddle and fix along the way; pause everything before continuing!
    2. Look around you
      • When a door closes, a window opens, right? The obvious and easy path is no longer available but you do have options. Take a look, ask around, and reassess the situation. You'll be able to determine the best next step - you're a star Project Manager, right?
    3. Make a list
      • Take inventory and redefine your critical path. Just like a itinerary on vacation, there is a set time on the shortest route to get from point A to point B on a map. Okay, you want to take a scenic detour but know that if you're rained out one day and have to make up time, that optional route is nixed. Projects are the same way; know the fastest way to completion, even if you aren't taking it right now.
    Lost to Time: Unforgettable Stories That History Forgot
    By: Martin W. Sandler
    What a fun little book this one was. The 11 short stories made it an easy read to pick up at random times to get a little bit of history. My favorite story was of Alfred Beach, who not only is the father of Scientific American magazine but also of the first American subway - built in secret! Here's a couple inspirational thoughts I got from the book and these forgotten histories.
    1. Always look for the new
      • Keeping up with the trends is tough enough, but being on the front end of the hottest and latest gadgets is where you want to be to capitalize on opportunities. The presidential election, latest cell phone design, or as Ziryab in the book, music and perfume. You've got to stay ahead of the curve if you want to make it into the history books.
    2. Timing can be everything
      • Even if you are ahead of the curve, sometimes you still have a fight ahead of you. If you aren't the latest gossip, than your stories might get lost. From the book, the examples include Peshtigo fire competing with the Chicago fire publicity. Or recently in 2015, Kim Kardashian versus NASA's Pluto pictures. Which do you remember? For good reason!
    3. Document yourself
      • People aren't going to write about you unless you have already done a lot of the legwork. Write down (or video) your experiences, whether as a journal for yourself, a public press release, or social media post, you have to take the initiative. In the book, Gustave Whitehead cared more about personal achievements than publicity around his flying machine and thus the Wright brothers are in our history books and museums. Become a blogger or more today!
    Are you a micro-manager? Maybe you read my last post and thought, "Is that me?". Maybe it is a good time to reflect and determine if it is. I want to however clear up some confusion about micro-managers versus simply being detail-oriented. Making sure no rock goes unturned and everything is given attention, detail-oriented people great for making a project go from good to great.
    Here are some defining characteristics about detail-oriented people that do NOT mean you are a micro-manager.
    1. You review things on your own time
      • Okay, so you care about every detail, almost looking for mistakes. It's a lot of work, sifting through all of the little things to make sure it's all right. If you take the time to do so, and not just gravitate towards "omg there's an issue; fix it fix it right now" then you're probably okay. Micromanagers may act like a bird that pays most attention to the shiny things in front of them. Show them you respect their time and look at everyone on your own first.
    2. You ask questions
      • Instead of simply changing something, it is better to learn the reasoning that someone did it the other way in the first place. You ask questions like "why" and "how come", or even "does that mean". Even "what about this alternative" is a good sign that you are trying to find the root of the problem and are being a sleuth, not a micromanager.
    3. You accept the corrections of others
      • When you're pointing out the mistakes of others, is it with the intention of making sure it's right? You probably are equally accepting when mistakes are pointed out to you then and you're happy to make the correction whether yours or theirs to make it right. Micromanagers tend to defend their decisions too quickly instead of trusting others.

    I can't take the "On this bullet you need to change this word to this one instead." micromanaging conversations. Seriously, who can learn to do something better next time if all the feedback you get is at the "capitalization of a letter" level? Don't you want to just tell micromanagers to just go do it themselves if they think their way is better?

    Micromanagers are tough to work for and it takes tact to "manage up". There are definitely rude signals you can try to send them but they never seem to work. And I'll admit, in my past I have tried showing disinterest by leaning back in my chair, avoiding eye contact or interrupting. When someone is focused on the details, they can't get their head above the weeds to notice let alone change their methodology. Micromanagers just keep on going, line by line, slide by slide, not giving any notice to the obvious signals of "stop micromanaging me! It's not working!".

