Leading Impactful Teams

Chapter 5: Scope and Prioritisation – Maximise the work that you don’t do!

This chapter is about the art of saying “no” (or “not yet”) so you can focus on what truly matters. Pinning down what’s in scope (and what isn’t) early can save everyone a world of pain. Projects often drown in wish-lists and shifting requirements, but you can prevent that chaos from the start. Bring clarity with simple tools like scope lists and negotiate changes without losing your cool. We also tackle prioritization: identify the highest-value work and happily delay or cut the rest. Sometimes doing less is the best way to succeed!

Chapter 4: Approach – Some ideas on how to structure your project

Time to step back to consider how to structure your project. There’s no one-size-fits-all method—your approach should fit your organization, your team, and your goals. Whether you’re bound by a strict corporate process or winging it at a startup, you'll have to make the system work for you. The key is flexibility: use methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Lean—take your pick) as tools, not straitjackets. Tweak whatever process you have by blending in a few “secret sauce” techniques. The result? A project approach that keeps stakeholders happy and your team productive—without driving you crazy.

Chapter 3 - Techniques & Tips - It's easy if you know how!

With your new lenses, Chapter 3 gives you some tools to tackle whatever they reveal. Project management is a juggling act, so here are some tricks of the trade to make it all manageable (even easy, once you know how). From running effective meetings to calming an angry stakeholder, these are simple techniques I’ve picked up over the years. No two hours of a PM’s day are the same—one minute you’re in a spreadsheet, the next you’re coaching a teammate—so these tips help you switch gears smoothly. You’ll be ready to handle each challenge with confidence, agility, and maybe even a smile.

Chapter 2 - The Lenses - How to think like an expert

Simplifying any project down into the eight “lenses” that cover every aspect of a project. These key perspectives help you know where to look and what to watch for. Experience is valuable, but you don’t have to learn every lesson the hard way. By consciously checking your project through each lens, you’ll start to anticipate problems, focus your energy where it matters most, and develop that expert instinct—without spending decades to get it.

Chapter 1 - We all Manage Projects

We all manage projects, whether it’s a family vacation or a corporate launch—yet few get real training. Project management is evolving from rigid plans and bureaucracy to flexible, people-first practices. Modern “power skills” like empathy, adaptability, and collaboration are replacing old-school command-and-control. Following a plan just because it’s “the plan” is out, and guiding a team toward true goals is in. You really can reduce stress, improve results, and maybe even have fun in the process.

Introduction - How Not to do it!

I tried to do everything: lead a high-stakes project, look after my team, boost my career with extra work, raise three young kids—and a cracked toilet seat finally broke me. This perfect storm of stress led to a collapse and a pretty explosive life moment. It’s a raw, eye-opening tale of what happens when you push yourself too far and explains why I care so much about the need a saner, more sustainable way to manage projects (and life) before we hit our breaking point.