Engineering Management Institute

TEPM - The Engineering Project Management Podcast

TEPM 027: How Effective Communication Can Improve Team Dynamics and Project Success

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Team dynamicsIn this episode, I talk with Adham Naiem P.E., LEED Green Associate, PMP, Senior Project Manager at the National Institute of Building Sciences, about the crucial role of team dynamics in achieving successful project outcomes and fostering a sustainable future in the transportation engineering sector.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Team dynamics

Team dynamics

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Adham:

  • How does your self-awareness as a project manager contribute to building and leading effective teams?
  • How has effective communication impacted your team’s dynamics and project outcomes?
  • What practical strategies have you used to build and maintain trust among your team members on your projects?
  • How does emotional intelligence influence leadership and management in a project?
  • How can you build rapport with team members while maintaining professionalism?
  • How do you ensure team alignment with project vision and objectives?
  • What key advice or practices would you recommend to improve as a project manager?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How Effective Communication Can Improve Team Dynamics and Project Success:

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TEPM 026: Expert Negotiation Strategies for Managing Scope Creep

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Negotiation StrategiesIn this episode, I talk with Dan Oblinger, a commanding hostage negotiator, esteemed author, international keynote speaker, and skilled consultant specializing in business negotiation, about negotiation strategies for managing scope creep in engineering projects and how to navigate the complexities of forging robust agreements.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Negotiation Strategies

Negotiation Strategies

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Dan:

  • What are the similarities and differences between negotiating with a hostage taker and negotiating with a client?
  • Within the realm of engineering project management, how can engineers strategically incorporate the element of time to enhance their negotiation position?
  • What are some of the most common mistakes that engineers make when negotiating?
  • How can engineers use negotiation to build stronger relationships with their clients?
  • From your perspective, what are some of the key skills that engineers need to develop to be effective negotiators?
  • What strategies can engineering managers employ to instill a culture of effective negotiation within their organizations and projects?
  • What are some of the challenges of negotiating in a relationship-based project delivery environment and how can engineers overcome these challenges and negotiate successful outcomes?
  • For those looking to improve their negotiating skills, what key advice or practices would you recommend they focus on?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Expert Negotiation Strategies for Managing Scope Creep:

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TEPM 025: Top Tips for Effective Organizational Leadership in Project Management

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organizational leadershipIn this episode, I talk with Dr. Karuna Ramanathan, a transformation consultant coach from KR Konsulting Pte. Ltd., about organizational leadership and the vital skills that every effective leader should possess. He also provides some great strategies for overcoming challenges in remote work and explains how project managers can ensure their teams stay aligned with the company’s mission and values.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

organizational leadership

organizational leadership

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Karuna:

  • What are the key skills and qualities necessary for effective organizational leadership, particularly in terms of becoming proficient leaders and successfully managing projects?
  • How does adapting and flexing contribute to your organization, and how can mastering these skills enhance one’s career?
  • Amidst the surge in remote work and digital transformation, how do you adeptly incorporate tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom into your business processes while overcoming challenges in managing and leading project teams from a distance?
  • How do you implement effective practices to ensure seamless communication among your team members?
  • Can you describe a successful large-scale system change program you’ve led for an organization, including its goals and the planning and implementation approach?
  • How do you ensure rapid adaptation strategies are effectively embraced by your company to fulfill its purpose and meet evolving needs, even during less transformative periods?
  • Amidst change and project challenges, how do you maintain project teams’ commitment to the company’s mission and values?
  • What advice do you have for project managers on handling project uncertainty, defining it, and guiding their teams toward clarity?
  • Do you have any advice on organizational leadership and driving positive change within organizations?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Top Tips for Effective Organizational Leadership in Project Management:

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TEPM 024: How to Choose the Right Project Management Tools for Your Organization

