Showing posts with label PMP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PMP. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Steven Covey’s Management Matrix on Urgent and Important.

This blog is part of the  Steven Covey’s Management Matrix on Urgent and Important.


Quadrant 2 has been highlighted here as we know that its been recommended that when we spent more than 80% of our time on this quadrant indicates that we are self-organized people/team.

What does it require to get us there?

·         Priority of the Tasks/Activities. We tend spend our time on trivial and insignificant activities. This happens when the priority and criticality of the work/tasks is unknown.

·         Well defined plan. One should know when each task needs to be delivered and what exactly to be delivered and how much effort is required to deliver the same. When a resource what needs to be done and by when, it makes management more organized and also meet deadlines and deliverables.

Blockers which could potential reasons for not being in Quadrant 2?

·         People – Behavioral. (important to get the team’s buy-in in any mission. Also avoid unnecessary distractions. Inculcate self-discipline and accountability for the hours spent. Otherwise your burn rate can bring down the work.)

·         Lack of Tools
When people are not equipped with lack of tools or system for them to be organized that could potentially lead them towards other Quadrants

·         Vision/Objective – Person or Program or Project
Whether its individual or Program/Project, one should have mission/vision on short term or long term which will help them to drive through the path(which is intermediate milestones) which helps people to plan their schedule well ahead

How PMP can help to bring the team or Program move to Quadrant #2?
·         Clear plan with detailed schedule/effort


Even the tasks of Quadrant #1 (Urgent & Important) can be managed with Proper communication management.

2.       

Monday, November 28, 2016

The Cost of Employee Engagement – may be a lunch | HR Management


image crredit - http://core0.staticworld.net/images/article/2016/01/employee-engagement-100638618-primary.idge.jpg


(an account by one of our staff)

Personal stories really connect.

One of the employees seeking a day off met the HR for sanction. When queried for the reason, the employee responded “wedding anniversary”. Offering her congratulations, the HR requested for 5 minutes time. And then came around ‘where would you want to take your wife out tomorrow?”

The puzzled employee was taken aback by surprise and blurted “we don’t have any such plans. Just spend time together.”

The HR persisted “will it be lunch or dinner? How about candlelight dinner?”

Still in a daze, the employee politely declined the offer and thanked her thoughtfulness.

“I am not sponsoring. It’s the company’s gift. Why don’t you call your wife and let me know.”

“Thanks. Then we would prefer lunch.”

“Where exactly do you stay? I mean, your residential address.” The HR made careful note and sought another 10 minutes.

“A table for two booked tomorrow. The venue details messaged to you. Congratulations and hope you guys enjoy the lunch.” She greeted and parted.

Reaching home, the employee shared the ‘luncheon’ with his spouse, who smiled “hey, that’s really nice. Which place?”

“I don’t know but HR will message the venue.” And checked his phone. It was some name not that familiar “at least we can check it out and hope the food tastes good.”

When the couple showed up at the place, they were taken in by surprise. It was not some non-descript restaurant  as expected but star hotel. He would recollect “we were treated royally from the valet to the manager. First time I have ever been to a hotel like that and of course, it was quite an expensive lunch.”

His wife was intrigued and unspeakably impressed “never expected it to be so grand. How come we never heard and that too within our vicinity.” The employee understood why the HR took pain to know about the address. The drive was less than 3 miles and the food fabulous. And the place close – unthinkable, even for a wedding anniversary lunch.

Over that ‘umpteen’ course lunch, someone always waiting upon and filling the plate with something to munch, it was an amazing experience. Over ‘chow’ time, the wife queried “why this place? And why you? Do they do it for all the staff?”

"I dont know. First time for me." responded the employee lost in thoughts.

It was difficult a choice – which was more sweet? The dessert or the company’s decision.

“You know what, you must stay here. Even the place I work could think of something as ‘personal’ like this lunch, “ stressed the wife and surprised employee looked up “you mean, they just bought my loyalty for this table full of food?”

“It’s not the food or star-studded hotel. It is how they treat you. The kind of personal touch that makes you feel truly special. Respect. It gives a sense of belonging. Come to think of it, why didn’t my company surprise me with such an invite? Because, the personal connect probably missed the preoccupied minds. I am planning to offer the same to my team. Your company left an indelible mark and I am going to remember this lunch for a long time. Terrific HR. I am amazed. Seriously. “ that was an awesome toast.

