First chapter, a book discussion

Ok, so I mustered up enough strength to read through the first chapter of the book (a few days ahead of time as well). From what I’ve read so far, I enjoy how the writer has managed to keep my attention, while secretly teaching me helpful information for my future. I do actually enjoy this book, and I hope that I can view it as a guide, not as an answer (I wish  answers were as easy as reading a book). Finally, I enjoy how the author relates the information to be gained from reading through helpful examples instead of going all technical on us.

With that being said, here was the information I read and picked up throughout the first chapter. The first chapter is all about learning what it means to be a project manager (PM). What I liked about his explanation of the title is that anyone can be a PM in the appropriate field and that it’s just a title; You can be performing the duties of a PM, but it’s just not in your job title. He also described a what a common project manager does, which is bringing a project to a finished state, possibly managing a work team underneath, while having to work with the higher ups. He also described some negative actions a PM can make to a project. His best example (because I too have also done this) was when he described his time at Microsoft. The author describes how he was managing a group of workers and was creating elaborate time tables that he ended up focusing more on than working on the project. It’s really easy to get caught up on the little details and lose yourself. I also picked up that to be a good PM you have to have confidence. The more insecure you feel with you project or group, it will show, believe me.

Overall this was an interesting first chapter and I’m looking forward to what the rest of the book has in store (I can’t even imagine at the moment). One final note before I go, the comps to the Valentine Theatre are taking a bit longer than expected, but I feel I’m taking the appropriate time to work on them. With that being said, I’m hoping to have some comps completed, to be critiqued by you fine folks, by tomorrow or Sunday night. This will give me 5 days before I have to meet with the client, and hopefully it should be enough time. Thanks for taking the time to read this post.