RNC Global Projects

… AND WHAT CLIENTS DON’T LIKE!

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I should have known you’d be interested in what clients don’t like. Previously, I published a list showing why RNC clients like our RNC PMs. You might have noticed that the LIKES list wasn’t about academic PM knowledge or the skills required to manage a project (even though we are proud of our reputation in these areas!). From the start, our clients need to know they can work with us, and vice versa. There’s no point moving on if you can’t get that right, and that’s what the LIKES list was all about.

So, I won’t keep you waiting…. You want to know what clients don’t like. And just a reminder, this is a summary of what clients didn’t like about non-RNC PMs. So I guess it’s what makes us different to the rest.

Clients didn’t like the non-RNC PMs because they:

• Didn’t act like they were engaged with the business
• Didn’t do any more than the minimum
• Were precious and hard to work with
• Wanted to tell us what we need, rather than doing what we want
• Were way too focussed on paperwork, structure and reports… and didn’t understand that all I wanted was the bloody project delivered
• Were full of excuses
• Thought I’d be impressed with PM stuff (like big docs and complicated plans)
• Didn’t fit into the culture
• Didn’t read the politics
• Played the politics
• Thought the project was theirs and tried to belt us over the head with it
• Seemed superior
• Were not good with people

I could go on… this list has the potential to be a l-o-n-g one, but I think this sample definitely conveys the essence of what’s not to like. I sure am glad they aren’t talking about us!

As an aside, I was with an internationally acclaimed organisational psychologist yesterday and learned the following: The single biggest attribute of people who succeed is charm (yes, I know we all think we are charming, but I’m now on a mission to find out what it is and I’ll let you know).

Diane

Portfolios Programs Projects – simply making them happen

WHAT CLIENTS LIKE

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One of the most rewarding aspects of running a business is knowing that your clients are satisfied with your services, comfortable to be entrusting you with their projects and programs. In other words, they like you!  I was truly gratified recently when three RNC clients acknowledged their appreciation in words… and pictures.  

One client re-worked the RNC logo to express their sentiments:

Another told us that “hiring RNC was the best thing we did last year”.  
And that’s not all… yet another said that their RNC PM “is the best in the organisation”.

I gathered all this positive feedback together in my mind to figure out where the points of difference were. That is, the difference between a PM… and our RNC PMs.  Well I’ve now distilled it into a few common denominators:

Clients like the RNC person because they:

• Get the job done
• Are a low emotional overhead i.e. not precious, not needy and don’t play negative politics
• Just get on and do the job
• Focus on the job requested, not the job they want to do or think the business should want
• Are friendly and accommodating (no sharp edges)
• Know what they are doing and other people respect them
• Have a way of getting people to do what they want without being too pushy
• Seem to have an ability to read the organisation and work within and across it to get the job done;
• Don’t seem like a contractor, and they have our best interests at heart.

Knowing this certainly helps to make every day worthwhile.

By the way, conversely, I wanted to find out what is was that non-RNC PMs were doing that brought about negative feedback.

I received some interesting comments too… so stay tuned. Enjoy your day, and thank you!

Diane

 Portfolios Programs Projects – simply making them happen

MANAGING STAKEHOLDERS USING THE RACI MODEL

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The following guide to using the RACI model was prepared by John Elsworth, a project manager with many years experience delivering in Finance and Banking, Biomedical and transport industries.   It took RNC 5 years to convince him to join us and we are very glad that he has worked with us now for 5 years….  

Managing stakeholders is vital to the success of a project and one of the most challenging aspects of project management.  Have you ever been looking for a single project tool that would help with stakeholder management; the communications plan; developing peoples’ roles and responsibilities; and, creating project delegation authorities?

The RACI model can be a valuable input to these elements of planning particularly in the early stage of the project when you are writing your initial version of the PMP.  This stage of a project can be very confusing when you are juggling so many stakeholders & project members. In our line of work as contract PMs we are typically just getting to know everyone too.

Of course, like all elements of planning, the RACI should be an interactive process and updated as appropriate to the project needs.

People who participate in creating/updating the RACI model enjoy it as they get a lot out of it and it can be fun & thought-provoking.

The RACI is an effective communications tool because stakeholders and team members find it intuitive and easy to digest.

So, how does a RACI work? read more

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RNC!

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Good morning,
13 years ago today I got dressed and headed in to work to talk to my boss about coming back after a period of sick leave. You’ve probably heard me talk about the two meetings that took place that day. I walked away, came home and started RNC.

13 years. Wow, it seems both so recent and so long ago. read more

RNC SUPPORTS “WHO WANTS TO BE A ROCKSTAR”

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RNC is pleased and excited to announce that this year we will be joining other premier sponsors and digging deep for FICAP’s major charity concert event, “Who Wants To Be A RockStar” on March 21.
 
It’s an event that brings financial services RockStar wannabes to the stage to rock out for the chance to be crowned the FICAP RockStar, and this year’s concert will help raise much needed funds for two worthwhile organisations – YWCA NSW and Open Family Australia.
 
So dig deep, rock your socks off… and come and join us at The Metro in Sydney on Wednesday March 21^st, from 6pm.

Click here to read more about “Who Wants To Be A RockStar” in Rachel Davis’s article.
And go to the FICAP website to read all about their incredible work in raising funds for charities that benefit young people – www.ficap.com.au/ or click here.

 Hope to see you there!

 Portfolios Programs Projects – simply making them happen