When you have to walk to a convention center in the dark and start your day with a stiff dose of caffeine before the sun reflects off the Front Range to the west, you need a laugh ... and some inspirational learning. Monday's breakfast speaker at global congress provided both.
Connie Podesta had attendees rolling in the aisles as she divided the audience into squares, triangles, circles and squiggles--and proceeded to tell everyone their negative characteristics. Circles never stop talking and are too perky in the morning, triangles are obsessive-compulsive ... you get the idea.
The point was that as project leaders, you have to be able to understand all different types of people. And we all need to make choices. Being happy is your job, Podesta said, not your boss's or parent's concern. If your organization provides a respectful, positive environment and listens to people, team members will choose to be happy ... or not.
In the hotel elevator, Podesta heard some PMI folks complaining about the congress (the size of the convention center, the food, etc., etc.). "Did you ever stop to think what an unbelievable project it is to put on an event fro 4,000 people? How many think PMI did a good job?" I'm happy to report a loud round of applause greeted this question, because it has been an incredible amount of work for my PMI colleagues and the Mile-Hi Chapter volunteers. Always acknowledge good work was that lesson.
Connie Podesta had attendees rolling in the aisles as she divided the audience into squares, triangles, circles and squiggles--and proceeded to tell everyone their negative characteristics. Circles never stop talking and are too perky in the morning, triangles are obsessive-compulsive ... you get the idea.
The point was that as project leaders, you have to be able to understand all different types of people. And we all need to make choices. Being happy is your job, Podesta said, not your boss's or parent's concern. If your organization provides a respectful, positive environment and listens to people, team members will choose to be happy ... or not.
In the hotel elevator, Podesta heard some PMI folks complaining about the congress (the size of the convention center, the food, etc., etc.). "Did you ever stop to think what an unbelievable project it is to put on an event fro 4,000 people? How many think PMI did a good job?" I'm happy to report a loud round of applause greeted this question, because it has been an incredible amount of work for my PMI colleagues and the Mile-Hi Chapter volunteers. Always acknowledge good work was that lesson.
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