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Project Management ToolsIn this episode, I talk with Bret Tushaus, VP of Product Management at Deltek, about the importance of project management in the architecture and engineering industry. We explore the benefits of refined project management disciplines and how to select the right project management tools for your organization. Brett also provides great tips for improving project management processes and outcomes.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Project Management Tools

Project Management Tools

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Bret:

  • Have you observed any changes or trends in the recognition and significance of project management within the engineering industry?
  • How does implementing refined project management disciplines relate to better project outcomes in firms?
  • How do technology and digital transformation support and refine project management disciplines in the AE field?
  • Have you noticed the significance of training project managers to use technology effectively by focusing on key metrics and generating regular reports to avoid overwhelming information?
  • How should the approach to staffing evolve to prioritize project management, considering its increasing significance in today’s context?
  • What are the emerging trends and innovations shaping the future of project management in the AE industry that we should be aware of?
  • What are the best practices or strategies you recommend to AE firms that aim to enhance their project management processes and outcomes significantly?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Choose the Right Project Management Tools for Your Organization:

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TEPM 023: The Essential Qualities of an Effective Project Manager

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Qualities of an Effective Project ManagerIn this episode, I talk with Marc Sklenka, LEED AP, MCPPO, from Colliers Engineering & Design, about several key topics related to project management, including the qualities of an effective project manager, the role of project management in the AEC industry, essential skills for success, and much more.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Qualities of an Effective Project Manager

Qualities of an Effective Project Manager

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Marc:

  • What are the key qualities or characteristics that you consider essential for an effective project manager?
  • How can a project manager enhance their communication skills to become more proficient in project management?
  • How can project managers improve their communication skills by seeking and using daily opportunities to communicate with everyone on the job?
  • What are the primary responsibilities of a project manager in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, and how does this role differ from project management in other industries?
  • What project characteristics or complexities might indicate the need for a project manager early on, and when is the best time to introduce them in the process?
  • Does having an owner’s representative on a project to communicate with on behalf of the owner, rather than solely dealing with the owner, generally make the design engineers or the project manager’s life a bit easier?
  • How do you effectively adapt and navigate through unexpected challenges or changes during the project life cycle?
  • What resources or strategies do you use to stay updated with industry trends, best practices, and emerging project management methodologies?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Essential Qualities of an Effective Project Manager:

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TEPM 022: The Benefits of Collaborative Project Delivery in the Construction Industry

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Collaborative Project DeliveryIn this episode, I talk with Arthur Antoine, Ph.D., P.E., PMP, DBIA, a civil engineer and senior project manager at Mott MacDonald with over 20 years of experience in the construction and engineering industry, about the importance and benefits of collaborative project delivery. Arthur also sheds light on the key characteristics that encourage collaboration among project managers.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Collaborative Project Delivery

Collaborative Project Delivery

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Arthur:

  • What was your experience getting your doctorate in construction management, and what advice do you have for others who are interested?
  • What advantages does collaborative project delivery bring to your table?
  • Can you provide further insights into the design and delivery method of the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) in construction projects?
  • How does the traditional method of project delivery differ from non-traditional methods like CM/GC, and are there any other specific delivery methods that you utilize in your processes?
  • What key characteristics or recommendations would you suggest for individuals in your field to promote collaboration among their project team members effectively?
  • What cloud-based tools do you utilize to facilitate collaboration within your teams and streamline the workflow?
  • Can you provide insights into virtual design and construction, including its implementation at McDonald, and your experience utilizing these technologies?
  • Why is collaboration crucial for successful infrastructure projects with increased funding, and what are the risks if collaboration is not prioritized in effectively utilizing those funds?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Benefits of Collaborative Project Delivery in the Construction Industry:

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TEPM 021: How Effective Project Management Strategies Can Help You to Stay on Track and Deliver Results

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effective project management strategiesIn this episode, I talk with Viswanathan Raju, PgMP, PMP, LSSBB, a seasoned project management professional, who shares some invaluable insights on effective project management. We explore the core components of effective project management strategies, ranging from communication and coordination with stakeholders to managing project constraints and achieving success within budget and timelines.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

effective project management strategies

effective project management strategies

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Viswanathan:

  • Why is change management important and what challenges does it pose in engineering projects?
  • Could you provide an example of how you effectively navigated project constraints to achieve successful outcomes?
  • How do you integrate lessons learned from past projects into your current project management approach?
  • What are the essential qualities and skills you believe are necessary for effective project leadership?
  • How do your program management professional and project management professional certifications enhance your ability to effectively manage complex projects and programs?
  • What advice would you give to aspiring project managers?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How Effective Project Management Strategies Can Help You to Stay on Track and Deliver Results:

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TEPM 020: The Challenges and Best Practices of Managing Complex Construction Projects

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Managing Complex Construction ProjectsIn this episode, I talk to Joanna Mason, P.E., a senior project manager at Schnabel Geostructural Design & Construction, about the challenges and best practices of managing complex construction projects, covering topics ranging from communication and coordination with stakeholders to ensuring project success within budget and timeline constraints.  Joanna also shares her expertise in documenting and mitigating risks and how she ensures safety measures are in place to keep people safe and productive while on the job.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Managing Complex Construction Projects

Managing Complex Construction Projects

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Joanna:

  • What major challenges did you face when managing larger geotechnical projects, and how did you address them?
  • Can you talk about your experience in effectively managing stakeholder communication for geotechnical projects?
  • Can you explain your approach to documenting and mitigating expense risks in geotechnical projects, particularly when encountering challenges like unknown utilities or unexpected foundations?
  • What key factors contribute to the success of projects that are completed on time and within budget? In addition, based on your experience, what measures are essential to achieving this outcome?
  • What best practices or recommendations do you have for project managers in effectively managing both internal and external resources?
  • What is the role of safety in managing large geotechnical projects, and how do you ensure the implementation of safety engineering controls to maintain both productivity and the well-being of everyone involved?
  • How do you effectively balance the requirements of your projects with the concerns of the surrounding community and the environment?
  • Can you share an example of a challenging geotechnical project you managed, the difficulties you faced, and how you successfully navigated and resolved them?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Challenges and Best Practices for Managing Complex Construction Projects:

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TEPM 019: Three Ways to Get Your Project Managers’ Managers on Board

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Project Managers' ManagersIn this episode, I discuss the biggest failure in AE consulting firms’ development of project managers, which is neglecting to educate the project managers’ managers. This failure results in a lack of reinforcement for the training provided, rendering it ineffective and wasteful of time and resources. To address this issue, I propose three specific actions based on my experience in designing custom programs with firms, ensuring the transfer of learning back to the job.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Project Managers' Managers

Project Managers' Managers

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Ways to Get Your Project Managers’ Managers on Board:

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TEPM 018: Self-Reflection and Continuous Improvement Strategies for Engineering Leaders

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Self-ReflectionIn this episode, I talk with Sean Spromberg, P.E., the team leader at MSA Professional Services, about the vital role of self-reflection and continuous improvement for engineering leaders. He also talks about how working in construction benefits engineering and how to overcoming fear in your engineering career.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Self-Reflection

Self-Reflection

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Sean:

  • How has working in the construction field been valuable for getting back into engineering and design?
  • How do you approach self-reflection as a team leader and continue to improve yourself in that role?
  • How can being open-minded as a leader benefit your team and organization?
  • How has being willing to try different things helped you today, regardless of the initial fear that can come with it?
  • What advice do you have for overcoming fear and taking risks in your career based on your own experiences?
  • How can individuals continue to seek out new experiences and perspectives throughout their careers?
  • How have challenges strengthened your purpose and shaped your perspective on career and life?
  • What final advice can you offer to engineers and project managers as they advance in their careers?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Self-Reflection and Continuous Improvement Strategies for Engineering Leaders:

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