She is right. Respect. You can’t buy anyone with a buffet. Commitment is a call within and how you a strike a chord matters. The company’ thoughtfulness in celebrating an employee’s milestone ‘measured in full’ their worthiness.

Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way. Booker T. Washington

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

PMP® - One of The Possible Pitfalls is ‘Procrastination’ | Project Management

image credit: http://www.emoticonswallpapers.com/wallpaper/motivations/your-move.jpg



Many talented professionals who are capable of cracking the PMP® exam at their first attempt fail to do so for a number of reasons ranging from domestic to demand of the day. But the most common amongst the reasons attributed is ‘Procrastination’.
“No Time” is the often heard refrain. Whether they develop cold feet or deeply immersed in their work to take shift their attention, the PMP Exam is given a pass and pushed to another day.

Some of the professionals interviewed cited reasons that might sound unbelievable, but then that’s their version. We have listed some for your reference as a precautionary note not to delay or defer in taking up the exam. Every single day you lose is something lost forever. On case your mind is set in appearing for the exam and obstacles of any kind can appear as stumbling blocks, you still can overcome the odds and not use or search for excuses.

Here are some reasons listed for Procrastination:

“It’s too tough” - of course, it’s tough. PMP® actually moderates from average to tough and calls for dedicated study and determined efforts. The view from the top is terrific but you got to toil to get to the top.

“I AM BUSY. I don’t have time” – No one has the time to spare. Try checking with anyone and a volley of reasons backed with rationale will be thrown in return. MAKE TIME. You can always apportion time. You really don’t consume all the 24 hours. So late nights, early mornings, and of obviously, the weekend is all yours to prepare for PMP. We do find time to make ourselves free for occasions and get-together by freeing up bandwidth. Studies are a struggle since childhood and in adulthood with more responsibilities sagging the shoulder, and hence it’s no easy feat to sit and burn the midnight oil. ‘Nothing great was ever accomplished without making sacrifices.’

“The Job Pressure is too much” – agreed. We all have gone through the grind and it’s difficult to focus when your mind is constantly analysing multiple scenarios and multitasking. Despite the pressure, can you rise up to meet the challenge? Determination. When the traffic too much, do you just reverse the vehicle and go back home or maneuver to find way to office? Studying despite the hardships is likewise. Most succeed because they are determined.

“May be next month” – the worst excuse. If something is to be done, better do it immediately. Tomorrow never comes, so how will next month? We only avoid accepting to spell the truth and instead pretend using the pretext of ‘another day’.  As it is written, ‘If we wait until we are ready, we will be waiting for the rest of our lives’.

“I am not good enough” – that’s accepting defeat even before the fight. How would you know unless you attempted. So, all those appear for the PMP exam pass? There are no failures? Wrong. Even those failed should be applauded for their audacity to make an attempt, and failure will push them further to fare better. So long you qualify with the prerequisites set by PMI®, you are as good as any applicant. Just that you are poor on confidence. Build self-confidence and go for it. You will emerge triumphant.

The reasons to slow you down or stop may be innumerable. Bear in mind that it’s the strong that survives and succeeds. SO DO IT NOW.

“Its not the mountains we conquer, but ourselves.” – Edmund Hillary



Monday, November 14, 2016

PMP® - Did You Know About the Demand? | Project Management


Did you know the rise of the demand for qualified project managers? 12%*

Did you know   number of jobs expected to be created in the global industries  like  IT,  BFSI, Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Construction?  It’s about 15 million jobs.*

Did you know the median salary of a project manager in the U.S? $108,000*

Did you know how much more a PMP credential holder earns? 16% more*

Did you know the number of number of PMP credential holders at the beginning of 2014? 600,000   (723,067 as of May 2016.)*

* The data presented about is sourced from PMI’s Industry Forecast – “Project Management between 2010+2020”, March 2013.


So it is interesting to note that the PMP certification has not lost its sheen. If anything, things are brighter for the PMP holder who commands immense respect in the market. The syllabus after Jan 11, 2016 has been upgraded and the exam is tougher than before , thus clearing the certification is  matter of pride and prestigious as well. As a certified professional you are an inch taller, and for sure head over shoulder amongst your peers, who are uncertified.



