Provides cutting-edge techniques to enhance the project culture in your organization
Helps executives maximize profits and optimize the talents of their project leaders
Facilitates the development of the skills required to advance from project manager to project leader, and ultimately to master project leader
Includes a CD with powerful tools for organizational- and self-assessment as well as goal planning and action planning
Summary
Asking tough questions about the current state of project management, The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence: A Lean Approach to Improving Project Results provides groundbreaking techniques to achieve excellence in project leadership that can result in six sigma type results or failure-free projects. It unveils novel solutions and breakthrough concepts—including project culture analysis, the five powers of project leadership, the power of visualization™, the science of simplicity™, dynamic risk leadership, and dynamic project failures analysis—to help you chart the most efficient path to the pinnacle of project leadership.
The author provides the cutting-edge methods based on decades of personal practical experience, valuable lessons learned, and authoritative insights gained from leading over 300 projects to successful conclusions. Complete with powerful tools for organizational- and self-assessment on the accompanying CD, this book will not only transform your approach to project management, but will also provide you with the tools to develop effective leaders and consistently achieve exceptional business results.
Some Praise for the Book:
… a highly pragmatic guide to project management. … lays out the way of thinking that underpins success… a book that everyone could benefit from. —Mikel J. Harry, Ph.D., co-creator of Six Sigma
provides the most significant contribution for leaders to mitigate project risks, assure sustainable growth, and guarantee survival… . —Carlos Alberto Briganti, general manager of Eaton Europe and Japan, 2001-2003; vice president of Eaton South America 2004-2007
… one of the BEST books I have ever read on project leadership. —John Salazar, CIO Department of Work Force Solutions; former CIO of Department of Taxation & Revenue, State of New Mexico
… a comprehensive guide that will assist any business leader within an organization to consistently achieve excellent business results! A ‘must buy’—get it now! —Billy Billimoria, director, customer applications, BAE Systems; program director, Lockheed Martin; project engineer, Space Shuttle and Support Equipment Design
Introduction Origin of the Term 'Project' Project Management as a Career Choice Current State of Project Management Do Failed Projects = Failed Project Managers? Criticality of 12 Pillars to Future of Project Leadership Use of Force Field Analysis11 in the '12 Pillars of Project Excellence' How can Executives Maximize Profits from Projects How will Project leaders learn the Art of Mastering the Fundamentals of Project Leadership? 12 Simple Steps to Maximize Benefit from the 12 Pillars Setting the Right Expectations for This Book Transformative Power of the 12 Pillars Please Note: 12 Pillars follows the 'Tao of Simplicity' Tips for Using the Accompanying CD
Chapter I: Introduction Project Manager vs. Project Leader Five Powers of Project Leaders Power of Delegation Power of Dynamic Leadership Power of Visualization Power of Lean Thinking Power of Humility
Pillar I: Summary Case Study Force Field Analysis Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis Exercises References
Chapter II: Introduction Factors for project failure Project Organization Structure Project Types Elements of the Project Organization Structure Responsibility Assignment Matrix
Pillar II: Summary Case Study Force Field Analysis Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis Exercises |Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises References
Chapter III: Introduction Delight the Customers How can a project vision statement be used to delight your customer? Project vision Statement Definition Explanation Example Why is a project vision statement important? How is a project vision statement created? Steps to Create a Project vision Statement Create a Project Vision Committee Review the Charter Interview Key Stakeholders Identify the Priority Areas of Focus Create Initial Project Vision Statement Brainstorm for the Final Project Vision Statement Create a Final Powerful Project Vision Statement The Goal of Creating a Project Vision Statement Setting higher standards versus 'Gold-Plating' A Permanent Project vision Statement of Project Leaders
Pillar III: Summary Case Study Force Field Analysis Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis Exercises Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises References
Chapter IV Introduction Why projects fail? Ambiguous Requirements Importance of Gathering Accurate Requirements Avoiding the Pitfalls of Ambiguous Requirements Project Charter: Setting the Longitude and Latitude for a Project Difference between a Charter and a Vision statement Does creating a Vision Statement and a Charter Guarantee Project Success? Developing a Project Charter Contents in the project charter Good Charter Vs. Great Charter Complete Buy-in from all Stakeholders Signature from Key Stakeholders on the Charter Difference between use of a Charter by a Project Manager versus a Project Leader
