What are the tools and methods that you use to plan, execute, and monitor your engagements?

We combine strategic tools, human engagement, and proven methods. We start with project management software like Asana to outline timelines and milestones, while frameworks like OKRs set goals. Human engagement is key, with regular check-ins and open communication fostering collaboration. Task management systems and communication platforms such as Slack keep the team aligned during execution. We use SOPs to maintain quality, supported by ongoing dialogue. Monitoring involves tools like Power BI for tracking metrics, regular progress reviews, and feedback from client surveys and direct conversations to adapt as needed. This approach balances technology and human interaction to achieve meaningful results.

I would also add Wrike and Monday to the list of common PM solutions. There are two important first steps when choosing a PM solution (hint, they're the same for choosing any type of solution). 1. Figure out your requirements -- what do you want a PM software to help you do (or not do) moving forward? This doesn't need to be technical at all; just think about the types of activities you and your team perform. 2. Do some homework on the big players. Gartner and Forrester are a great place to start. From there, you'll want to try some of the big players out and figure out what solution works best for the way you work. One big point to bear in mind: a solution should adapt to the way you and your team work, rather than the other way around.

In my engagement toolkit, I employ GPT algorithms for meticulous planning, ensuring diverse content. Execution involves dynamic language generation, drawing from vast knowledge repositories. Real-time feedback loops fine-tune responses, ensuring optimal user interaction. It's a synergy of cutting-edge tools and refined methods to deliver a seamless conversational experience.

The greatest engagement tool, in my opinion, is initiating feedback from stakeholders with a skeleton solution, or even a straw man. Give them something that will illicit feedback. By going to them with something that resembles a finished product or method will cause more problems than it solves. Give them a voice and then invite them into the project. Let them put flesh on the skeleton or to tear down the straw man so that when it is rebuilt, they not only feel a sense of engagement, but ownership.

I'd encourage you not to overthink stakeholder analysis. For many projects, a simple chart showing key stakeholder groups, how they're impacted, and their ability to impact your project's success is sufficient. Of course, stakeholder analysis is a means to an end, not the end itself. Use this information to be sure you're engaging with your stakeholders and planning appropriate change management activities.

The use of AI tools to transcribe conversations, workshops, and then utilising qualitative analysis software is a game changer here. AI analysis can be further used to probe for consistency and depth of views. However - careful human interpretation is also necessary.. (more below..) Interpreting views requires human knowledge and expertise of the context, challenges, priorities and motivations though. Many stakeholders report perceptions - and there may be motivations behind these perceptions which hold some valuable clues on the goals and solutions to seek.

Useful and timely reminder at this important period in Scotland. It all seems so logical but can get lost in the macerations.

This is a process of identifying and assessing the interests, expectations, influence, and needs of the people or groups who are affected by or involved in your project. Stakeholder analysis helps you to understand your stakeholders' perspectives, motivations, and concerns, and to tailor your communication and engagement strategies accordingly. Stakeholder analysis can be done using various tools and techniques, such as: stakeholder mapping, power-interest matrix, RACI matrix, and SWOT analysis.

Stakeholder identification and analysis are base knowledge of an organisation and the proactive next phase is to manage engagement to these based on a stakeholders matrix of interest, influence and impact to your critical operations and contracts.

Lo más recomendable para la gestión del alcance es controlar manteniendo conversaciones con el equipo responsable de la ejecución acerca del avance y de posibles bloqueos o cuellos de botella que se puedan dar en el día a día. Sí se pueden anticipar, genial, pero si no se pueden anticipar al menos ser capaces de actuar de forma ágil para resolverlos. Un management cercano ayuda al equipo a poder mantener conversaciones complicadas y al mismo tiempo cercana.

Ser cercano y sincero, honesto en los comentarios. No dar expectativas irreales y que no se puedan cumplir y al mismo tiempo establecer objetivos que ayuden y aportando las herramientas adecuadas que fortalezcan las determinadas skills por trabajar de los diferentes integrantes del equipo.

Regular check-ins through meetings and status updates are crucial for ensuring alignment and addressing challenges during engagements. These touchpoints provide an opportunity to track progress, clarify expectations, and adjust strategies as needed. By maintaining open communication, team members stay informed and aligned on goals, while any issues or roadblocks can be identified early and resolved promptly. These check-ins also foster collaboration, keeping everyone accountable and focused on shared objectives, ensuring smoother execution and better overall outcomes.

Key tools for engagement in management include; project management, ERM , CRM & for sure communication tools (such as messaging platforms and project management software), performance management tools (like goal-setting software and employee evaluation tools), employee recognition tools (such as peer-to-peer recognition platforms and rewards systems), collaboration tools (including shared document platforms and virtual whiteboards), feedback tools (like surveys and performance reviews software), and training and development tools (such as learning management systems and online courses). By employing these tools effectively, leaders can motivate their teams, enhance collaboration, and drive performance towards achieving organizational goals.