Articles

As contributing editor to PM Network magazine, here are titles and a brief description of some articles that Neal authored that you may have an interest in reading. These articles are mostly one magazine-length page each.

2010

Reality Check
PM Network, January 2010
As disheartening as it might be to admit, weak leadership is far more pervasive than strong leadership. This article examines some common myths about what it takes to be an effective leader.
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2009

7 Ways to Stay on Top
PM Network, October 2009
Innovation is essential for any organization to remain competitive. Here are seven ways project managers can advance innovation within their organizations, with only minimal involvement from management.
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Three Snaps of the Fingers
PM Network, July 2009
Here's the real reason why projects fail. For me, it comes down to how quickly you can answer one question: What are your project's top three problems ...and are you working them with the appropriate sense of urgency? 
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Fringe Benefits
PM Network, April 2009
There are plenty of reasons to love being a leader. Here are 10 of them. 
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Nothing Personal
PM Network, January 2009
The most successful leaders don't make things personal or take things personally. Instead, they know it's just business and behave accordingly. This article addresses the importance of keeping a business focus about you.
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2008

Get Over It
PM Network, November 2008
Everyone makes mistakes—especially those striving to move their teams, organizations and careers forward. The most effective leaders learn to move on. This article reveals four primary actions necessary to deal with a mistake.
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Leaders Are Teachers, Too
PM Network, August 2008
There is no better method for a person to learn and perfect a craft than by having a mentor guide them along the way. This article encourages you to add mentoring to your toolbox of skills. Listed are some of the more noteworthy benefits in becoming a mentor.
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It’s About Time
PM Network, May 2008
The subject of working overtime is a common, and often emotional, topic. Here are some thoughts that can serve as a baseline for consideration and discussion of this important topic in your organization.
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Process Paralysis
PM Network, February 2008
Project management methodologies can be an emotional topic among project stakeholders. Here are some common causes of process paralysis—and ways to fix them.
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2007

Make It Happen
PM Network, November 2007
The most effective leaders do not subscribe to destiny. You won't hear them saying things like, "It was meant to be." They know successful projects happen because you make them happen. This article identifies negative behavior as well as actions you can adopt to "make things happen."
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On Your Best Behavior
PM Network, August 2007
We’re always searching for those attributes that make the difference between a good leader and a great one. Here’s a starter list of the behaviors and actions that set the leaders that you admire most apart from the pack.
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In Hindsight
PM Network, May 2007
There is no better way for an organization to consistently improve itself and become more competitive than to perform routine post-project reviews and to apply the lessons learned going forward. This article presents a 12-step process to help you and your organization improve its review process.
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Work It Out
PM Network, February 2007
Members of a project team or organization cannot be expected to perform according to a specific preferred set of expectations or culture unless that culture is well defined. This article introduces the tool of Performance Expectation (PX) workshops to help define these expectations so they can be discussed and addressed across an organization.
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2006
Sole Control
PM Network, November 2006
Sharing power rarely works well and almost always harms people, projects and outcomes. This article shares eight reasons that sharing power should be avoided. By making one person accountable—in charge and driving the endeavor—we are more in control over our destiny and far more motivated to excel.
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Allied Forces
PM Network, August 2006
Leadership involves creating a more productive work environment. By adopting project analysts in performing a major support role for project managers, organizations can free up project managers to take on more projects and perform more effectively. This article reveals the more significant duties of the project analyst.
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Integrity Is Not an Option
PM Network, May 2006
More than ever, the business world needs leaders who routinely practice integrity: knowing the difference between right and wrong and choosing the right action. This article discusses your role as a leader in embracing integrity in building your success and the success of those you lead.
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Do You Really "Get" Your Job?
PM Network, February 2006
My experience is that most "leaders" don't understand their jobs, roles and responsibilities. Consequently, they eke by with marginal leadership. This article provides examples and what you, as a leader, can do to improve this behavior.
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More Articles:
2004-2005 | 2002-2003 | 2001 | July to Dec. 2000 | Jan. to June 2000
July to Dec. 1999 | Jan. to June 1999 | 1997-1998

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