idj4thinking

What Can Project Managers Learn From Consultants?

Consultants charge hefty premiums for their services, and must use strong communication skills to justify their high salaries. They hop between projects lasting about 3 months, and their corporate culture teaches them a set of tactics allowing them to identify areas for improvement. Since they specialize in generic cost-cutting, increasing sales, and supply line numbersContinue reading “What Can Project Managers Learn From Consultants?”

What even is the problem anyway?

When doing project management, you don’t want to be the tail chasing the dog. You’re not trying to be a solution searching for a problem, and if you don’t recognize the relevant stakeholders, you’re unlikely to be successful in bringing value to your stakeholders. The first thing to do when getting into problem solving modeContinue reading “What even is the problem anyway?”

RACI-ng to success on your next project

In almost every situation under the sun, having clearly defined and delineated roles allows people to thrive. In the same way that private property allowed people the ability to focus on their tiny slice of the world and build unparalleled riches, having clearly defined responsibilities and obligations make clear what the keys to success are,Continue reading “RACI-ng to success on your next project”

Timing is Everything: Why You Shouldn’t Be First to Call the King Dead

If a king is vengeful, and interested in staying alive, saying that the king is overthrown, prior to the event happening will get you destroyed. Saying it too late, and you don’t benefit either, everyone already knows. In order to really benefit, you need to work with the group, with other people. With this inContinue reading “Timing is Everything: Why You Shouldn’t Be First to Call the King Dead”

Why is breaking up Google on the table?

In a recently leaked memo, antitrust discussions around what to do with Google included the potential for breaking up the organization. In general, this comports with the idea that government has that bigness means badness. Since Google can really move the needle on certain things unilaterally, it must be destroyed or limited. In general, governmentsContinue reading “Why is breaking up Google on the table?”

So much sea salt

It’s in my blood to believe that I can build a better mousetrap nutritionally. Supplementation, caffeine, citric acid, and now sea salt make up large parts of my diet. What I surrender in reasonability, I make up in ritual. I dash my rationality, sacrificing it at the altar of gains. Eschewing science, rationality, and logic,Continue reading “So much sea salt”

Loose Lips Sink Ships

What makes a good neighbor? Neighbors that respect the differences between you and them are ideal. Tolerance and respect for human difference is probably the most important element to ensuring success, however it can also be valuable to be kind and helpful. Communities as spontaneous order require the ability to take risks and learn aboutContinue reading “Loose Lips Sink Ships”

Sweat

When I push myself to sweat constantly, be it through exercise, going on long walks, enjoying the sun in summer, or relaxing in a sauna, I feel better about myself and have more energy and confidence. It can be hard to get started with sweating, as it’s initially uncomfortable to do so. You’re straining yourContinue reading “Sweat”

Self-Efficacy & Fixing Your Car’s Battery

My car has been out of commission for the last week or so. Instead of being able to do much of anything, I’ve been stuck at my place, looking for something fun to do. I called my friend who does a fair amount of auto-repair and he convinced me that I could change my ownContinue reading “Self-Efficacy & Fixing Your Car’s Battery”

Thinking about the good life

May your life be full of curiosity, joy, and excitement. May you be brimming with inspiration and insight. I hope you remain aspirational and eager to prove yourself. May you find yourself surrounded by people alike and also radically different from you, eager to push themselves to the precipice of human achievement. May you beContinue reading “Thinking about the good life”