Wednesday, August 26, 2009

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nextcompTV - Episode 7

In this episode I discuss the Version 3 roll-out in more detail and also talk about the importance of knowing your own style of work and knowing when to take a break to clear your mind so that you can focus and be more productive.



Up next is an interview with my brother-in-law. He manages and is part owner in two fast food chain restaurants and is also a brewer for a local craft brew pub. We talk about following your passion in the work you do.

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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

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Version 3 Update - hello from Pocatello, Idaho

It's the last few weeks of Summer vacation for my kids. We're spending the week visiting relatives in Pocatello, Idaho.


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It's a busy week at NextComp as well, so I've been working, but also taking time to do fun things with the family.

It's Tuesday, so that means another episode of nextcompTV. Today I talk about Version 3 a bit, the importance of balancing work and family, and my thoughts on volunteering and the importance of donating time to a cause that you believe in.

Here's the TV show...




One more vacation related video, here's a marble racing tower that my youngest son and daughter and I made. They can spend hours playing with this set.




Here's a demo of a new feature in Version 3 - the Refresh Matches wizard. This is a much easier method for updating matches that is currently used in Version 2.



This video is available in high quality on Youtube.

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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

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Successful Project Management - nextcompTV - Episode 5

Bob is starting a new project so we thought it might be good timing to discuss project management and how best to run a project to achieve a successful outcome.

Bob and I drove out to the Pacific coast of Washington State to have an initial meeting with the organization's leadership. Bob has been exchanging e-mails and having phone calls with the primary Human Resources contact over the last few weeks. He's been explaining the consulting engagement process, the expected time lines, the deliverables, and asking for some initial information he'll need to start the work.

It was time to get started in earnest with the project and so Bob and the HR Director thought it would be prudent to meet with the leadership committee.

I went along to provide some backup and I had an ulterior motive of wanting to photograph the coast and get some video along the way.

I also thought it would be a good case study on running a successful project. I'm of course assuming that this will be a successful project. I'm sure it will be!

Here's an outline of the steps Bob and I have used for over 20 years in running our projects as independent consultants. These are generic and I've used them in my work with subscribers of NEXTCOMP.NET as well.

1. Initial Communication
2. Setting Expectations
3. Data Gathering/ Information Gathering
4. Staying Flexible
5. Working Within The Culture
6. Adjusting To Unexpected Events
7. Completing The Work
8. Ongoing Communication
9. Presenting The Findings
10. Wrapping Up The Engagement

I'm going to be talking about these on nextcompTV and in the blog as Bob works through this project. It seems that Bob's consulting work is picking up! Maybe that means that the economy is improving? I hope so!

Here's a 6 minute video discussing the importance of the initial communication and expectation setting in a project.



Here's a video of our drive out to the coast. Be sure to check out the following, these go by fast, so keep an eye open:

1. The elk
2. The ribbons tied in honor of our troops
3. Nuclear power plant cooling towers
4. The Starbucks
5. The logging truck
6. The Tsunami Evacuation Route sign
7. End Of County Road sign
8. 1950's era fighter jet
9. Modern day transport plane



Enjoy the videos and stay tuned for more in the future.

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Wednesday, August 05, 2009

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nextcompTV - Episode 4

Bob and I discuss the impact of technology on the human resources function. Bob recounts the changes in technology since he started in the early 1960's. We cover a lot of ground in a short period of time.



I referenced an article in the show related to the use of Facebook within organizations. Here's a link to that article.

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