    So what else can you do? Try to feed your micromanager's need for control by handing them micromanaging opportunities so that they stay away from the other things. Here are few ideas I've tried that may work for you too.
    1. Tell them
      • I'm serious, tell them they have a problem. Usually they already know about it. Really. They know they have room for improvement but like any unconscious bad habit, it is hard to fix it. Work with them on creating a secret signal to notify them when something is going wrong. Ask them what they think was done well instead of what needs to be fixed. Or, (my favorite) tell them they can only ask questions instead of statements.
    2. Give them control in other ways
      • It is obvious that having both hands on the problem is what it takes for micromanagers to feel they are making a difference. Before they come to you asking for trouble, I mean, asking to help, you can offer first. Give them something to pick apart that isn't your pride and joy or main project. Or give them a task that only they can do like asking his/her boss for something that benefits your both.
    3. Act it out
      • Try to put yourself in their shoes and imagine what it would be like to manage you. If you pretend to be the boss, would you also micromanage? Maybe you can learn a quirk of your own that is triggering your boss's micromanaging. If your boss just acts like the angry receiver of news instead of warning you about them, you learn faster.
    I hope that helps! Good luck!
    Do you love the book reviews on this blog? Curious about what I'm reading next and why? Here is what I am up to so far in 2016.


    1. Lost to Time: Unforgettable Stories that History Forgot
      • I'm in the middle of this one now and it's a fun read with short stories throughout time. Look for my review coming soon!
    2. Seveneves
      • You always need to mix it up! Here's a sci fi book to balance out the heavier reads. I do this in my writing too; to helps me stay creative.
    3. Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts--Becoming the Person You Want to Be
      • I loved Marshall Goldsmith's other books so this was a must read for me. I hope to enjoy the stories, lessons, and his flawless writing style.
    4. Wait: The Art and Science of Delay
      • I picked this book in particular for its subject matter on emotional intelligence, I'm always looking for ways to learn patience and improve my business skills.
    5. Empty Mansions
      • Not usually one of my genres, but the national history at my work inspires me to read more in this subject. It's about the American Dream in 1900's with the copper fortunes.
    6. I Am Malala
      • I started reading this last year but haven't finished it yet. I greatly support women's rights across the globe and since Malala's 2014 Nobel Peace Prize and 2015 movie release, I can't say enough good things about her cause for girls' education in Pakistan and human rights beyond.
    7. The Power of Now
      • Recommended by a friend upon my love for the Power of Habit, this book fits into the business category. A hope to find inspiration in it.
    8. Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse Series)
      • The SyFy channel released this as a show in December last year and as a favorite among sci fi fans, I thought I'd give it a try.
    Okay, that looks like an ambitious list for 9 months, but we'll see! I think it's a good mix. :-) Have you read anything good lately?
    Coffee is still one of the most common beverages in the US. And it makes a great gift that you can share with friends and family at home. It's a little piece of heaven in my opinion. It is warm, invigorating, and inviting. It wakes you up and tastes delicious. And whether you like it with sugar (would you like some coffee with your Starbucks Frappuccino?) or straight, coffee is awesome while you travel AND a great thing to savor afterwards.


    1. Easy to transport
      • It isn't breakable or a liquid so whether a checked bag or carry on, it can get crammed, bumped, and compacted without any damage to the product itself. With the internet and delivery businesses, if you find something you really like you can usually order it again online.
    2. It doesn't perish
      • I buy coffee beans that we grind at home and the nice thing about beans is that the shelf life is really long. It doesn't go bad like other foods like chocolate that might melt. So whether your family and friends enjoy it the next day or it stays in a cupboard until you visit again, it doesn't matter. Coffee can be used in all types of cooking so you don't have to even own a coffee pot (or French press or otherwise). Think chili, coffee-rubbed steak, or mocha chocolate cake. Some people just enjoy the smell and use it as decor!
    3. Support local businesses
      • If I travel to another city for business, I like to do more than just work. I don't always get the luxury of free time to explore (especially in the winter right now when it's dark before 5:00 pm) but I can still seek out some of the local flavors and people. There is almost always a locally owned coffee house that's not Starbucks and you can go in, see the architecture and decor styling, talk to the barista, and enjoy their specialty roasts. You get to support small businesses and entrepreneurs and you get to learn about the city and what makes it like no where else in the world.
    I travel for business. A lot. I go through the motions of checking in, driving to the airport, parking, going through security, finding my gate, and boarding the plane all the time. I would like to think I've got it down to a tried and true method these days that allow me to zoom from the parking lot to the gate at DIA in 15 minutes. Now if you aren't as experienced as me with as many miles, it may take you longer, but here are some tips to shave off a few minutes and a lot of extra hassle.
    1. Parking
      • Many times you are in such a hurried worry to make your plane that finding a parking space is just added stress. So once you find one, you take it and run off. It leaves a lot of regret for when you return and can't remember where you parked! My tip: take a picture of your car and/or the nearest location sign. Then you won't have to remember it, your camera remembers for you! This saved me more than once, especially when I came back from a sunny CA to a snowy zero degree CO.
    2. Security
      • The added security at airports these days is pretty time consuming. They check your bags, your electronics, your shoes, your pockets, your ticket, everything. One of the most frustrating things I run into is taking out my ID for security guards and airline attendants. Your hands are full I know, but I will roll my eyes at you if your ahead of me in line and struggling with your ID. My tip is to add a Post-it sticky note flag tab to your ID card. It makes pulling it out of the plastic sleeve super easy!
    3. Gate check
      • If you check a bag, you have to be there at least 45 minutes before boarding for the airline to guarantee your luggage will make it on the plane with you. If you don't (and you pack accordingly) then you can save a buck. But if you've got a transfer it is a pain to haul it around. It is a pain worrying about if there will be space in the overhead bins. Just gate check your bag! IMO at larger airports it take you that long to walk through the terminals anyways and it is in the same place as transportation so you don't lose much time.
    It's a trick question. There is no one that should stay past 5 o'clock in my opinion. Not small business owners, not "omg it broke and I'll get fired if I don't fix it" and not you. If you can't seem to leave on time, it means you have a problem and the solution is not staying later. Guess what, no matter when you leave, when you come back the next morning, you are going to pick up EXACTLY where you left off!