There are some impressive infographics about project management – in terms of need, importance, growth and salary













Source:
PMI’s Pulse  of the Profession: The High Cost of Low Profession 2014’
PMI’s project Management Talent Gap Report 2013
Payscale.com
PwC’s Insights and Trends: Current Portfolio, Programme and Project Management Practices’


The trends forecast job-openings all over the map and the salary structure seems to be growing in pyramid. But the most important insight from the infographics is the 'losing of 109 Million Dollars for every Billion spent on Projects and Programs'.


You can  create a difference. Do you want to do PMP and imprint your own footprint? 

What are you waiting for? Do it Now!

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

How to Prevent Scope Creep | Scope Management


image courtesy: http://i0.wp.com/galvintech.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/How-to-Prevent-Scope-Creep.png


Continuing from our previous post of containing creep, we have listed 10 pointers as useful reference to amplify your project management skills. Scope Creep management is primarily handled by a PM and hence it’s a fair expectation to observe the call taken to neutralize creep. Scope Creep is a way of practical life, and hence one can, at best, contain and thereby control. 

Team management must ensure some overzealous team member overstepping in reach by getting in touch with the customer, who might influence changes that might sound simple like ‘bells and whistles’, and also the peril of Gold Plating –whereby “After having met the requirements, the developer works on further enhancing the product, thinking the customer will be delighted to see additional or more polished features, rather than what was asked for or expected.”


Get the requirements clear

Sometimes, it might be iterative but unless all the stakeholders involved are the in same page, especially the client and vendor an converse in the same language and understand one another, closing all possible gaps, and if possible walk-through the requirements once again. It might burn some bandwidth but it will be worth it.

Pay attention to the detail

From the first piece of code written to a single line drawn in the wireframe, make sure everything is as per agreed terms and within scope.  From experience, it may be noted that design and development inexplicable makes way for creep. So ensure that a sign-off is sought on design aspects, and read the requirement document again before commencing coding

Divide the requirement into small logical parts

Smaller projects have a much greater chance of success, so smart PMs do a work-break-down in creating sub-tasks so that the effort estimated and actual; spent can be controlled better. It is always easy to divide the requirements into small logical parts and assign the corresponding effort against it.

 Identify priorities

You will need to decide on the scheduling as to which will go first followed by or will there concurrent tasks. And identify the deliverable and break the deliverable into actual work. In case of larger project, it might mandate upgrades which need to be factored for effort and hence breakdown of deliverable helps.

Plan for Prototype

When the requirement/solution is not clear, plan for Prototype/Spike User Story before finalize the scope


Understand the requirement

Reverse Understanding/document for the Customer to ensure that requirement/expectation is well captured


Capture revision/changes

Have clear understanding on implication of the revision/changes in the requirement and document the agreement


Change Control Board

Make sure there is a Change Control Board in place  to track any deviations from the accepted and scoped requirements. Changes, if any, need ti be recorded, communicated to client for confirmation and only upon their explicit the changes can be accommodated, that too at a timeline best suited to the project interest. Bottom line, it’s out of scope which becomes a part of development through Change Request.


Present the impact Analysis in detail

When there is request for Scope Change, Present the impact Analysis in detail as Technical or Design Impact on effort and Cost, especially through rework and lost effort


Study Intangible impact
 i.     Moral of the team
 ii.    Trust factor with the Customer


In any case, the Scope Change has to be treated as Change Request. Regular review meeting with Customer on Progress Status Vs Plan should be conducted to eliminate creep as much as possible.



Friday, October 21, 2016

Why Communication is such a Challenge | Communication Management

image courtesy: http://www.relatably.com/q/img/communication-quotes-leadership/Einstein-on-simplicity.jpeg

Communicating with others is often overlooked or even taken for granted. Communication is an art; communication is a skill, and now what not. we say a lot and really don't mean nothing much.

The most challenging aspect about communication is to ‘tell something in a simple and straightforward’ manner. We are exceptionally talented. alongwith, we are poor listeners and hence poor learners. 

While charity counsels that what the left hands gives let the right not know, but communication commands the left hand has to know what the right has to say. But then we are so confused or even too lost in the cacophony to realize the boot is on the wrong foot. A word out of line is akin to the same.

You to be someone easy to talk to – which will give the people confidence to connect.