Pillar IV: Summary Case Study Force Field Analysis Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis Exercises Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises References
Chapter V: Introduction Why is communication so important? Why is being an Excellent Communicator Critical? Why is being an Excellent Communicator Critical to a Project Leader? Mastering the Art of Excellent Communications Seven Ingredients to master the art of communication Diffuse the passion
Pillar V: Summary Case Study Force Field Analysis Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis Exercises Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises References
Chapter VI: Introduction Lean technology - Simplifying the project What is a Lean Technology? The fundamental principles of Lean Lean thinking in projects Identify and Improve Value Added activities Identify and Reduce Necessary Non-Value Added (NNVA) Activities Eliminate or Reduce Non-value Added Activities and Eliminate Waste A Classic Example of Lean
Pillar VI: Summary Case Study Force Field Analysis Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis Exercises Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises References
Chapter VII: Introduction Reasons for waste Meetings- Sources for waste The Lean Approach to Meetings Components of a project meeting Input Tools and Techniques Output (Results) Steps to Eliminate Waste in Meetings Step 1: Identify and eliminate non-value added meetings Step 2: Minimize/Eliminate non-value added time Determination of Productive Meetings Non-value added time in Complex projects The Right Approach to Calculate the Project ROI using meeting costs ROI Calculations without considering Meeting Costs ROI Calculations considering Meeting Costs ROI Calculations considering meeting costs but reducing # of Meetings by 50%
Pillar VII: Summary Case Study Force Field Analysis Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis Exercises Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises References
Chapter VIII: Introduction Risk Management Dynamic Risk Leadership Methodology Create a risk assessment team Develop an assessment strategy Establish clear threat response plan Unknown risks
Pillar VIII: Summary Case Study Force Field Analysis Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis Exercises Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises References
Chapter IX: Introduction What is Information? What is Data? Why is timely availability of data critical? Data Availability through the Ages Age of Information Overload or Age of Too Much Information (TMI) A Dynamic Data management Plan Steps to Designing a Dynamic Data Management Plan Analysis of Project Data Requirements Selection of Appropriate Data Type and Sources Appropriate Data Storage, Security, Retrieval and Distribution Why is Dynamic Data Management Critical for the Future Success of Project Leaders?
Pillar IX: Summary Case Study Force Field Analysis Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis Exercises Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises References
Chapter X: Introduction What is a Failure? The Difference between a Task Failure and a Project Failure What do 'Success' and 'Failure' mean to a Project Manager What do 'Success' and 'Failure' mean to a Project Leader The Three Modes of Project Failure System Level failure Process Level failure Human Level failure Approach to Investigate and Address Project Failures A Reactive analysis using the "Who" approach with primary focus on human level mode of failure A Proactive analysis using the "Why" approach with a focus on system and process level modes of failure
Pillar X: Summary Case Study Force Field Analysis Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis Exercises Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises References
Chapter XI Introduction The impact of stress- A personal experience What causes stress? Ambiguous Requirements Poor or inadequate project planning Lack of emphasis on understanding Individuals on the Project Team Impact of stress – an anecdote Introduction Experiment Observation Results Lessons Learned Stress and Human function curve Project managers- A ‘one size fits all' approach Project leaders- An 'enlightened' approach The formula for success
Pillar XI: Summary Case Study Force Field Analysis Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis Exercises Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises References
Chapter XII: Introduction Valuing Our True Appreciating Assets People: The real appreciating assets The Pinnacle House of Project Excellence The Unique Philosophy - Dealing with Tough Economic Times Strengthen the Foundation Low tide exposes all sharp edges Create Leaders and Leave a legacy Reward Consistency of Excellence
Pillar XII: Summary Case Study Force Field Analysis Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis Exercises Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises References Summary
Summary of 12 Pillars Conclusion Five Simple Steps to 'Now, Go Do It' Know the Purpose-Pursue it! Winning is Habit - Cultivate it! There will be Resistance -Face It! Passion is a Requirement - Show it! Sky is the Limit - Reach for it!