    1. The people that can't delegate or say "no"
      • Whether you're a manager or a team member, you're taking on too much work. You need to learn how to say no, I can't take on more and admit your limits. Even if it's a client, there are things like process documentation or change management communication that you can ask them to help with. People usually are team players and will do what they can.
    2. The people that can't manage their time
      • Who do you ask when you get stuck if you're the only one in the office? If you wait to ask key questions, test critical components, or . If you're on step 5 at 3:30pm and get all this work done until you need the password from the IT guy at step 20 at 7:00pm, guess what, you're stuck. S/he went home and if you had just looked ahead to see the bottlenecks, then you wouldn't have wasted your time.
    3. The people that can't set realistic expectations
      • If you work too much you're probably afraid of under delivering but the culprit may be over promising. I know I struggle with this one when something is needed you want to jump on it right away and give a deadline. At first it sounds realistic, but after a couple hours you find out just how difficult it is. Try saying "Let me get back to you in x hour/days on that" after you've done a real analysis. Then you and all parties involved won't be holding their breath.
    Oh meeting minutes, how you are the bane of existence. And yet every time I need you, there you are backing me up. Thank goodness for computers these days with the ability to copy paste, organize incessantly, and search every word. Yet there still must be a few tips to make the weekly annoying but necessary project status notes easier. Well, here are a few!

    1. Code word for No Change
      • Good meeting minutes are consistent and have old and new business. That means every week the same topics and word combinations are on every copy. Whether the first time it was mentioned or weeks after resolved, how can a quick search tell you if it's the one to open with the answers or not? If you have a code word, symbol, or other tell (try all caps) whether it is new or old news, the preview of the search results that match will tell you which one you're looking for.
    2. Use links and embedded documents
      • Everything is online these days, so if you need to reference an email, an external url, or a full spreadsheet, make it easy to find by adding it in. In Microsoft Office, go to Insert > Object and you can even put in full excel spreadsheets. Drag and drop works too from a saved file.Then you don't have to worry about saving it in 3 different places because all will reference a single document location.
    3. Use track changes
      • If you use Microsoft Word for your meeting minutes, there is a great feature called "Track Changes" under the Review tab. You could turn it on from meeting to meeting to know what updates happened at that meeting, rather than just the notes from before. Then, before your meeting, click "Accept all changes" so that your new meeting only tracks changes for the single meeting. Great idea!
    I've been asked a lot lately about "how I know to do that" and "what the best way to start this type of project is". The truth is I know what to look for because I've done it before. I'd consider myself an expert at it. I know what pitfalls typically come up. I know what is possible customization and what needs to be explained to the client as "out of scope". I know what all the tiny pieces mean and I can imagine how they fit together. So even though there isn't a secret that I can share to give you the same knowledge I do, here are some tips I have that may help you be a better analyzer of project scope.
    1. First, literally combine expectations
      • Typically on a project, you have two sides that need alignment of scope: the buyer and the seller. Usually in the form of a PO and a SOW or maybe a survey and out-of-the-box standards. Put them all together on a single document by category. Then any questions or notes you or the customer may have will be in the same place.
    2. Second, identify items that need more analysis time
      • Skim your combined document and watch for weight distribution of your comments and the client's comments. A short statement on your side with lots of assumptions is most dangerous. A long description showing a concern area for the client is good news as they have shown they will put the time and care into ensuring that part is done right.
    3. Third, create mini projects
      • Anything that is a custom piece of development needs to have it's own timeline and budget. Even if it's something simple, it needs to go on the list as a separate issue or enhancement so that it can be fully tested and signed off on. If it doesn't get approved, the rest of the project doesn't so don't forget about even the small stuff.