We try to impress with intellect by using dazzling words and difficult-to-understand terms, metaphors, idioms and what not. Corporate communication, of course, prescribes etiquette to be adhered, but it’s not to be misunderstood as something complicated just because etiquette itself isn’t an easy word. Agreed. Etiquette plainly put is rule. The standard for business correspondence is the essence of etiquette but there comes the rub. What standards? As times progressed, expressions sound and framed more informally that formal outlook is perceived as archaic. And give a thought about how the millennial relate and recognize the ‘chat’ language, as they the make up for the majority of workforce. Confluence or compromise?  Calling it a compromise would be too crude nor can we uphold colloquial language in a formal correspondence. So what is the benchmark? Well, even this commentary can be critiqued for its strong undertones.

We simply don’t communicate. Where there are barriers, aren’t there breakthroughs? Yet, the complexity with which conversation proceeds perplexes us no end.  Conflicts arise mainly due to poor communication or mismanagement when words are minced and message loses its meaning. Basically, we failed to make sense, and far worse never ever realized which only made matters worst. 
  

Cut down the chase

Employ direct lines instead of circling around. Being linear brings its own leverage to the board.  Face-to-face is most preferred, and where need be, then emphasis is on the written word than spoken. So there is no hard and fast rule and much depends on the merit of the case. That said, keep it short and straight – be it verbal or written. Stakeholder management sometimes suffers from this very shortfall when the decision makers instead of engaging directly deal through interfaces. That’s typical bureaucratic when information has to be percolate through different channel before landing on the desired destination.

How can we improve communication?

Connect and contact=communicate. Why fuss about fancy words when simple one will convey the meaning. Articulation has nothing to do with ostentation. In fact, it works the other way instead. The challenge today despite being well read and learned, can yo explain to a third-grade kid.is to be schooled as a sc is that 'you might be possess the knowledge of a professor but can you explain to a third-grade kid. Language is no longer a limitation. Use shorter strings. Employ simple and meaningful words. Keep the pitch polite. And learn to listen, not with an intent to counter or cross-question, but to hear and be heard. 

 ‘Houston, we have a problem’ – doesn’t that sound familiar Why? Its not astrophysics but plain English. 

Do you understand? Good. Make sure other do what you have to communicate - in a language they can understand, in words they will know, in a tone that will make them comfortable.


Carry on the conversation...

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Get PMP® Certified – You Just Get Better | Project Management

image courtesy: http://blogs.ucontinental.edu.pe/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/6_project.jpg



We were classmates since kindergarten.  And hung around together. Its our individual pursuits that led us into different league – and today as working adults we catch up good old times and reminisce about the days of yore. He is a seasoned professional, and the very title of ‘Director’ made me size him up and down. As small talk whittled and we started discussing professional journeys embarked, certain details shared with me were just startling.

He is employed in a fortune 500 company, and has a dedicated recruiting team. For reasons known best to him, the discourse focused on the frustration of a recruiter. Now that beats me!! With the talent in the market, it must be a breeze in the park to shop – in fact, ‘pick and choose’.  “Far from it. Reality is grim my friend. I give a mandate to the recruiter team and from the heap of resume they receive, and after vetting with due diligence, I only get to pick 30. A number I set for myself so that the scrutiny is really stiff”. Engrossed, I didn’t realize the tea was getting cold but questioned “what’s the pain point?”

“It’s the fitment. The candidate must be primarily from our domain to be completely conversant, independently handle client, responsible for end-to-end to project implementation, and toss in portfolio management….” And I was muttering “be ready to go to moon or mars in a days’ notice”, but he completes “and the candidate must be PMP® certified.”

Phew!!  Is that all?

He smiled “I was just warming up not wanting to ruin your evening with the professional banter. Its a tough world. I will fill you more about it later. Let’s order some snack and grind good old things.”

It was an evening celebrating old times and as we parted with a promise to catch at least whenever time permits without a timeline, I took leave with the requirements he listed as ‘Job Description’ resonating in me like the clanging cymbal. Just couldn’t miss and kept playing again and again. Though he kept PMP®  certification to the last, it was very apparent that without PMP®  the candidate wouldn’t even be considered. The resume cast away as one among the many who couldn’t make it despite the experience bereft the PMP® certification.

By now, every aspirant or practicing professional knows what really makes the cut above the crew – PMP®  certification. 


PMP® plays a pivotal role in marketing your profile. It matters much a how can grab the eyeballs and retain the attention. PMP is more than a selling point. When complemented well, it will be a slam-dunk.

PMP® Certification holders are largely presumed to be conversant with the subject matter because of the stiff eligibility criteria, random audits and the tough exam wherein passing at the first attempt is deemed a major accomplishment.

