John Langlois is an IBM Certified Executive Project Manager, chartered to deliver integrated solutions using the Power Systems platform. John Langlois joined IBM in 1984. He has served dangerous tours of duty with many brands. John managed the ThinkPad T series, which was the most successful notebook project ever. It ran from 1996 to 2001. Sam Palmisano commissioned him to launch a major horizon-three software project. John’s website, www.projectEZ.com, is dedicated to helping project managers navigate through difficult projects.
Josh:?? John, thank you so much for sharing your experience and background with the pmStudent community! How did you get started in Project Management?
John:? IBM adopted a more disciplined approach to project management in 1995 to increase predictability and predictability. They offered technical leaders like me the chance to study the George Washington University master’s program in project management. What’s that? Enough said. Everybody should accept the offer of their company to improve their skills.
Josh: Who are you most inspired by and from whom have you learned a lot about project management?
John: Adalio Sanchez, a senior manager at IBM.? He then asks his direct report for their opinions and then, gulp!, listens to what they have to say. This is not a joke. This type of senior management is actually possible.
Josh: What are your top attributes for project management?
John: The ability and willingness to openly communicate with people. The ability to communicate your core values to them and defend them in a way that doesn’t make the other person mad.
Josh: What are the top skills that a new project manager should have?
John: The ability and willingness to work within a time frame. Deadlines can be our friend, but only when we balance cost and scope to meet the schedule. Agile development is a great example of this idea. I recommend that every project manager explore the Agile method to see this principle in action.
Josh: What are some of the biggest challenges that a project manager must face?
John: How do you earn the respect of your team? Why should they listen? Some team members might be as old as you or your mom. This obstacle can be overcome by your ability to clearly communicate your value to the team.