    David and Goliath
    by Malcomb Gladwell

    I really enjoy Gladwell's books because he weaves stories with purpose. In this book he starts with the book's title but goes on to share stories of overcoming challenges in autism, religious views, and fights for human rights. Time and time again Gladwell shows that it isn't the cards you are dealt but how you play them. You can overcome any weakness and turn it into a strength if you make it so.

    1. Momentum is harder to kill than acceleration
      • Struggles or flat out shortcomings as necessary to gain success. In one story, Gladwell interviews people about losing one's parents early in life as a necessary evil in developing key characteristics. Does that mean they wish such horror on anyone else? Of course not! The point is that they learned to keep moving and not only get past the hard part but straight on into success.
    2. Keep your goals above your competition
      • If you compare yourself to your neighbors, you've selected a small data set. Most people believe they're above the average, funnier than they are, and lucky. Don't doubt your efforts because there is something in the way you do things that makes you a David among Goliaths. Gladwell shares stories of college A+ students and basketball winning athletic prowess that sound unthinkable but instead are people that are simply determined and smart placements.
    3. Statistically, once is not never
      • Gladwell tells many stories of greatness and great sorrow. He talked about those that  experienced near death bombings during wartime and how they felt invisible. If you are ever faced what what looks like the impossible or improbable, don't be so sure! There is no recipe for success. Instead of trying to find the cause for success, fight for what you believe in, follow your heart, and try to be that one in the million that proves everyone else wrong.
    I wish I knew who introduced the idea that team building activities would solve team problems. It just isn't an easy or fast way to build relationships with your coworkers or mend past tussles. What these activities are good for is for new teams that don't know anything about each other. You don't need to spend tons of money. My advice is to just borrow from your kid's classroom! There are tons of games and activities that can be reused in the board room.

    1. Apples to Apples
      • Many people are fans of the adult version Cards Against Humanity but for a PG version for work, pull this one out! Getting people to laugh and learning what makes them laugh is a great ice breaker! And it has no time limit so everyone can get a turn and you can end at any time.
    2. Puzzles
      • You can learn a lot about someone's thought process by watching them solve fun puzzles. Whether a brain teaser, riddle, or cardboard puzzle pieces, it exercises the brain as well as your people skills with little stress of "being wrong". It's almost a guessing game and giving people an avenue to participate without being judged.
    3. Physical Activities
      • Our team has gone to a cooking class, done curling, hiking, etc. You don't have to go that extreme; there are lots of simple games that involve moving. Here are some, or more here, and one of my favorites if you have the setup time is here. I mean, seriously, who doesn't like a good game of Red Light Green Light? Video ideas here too.
    A fun twist for the end of the game for those of you playing Applies to Apples? If you keep "score" with the green cards, read them at the end and the cards describe the player that won them! Haha.
    It's review season! That means it's time to list all of your accomplishments and make yourself look good to your boss so you can get a raise. Then, so you can prepare for the same glowing review next year, you have to review all the times you screwed up so you don't repeat your mistakes. Here are some real world lessons I learned this year. I hope they can help you learn too!

    1. Not everyone loves an optimist
      • I like to tell people when they do a good job, have a good idea, or point out my own mistakes. I think a positive attitude is one that not only keeps spirits up but also allows you to move past difficulties. In my mind, optimism leaves doubt behind and so you can focus on new problems at hand and not dwell on the past "what if". There can be situations in which people aren't ready to move forward quite yet and you need to let them sulk for a bit before they can look on the bright side.
    2. The questions to ask first to play it safer
      • If you're expecting one answer and get another, it can totally throw you off your game so much that it shows on your face and the people around you will notice. Not always a good position to be in if you're trying to provide confidence. If there is something that seems a little off, ask a more general question that requires a story answer. Instead of asking "why did you do this" instead ask something like "what did you do" before hand. Then you aren't putting words in their mouth.
    3. Be even more patient
      • This one is something I constantly strive for. When you know the answer, or have better things to do, or have something to say also, it is so much better to just wait your turn and actively listen. You will gain so much more respect and they will listen in return so much better if you can be patient!

    About Me



    So if you want to be happy at work like I am, then thanks for being a reader! I am a consultant that travels constantly and is always working with new people. I love what I do! I'm formally trained with an MBA and BS Engineering. At home and in my free time, I like to drink beer, travel, garden, read, hike with my dog, and play board games.

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