PMP® proves you are a qualified professional and hence eligible to be counted as a prospect to lead projects and groomed to take up larger roles and responsibilities

PMP® provides job opportunities that are terrific because the number of certified PMPs is just a small number and hence you are in great demand

You get to work in challenging projects by virtue of the certification as it is a testimony to your education, experience and expertise.

It broadens your horizons given that PMP is globally acknowledged and instantly recognized. With every engagement, you strengthen your skills and upgrade your learning.
  
Specialize in a particular domain or expand out further depending on your appetite and areas of interest. Consequently, you speak different industry, or geography and can speaks many languages professionally – not just the vernacular but also technical.

PMP® benefits your employers who are keen about their ROI with an eye on the bottom-line. Remember, you are a true asset to your employer as you enable the company to complete the project within time and cost, of course leading a team and as a team player. These attributes of team player and team spirit is implicit and that’s why the intent in the first place to hire.

PMP® pays. Check your earning and see your salary soar. PMP® certified professionals command a distinctive lead that’s difficult to catch up in terms of salary. Easily a PMP certified professionals earns 20 % more than a no-certified.


The truth is much more than that parting line. Check the report from Payscale 2016 about PMP salary average.


 

PMP certification holders earn 20 percent more than their non-certified peers according to Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey, Ninth Edition. – source: https://www.pmi.org/certifications/types/project-management-pmp


Now that you are become a part of the exclusive global community of PMP® holders, the future is all yours. Steer your way through and chart your own course.

Friday, October 14, 2016

Has Trust lost its ‘Trust’? | Stakeholder Management


image courtesy: https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/p/1/005/098/3d1/11951c0.jpg

The word is abuzz about funds being embezzled or malpractice within company. Recent news about controversies and scandals are doing the rounds and ties that were painstakingly built appears so fragile. In the past days a CEO has stepped down, misuse of money in a blue chip company, and non-conformance of standards spells disaster in the parlance of people management.

Governance by every company is based on strong ethics and values and yet incidents like these rock the boats, sending shivers down the spine. Many exclaimed in disbelief ‘It’s just not possible”, and yet that’s exactly what happened – trust deficit.

It’s in good faith and belief that something is entrusted, but when the person manning the gate gives up blowing the cover then it’s a classic case of the ‘cats guarding the chickens.” Stakeholder Management is proving to be more critical. One might wonder if the company or the whole crew or the entire block that bungled, but all it takes is one rotten apple that makes the basket stink. And despite the foolproof security measures put in place, failure like the incidents cited can not only be frustrating but erode the confidence misplacing the faith.  The murky matters cast a long shadow sparing none from suspicion. Paradoxically, the benefit of doubt cannot be passed and things have worsened to a state where one has to prove innocence. So where went the ‘you are innocent unless proven guilty’. We live in different times that demands drastic changes and impose difficult compliances lest we face dire consequences.

What makes one misbehave? Chances, conditions, circumstances, or plainly greed. Whatever might be the motive, it shatters everything the individual stood for, and along with brings down the whole house. Integrity is imperative. Character is what you do in the dark – when no one is noticing. Integrity plainly put is ‘do what  you say and say what you do’. Hence, it becomes critical that we pay more attention to our human assets by studying behavioral aspects and identify scope for improvement. Not everyone is strong; some are susceptible. It’s up to the management to identify the grey areas and iron out the weakness. A SWOT generally helps – especially from an ethical standpoint.

Stakeholder Management involves your internal partners as well, whom at times, are overlooked. Build trust. It works both ways – employers and employees. It is incumbent on an individual to be accountable. You are answerable to your actions. So, the choice is clearly yours.  


We will like to hear your thoughts about this subject. Please do share and we welcome your inputs.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

PMP® - The earning capacity from a global perspective | Project Management

image courtesy: http://sites01.lsu.edu/wp/cxc/files/2014/02/5-majors-with-growing-salary-potential-in-2012.jpg

