People. Process. Progress.

I recorded this one in the hotel gym this morning as I reflected on some recent work balancing how our team efforts look with what we're accomplishing. I submit to the listener to consider how many calories to put into the appearance of solid planning and support with providing results-driven outcomes for program and project go-lives and milestones.

As a Program Manager, we need to be ready to jump into any Project level work on behalf of our people or our organization. In Be a Good Project Manager to be an Effective Program Manager | Foundations Friday #91, I share my journey from Status Check-In Recorder to Planning Section Chief and the parallels to becoming a Senior Project Manager and Program Manager in the Healthcare IT space.

As a salty, 49-year-old Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Blue Belt practicing BJJ for 4.5 years, I like to help folks just starting their BJJ training. When I sweep a white belt, then move to Mount, I often see the "deer in the headlights" look on their face. So, I have often walked them through the arm and leg trap and then bridge escape. Long this theme when a white belt tries a submission, but it's not..umm...good at all; I'll talk them through what I think they were trying to do. But sometimes, I want to roll, and that's ok.

Ted Lasso is one of my favorite streaming shows. It is a show starring Jason Sudeikis as Ted. Ted is an American Football coach who goes to England to coach and lead a Soccer team there. In addition to the humor and lessons in leadership I get from the show, I am also glad the writers highlight how stress and anxiety can negatively affect those who seemingly have no issues.

In How to Deal with Anxiety Like Ted Lasso | Foundations Friday #90, I talk about anxiety and re-share interviews I've had on the KEV Talks Podcast that can help listeners deal with anxiety as Ted does.

Five positive life-impacting statements that inspired and encouraged me and continue to give me a kick in the pants I need sometimes.

1. “Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how.'” – Viktor E. Frankl quoting Friedrich Nietzsche in Man’s Search for Meaning
2. “There is no shortcut. There is no hack. There’s only one way. So, get after it.” – Jocko Willink, Discipline Equals Freedom Field Manual.
3. “Well, why don’t you just do it afraid?” – Joyce Meyer quoting a friend of hers.
4. “We have an opportunity to make health so central that we have ample resources to help the downtrodden, the fallen, and the frail.” – James Geering, One More Light.
5. “It is only when we listen to our pain that we can follow it back to its source…” – Johann Hari, Lost Connections.

In There's Always Opportunity for Rebirth | Foundations Friday 89, I share how the study of Passover and Easter has reminded me that we always have the opportunity to make changes in our personal and professional lives.

Leading projects is a challenge. Leading programs, and a group of projects, is even more challenging. So, what do we do when we're asked to lead a program of programs? In this week's episode, 6 Considerations When Leading a Program of Programs, I share six things to consider when you're asked to lead at an even higher level than a program.

Things to Consider:

1. Take it up a notch (in view altitude)
2. Support your Project Managers to become Program Managers
3. Think even more holistically
4. Embrace dynamic standards
5. Be objective, but provide direction
6. Nourish the different personalities

There are people that started training Jiu Jitsu that are now better than me. There are people in my professional life that have surpassed me in position and knowledge. As Jocko Willink says, "Good.".

Why is this "Good"? In Jiu Jitsu, it's good because, through hardship, we celebrate each other's success. We sharpen each other with each roll because we learn to supplant the ego and celebrate others' wins.

In business, this can be a little harder. But when someone advances, and we don't, we can ask ourselves, "How can I also move up?".

So, celebrate your teammate's wins on the mats and in the boardroom.

Godspeed ya'll,

Kevin

Carrying over some Jiu-Jitsu tips for newer BJJ players, focusing on slowing down and making the moves correctly. This is also true in life. Sometimes we must slow down and take time with family, decisions, or more things.

• Breathe
• Frame
• Survive

Sharing lessons I learned while reading Jack Kelly's book Band of Giants. More specifically, George Washington learned NOT to fight by watching the rigid British Military and then went on to adapt and stay dynamic as a leader while fighting for America's independence.

• Check out Kelly's book at your local library or purchase it at https://www.amazon.com/Band-Giants-Soldiers-Americas-Independence/dp/1466893281