The SAFE acronym is a reminder that the most effective solutions are Simple, Affordable, Flexible and Efficient. Simple – It is good to be a “solutions” provider, it’s even better to be a provider of “simple solutions.” The most successful technology project/solution teams provide their customers with not only the simplest solutions possible, but further [...]

 » Read the rest

A month before the launch of Apple’s original iPad, I predicted that sports teams would replace their playbooks with the tablet computer, see Countdown to iPad – Playbook (Use Case 18). Recently the Tampa Bay Buccaneers bought iPads for their players to do just that, see Tampa Bay Buccaneers buy each player an iPad to [...]

 » Read the rest

The acronym ANSWER serves as a guide to successful communication. ANSWER stands for Accurate, Necessary, Succinct, Written, Effective and Responsive. Accurate – Accurate information is critical to the success of any endeavor. When providing information, verify the source and the data. It is better to have no data than bad data, as inaccuracy leads to [...]

 » Read the rest

When building project teams, remember that DREAM Teams are winning teams. DREAM stands for Decision Makers, Representation, Expertise, Ability and Manageability. Decision Makers – Involving decision makers (management) on project teams is essential, but projects represent additional burden on already limited schedules. Most decision makers understand the need for their participation and will embrace decision-point [...]

1 comment  » Read the rest

It is the personal responsibility of every project team member to add FLAVOR. FLAVOR stands for Follow, Lead, Attitude, Value, Ownership and Respect. Follow – A critical skill for all team members to master is that of following someone else’s lead. In project driven organizations, leadership roles can change from one meeting to the next. [...]

4 comments  » Read the rest

GREAT Meetings happen when everyone understands what is expected of them and other team members. GREAT stands for Goals, Roles, Expectations, Accountability and Timing. Goals – Knowledge of a project’s overarching goals provides the context for understanding the specific objectives/ tasks of individual team members. All team members should understand and be able to communicate [...]

2 comments  » Read the rest

Ready… on spur of the moment you decide to get away for the weekend. Fire… you pack the car and leave the house without knowing exactly where you’re headed. Aim… all you need now is a destination… all you need is iPad. While you drive, your co-pilot is free to check weather, hotels, points of [...]

 » Read the rest

In Use Case 12: Countdown to iPad – Teammate, we introduced iPad as the “politically correct meeting tech.” And although iPad can benefit a single team member, when you outfit an entire workgroup it really gets interesting. When everyone follows along on their iPad, you… …don’t need to wait for a conference room with a [...]

 » Read the rest

The score is tied, the clock’s run out and the team needs a win. Everyone gathers round coach as he pulls out the iPad and draws the play. Players quickly see and understand their assignments. Go team! The iPad playbook is great from the community leagues to the majors. Plays are shown in motion and [...]

 » Read the rest

According to the Google Wave site, “Google Wave is an online tool for real-time communication and collaboration. A wave can be both a conversation and a document where people can discuss and work together using richly formatted text, photos, videos, maps, and more.” After beta testing Google Wave, I feel it is missing something, the [...]

3 comments  » Read the rest