Take a wild guess about the number of PMP® certified professionals? Save your breath – it’s just as of 723,067 as of May 2016. That’s a miniscule number against the world population of 7.5 billion.
PMP® is one of the renowned and recognized professional certification acknowledged globally that makes the holders privileged. And if the numbers of certified professionals are anything to go by, it sure makes them the most elite and exclusive.
Admittedly becoming PMP® takes time, effort and money. But look at the returns. Its fashionable or even pretence to employ jargon in conversation without knowing the meaning or understanding the core concepts. PMP® empowers with the education the project management. one tend to infer cost expense but Cost management as a module that you will study in PMP®   is more than mere expenditure.  It’s the learning and understanding that makes a PMP® certified professionals stand out. For the scope of this blog, let’s focus on the earning capacity from a global perspective.
The Earning Potential is tremendous:
The ‘Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey, Ninth Edition’ presents a detailed study of the salary structures, some of which are captured as under for your reference.






































for ,ore details of Project management Programs, please do visit our website http://www.icertglobal.com/ or email us at infor@icertglobal.com.
Thank you for visiting our blog and we hope the information provided was useful to you.

Monday, September 26, 2016

Bring Work-Life Balance with Disciplined Project Management


image courtesy: http://blog.acton.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Work-Life-Balance.jpg


There seems to be early burn-out in IT professionals. Doctors are appalled at the heart-risks and related ailments; whenever a  young person wheeled into the emergency ward, the first question invariably is “are you working in IT?” why is it so? Job pressure, peer pressure, management pressure – the stress is too much. A number of factors collide and contribute to this havoc wreaked on youngsters. Heart attack in the forties or fifties doesn’t shock or surprise but in late twenties and early thirties psyches the physicians, who are perplexed dealing with the predicament. Such is the severity, and cut-throat the companies, employees either by choice or force end up staying late at their desk ‘burning the midnight oil’.

Does the number of hours clocked or the contributions  count? The misconception in the market is that one who spends long hours in the office is deemed ‘hard working’. Anything less and your talent is questionable or the workload is not just enough to justify your paycheck. So some just pretend to stretch or ‘kill’ time by indulging in other activity instead of freeing up bandwidth to take up additional tasks. “If I do this task or accommodate more chores in addition, will the amount in the salary credited change?” this reflects not just the individual lack of commitment, but reflects poorly on the leadership as well.

Devotion to work should be wilful, lest it leaves one dissatisfied and disgruntled. Once resourceful, now turned rebels are primarily due to poor people management. Long and late nights are part of the daily rigor of an IT Professional. Time consumed at office leaves with less for family. Everything ought to be balanced – including work.

A project manager, whom I used to report, will sit beside me and plan the ‘tasks for the week’ taking my inputs for the ‘hours allocated’ and sometime let me estimate the ‘number of hours’. Effort estimation is both critical and crucial. Bagging the project by heck or crook, and later slogging the days, night and weekend are typical signs of burnout. It’s like cutting the foot to match the boot. That’s not project management. Weekends usually act as buffer and my manager managed on the maxim of “if you can’t get the work done in eight hour, either you are inefficient or incompetent."  People also tend to procrastinate – another malaise with no medicine in sight. Hence there is no blaming the managers alone. Both sides suffer from their own shortcoming and apparently there has to be a middle ground.

The 40 hour week

Any project manager with appreciable knowledge and experience will not estimate more than 8-hours as man day in the project plan. How many hours does the team work is another question but for the record its 8 hours, and usually the weekends are not factored – and mostly serve as buffers. Remember time is money and hence any inflation in your estimation will have an adverse implication on your cost estimation. If the budget balloons, the project will slip out of your hands. It’s a typical trapeze act or skating on thin ice. So balancing the 40-hour and keeping the project within cost calls for a skilled and smart time management.

Performance and productivity

No matter how many hours you clock, you are most productive for the first 4 hours.  The body might be willing but the mind simply is not up to it. Exhaustion,and fatigue hampers performance. Your ability to concentrate ebbs with passage of time. There should be a reason why Henry For came out with the brilliant strategy of ‘weekend’ so as to boost morale, improve productivity and increase time spent with family.  Sources from public domain cite that working fewer hours increase productivity and thereafter tend to wane.

Work-life balance

“I am too busy at work” is the usual refrain. You start before the kids awake and return after the fast asleep. Many professionals itinerary falls in to this pattern. Genuine cases of work chewing and even gobbling time is a possibility but that can’t become the norm. Its not family first or work at any cost. One has to strike a balance to do justice to both – stakeholder management.  Your internal and external client included, family too is part of stakeholders. And its important to attend on everyone, and if possible satisfy.

A gallup study revealed that we work 47 hours – which is 7 hours more. What will all the dollars, incentive, promotions and perks amount when you compromise your health for career. Think about it.