Often times in my project management career, I have wished for a wise mentor to offer advice on how to become a better project manager. I had the good fortune, at one time, to be paired with a senior executive at a Fortune 100 company in such a mentoring program. The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence provides this type of wisdom in the form of a book. Adil F. Dalal offers his years of experience to those willing to invest time and openness to lean project management methodology. Read More of this Review —Michele Muse, PMP with PM World Journal
... a highly pragmatic guide to project management. In this sense, it's an experience-based 'how to' book, not a collection of academic theories. Not only does the book provide the fundamental tools that leaders need to get better project results, it lays out the way of thinking that underpins success. Owing to this, the book represents a simple, manageable, actionable, repeatable, and teachable body of knowledge that everyone could benefit from.
—Mikel J. Harry, Ph.D., co-creator of Six Sigma, bestselling author, and consultant to the World's Top CEOs
... provides the most significant contribution for leaders to mitigate the project risks, assure sustainable growth and guarantee survival in a global economic scenario full of uncertainties. —Carlos Alberto Briganti, managing director of power systems research, South America & associated partner of MB Consultants
... one of the best books I have ever read on the project leadership. The book has extraordinary concepts on leading a project, which are unique and exceptional. This book reveals the facts behind project failures and the approaches to overcome those failures by leading all projects to a successful close. I highly recommend this book for all project managers and executives who are serious about building successful project leaders in their organization. —John Salazar, CIO Department of Work Force Solutions, State of New Mexico and former CIO of the Department of Taxation and Revenue Department, State of New Mexico
... a thought-provoking book which will accelerate an intrinsic cultural change within your business operations. This book bridges the worlds of academia and business ventures. It provides a step-by-step guidance in managing programs and projects that will result in your overall business success! Leading successful innovations always comes with inherent risks and obstacles. In my 30+ years experience in Defense, Space and Academia I have observed that several great opportunities fail due to lack of proper tools and processes. Following the steps outlined in The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence will not only allow program and project leaders to overcome these challenges but also provide managers and leaders checks and balances for total business transformation. I am confident that The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence is a comprehensive guide that will assist any business leader within an organization to consistently achieve excellent business results! A Must Buy - get it Now! —Billy Billimoria, director, customer applications, BAE Systems; program director, Lockheed Martin; manager, Hughes Aircraft; project engineer, Space Shuttle and Support Equipment Design
Buy this book! Your business is dead in the water with unfinished projects… they’re like cinderblocks tied to your feet. The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence breathes life back into your project teams. It motivates them to think BIG and then actually DELIVER. Great book, great methodology. —Karl Wadensten, ppresident, VIBCO Vibrators and host of the radio talk show 'The Lean Nation' on 790AM-WPRV
... a true innovation in leadership and human-side of project management. This book provides some simple yet extraordinary tools to help project managers and organizations understand and transform their culture. I highly recommend this book to individuals who wish to be excellent leaders, organizations who wish to consistently run profitable projects and universities who wish to developed future leaders and executives. I strongly recommend this book as the 'must-read and apply' for anyone desiring growth and profits through perfection in leadership and project excellence. —Professor Dr. Vijay Mahajan, John P. Harbin Centennial Chair, McCombs School of Business, University of Texas, Austin; Associate Dean of Research, Graduate School of Business, University of Texas, Austin (199194); & Dean of the Indian School of Business (ISB) (2002-04)
U.SA. has lost its leadership in manufacturing to other countries because we did not heed our own words to make quality in projects the top priority, especially when we design and manufacture product. The innovative approach laid out by Adil Dalal in his book The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence, which pioneers combining Lean concepts with project management, and focusing on human assets to achieve excellence, takes project leadership to its ultimate pinnacle and will result in Six Sigma type results or 'zero failures' on all projects. I strongly urge all executives aspiring for top quality in manufacturing, software, service or other projects, to make The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence a mandatory workbook for all levels within their respective organizations. —Manny Chavez, President & CEO, Aristos Technologies, Inc.; Former Pres/CEO of Harvard Technologies
The uniqueness of Dalal’s book, The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence, is integrating lean, strategic, and behavioral thinking into project management, so it’s a book on leadership, emphasizing projects. Once you are familiar with the tools and techniques of modern project management, this is the book to get, and to digest. And as Dalal notes, as a leader you need to practice new habits of thinking and leadership; otherwise, no book will be of much help. —Robert W. "Doc" Hall, Author of Zero Inventories and Compression; One of the first examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, Recipient of AME's and SME's lifetime achievement awards, & Editor Emeritus of AME's Target Magazine
