In the U.S. it’s the week when we amateur chefs roll up our collective sleeves and apply our best project-, product-, and program management skills toward orchestrating the ultimate Thanksgiving feast!  And if you ever wished for a master planning spreadsheet to help with the preparation, your wish is about to come true! With Pivotal PM’s ...

In case you haven’t figured it out, I read Fortune magazine regularly. This issue includes the “Best Advice I Ever Got” feature, with an interview of Wilbur Ross (of International Steel fame). He quotes a mentor as saying “You’re better off backing a mediocre idea that’s brilliantly implemented than a brilliant idea that’s ...

A guest post by Don Vendetti  I admit it.  I’m an online shopaholic.  My addiction started over a decade ago when Amazon delivered my first book right to my doorstep, painlessly and effortlessly.   From there I progressed to flowers, gift baskets, electronics, shoes, travel and practically everything else.   The major reason I got hooked was due ...

One of the things we teach in our 2-day Product Management Intensive workshop is how to get out of the trenches and get a 30,000 foot view once in awhile. Working with clients and coaching our students just reinforces for me how important this is, and how hard.  After all, one of the things that many ...

Good news from the October “PM Paycheck Predictions” Survey! 39% are expecting an increase, although in a few cases it would just return them to their pre-crash pay levels. 43% are holding steady, including the entrepreneur who is reinvesting in their business. 18% predict a downward trend. Comments indicate the recent reductions in pay seem to have happened more ...

Agile’s changes ripple through the organization beyond the Development group.  Chief among the big questions that arise: can the Product Manager be the Product Owner?  The dual role has its challenges!  Here are the two key challenges you’ll face, and some hard-won tips on navigating a dual role in your organization. Challenge #1: The new collaborative ...

I’m sure the debate is still raging about whether to get certified or not.  We still think you should – it will help your resume get sorted into the “follow-up” pile when you need it most.  If you’re leaning toward AIPMM Certification but have been postponing due to the time, travel, or dollar investment required, ...

Thanks to Jeff Lash for the opportunity to answer this question on his “Ask A Good Product Manager” blog.  You can see the question and the reply here.