... a very inspiring text of learning. Adil covers the span of the project management body of knowledge and leadership attributes that one can learn and directly apply to enhance their project management skills. This is formatted with an easy to read, easy to follow array of critical points of learning followed up with an excellence array of case studies and exercises that will give the reader reinforcement of their understanding. This is a must read from the novice to the skilled project leader. —Dewey Butts III, CQPA, CQA, CQE, CMQ/OE, Continuous Improvement, Sr. Lean Six Sigma MBB, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, York, Pennsylvania, USA
... systematic coverage of project management and project leadership based on practical nuggets of over 300 successful projects by Adil Dalal. The book is comprehensive, simple and has a best practice focus. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is serious in achieving success with their projects. —Manu K. Vora, Ph.D., MBA, ASQ CQE & Fellow, Chairman and President, Business Excellence, Inc., Recipient of US President's Call to Service Award, 2011
In my career as a professor, a manager, and a consultant, I have observed scores of leaders over the past 40 years. Adil is among the best. I observed him leading a group of professionals, all volunteers, tasked with turning around the fortunes of an organization that has been declining for years. Adil is an excellent leader: patient but firm, flexible but always headed in the direction of his vision. His humility left me unprepared for the outstanding quality of The 12 Pillars. It is a must read for anyone who aspires to improve as a leader. While the book is specifically directed to project leadership, it generalizes to all types of leadership. It was so well conceived and well written that I could not put it down.
Once when Dr. Deming was asked why particular stories were included in his book Out of the Crisis, he told the audience in his most emphatic voice 'Because I was there!'. Based on my personal experience of having attended several seminars conducted by Dr. Deming I can say that Adil, like Dr. Deming, shares some great stories in his book, because Adil was also there!'. The analysis in Adil’s book is all the more powerful because it forms the basis of his successful leadership of over 300 projects. It is a book with lots of theory backed by Adil’s 15 years of experience as a successful leader. I strongly suggest you read it. —Brooks Carder, PhD, Author of Measurement Matters: How Effective Assessment Drives Business and Safety Performance, & Consultant to World’s largest corporations including: ExxonMobil, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Abbott Laboratories, IBM, Intel, Bayer, & Monsanto
Having worked in project ‘management’ for years and seeing the carnage of leaders who have tried to do the right thing, Dalal's book, The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence, truly summarizes the anatomy of the project ‘leadership’ process. He then helps the reader to functionally address the issues to enable success. This innovative book is written to enable people at all levels to successfully effect project leadership. If you are serious about achieving results in your organizational teams, either as a leader, an interactive member, or as a sponsor; then Dalal's 12 Pillars of Project Excellence book will help you meet that objective. Many thanks to Adil for making this resource available to us all. —Jd Marhevko, ASQ Fellow, CMQ/OE, CQE, MBB, Chair ASQ-QMD, Principal, JQLC Inc.
"The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence is written with the hope to take the theory of project management from the age of command, control, and chaos to a solid practice of project leadership to bring about the dawn of the age of engagement, empowerment, and enlightenment in all organizations."
"Excellence is a mind-set built on the foundation of precision, perseverance, and passion."
"It is important to understand that excellence is not perfection—perfection is a requirement for robots; humans aspire for excellence."
"Leading a successful strategic project should propel the project leader and the team to the status of corporate superheroes who have powers to transform organizations."
"Truly successful, organizations must learn to "work smart" by eliminating waste that can have a major financial and intellectual impact on the organization."
"Complexity and chaos" are two sides of the same coin as are "simplicity and sophistication"
"Project Management" is a misnomer. Project Leadership" is the right choice."
"A project without a well-balanced organization structure is like a high-rise building without a stable foundation—both will eventually fail."
"In general, a project cannot exist without a customer. Thus, the voice of the customer can be considered the most important guide to any project."
"A powerful "project vision statement" to the project is like an "altimeter" to an aircraft. Both help determine the altitude."
"A "charter" to a project is like a "constitution" to a great country. Both establish a solid framework for success."
"One of the leading reasons for project failures is ambiguous requirements."
"Many projects with no initial planning tend to suffer from the same fate as the race with a false start."
"The charter sets "the latitude and the longitude" of the project; whereas the vision statement sets its "altitude."
"A charter is similar to our "body and mind," providing some structure and logic; a vision statement is similar to our "spirit," defining our attitude toward life."
"A charter defines the "what"; a vision statement defines the "how" for a team."
