Beyond Deadlines

?? Ever wish you could simplify complex tasks in construction management? Whether you're dealing with project delays or learning new tools like Power BI, prompts can help you tackle these challenges head-on. I've put together 5 practical prompts that can guide you through key tasks like comparing schedules, implementing new processes, and more. No experience needed—just a willingness to try something new. Check out the carousel to see how these prompts can make your job easier. For more tactics and strategies subscribe to the YouTube channel https://lnkd.in/gvT-sNQm

Construction planners and schedulers have so many career options. What roles am I missing? Thank you to everyone who contributed to the first revision. ?? Repost this image to help someone find their next role. Subscribe to the Beyond Deadlines podcast https://lnkd.in/ernzi6cD

8 examples of Global changes I've made in Primavera P6. 1. Updating Activity Codes If you need to reclassify a set of activities from one category to another, use global changes to update the activity codes across the project. For example, if several activities originally classified under "Design" need to be moved to "Engineering," you can create a global change to modify the activity code from "D" to "E" for all relevant activities. 2. Adjusting Resource Rates When resource rates are updated, use global changes to adjust the hourly rates for resources across multiple projects. For instance, if labor costs increase from $50 to $55 per hour, a global change can be applied to update the rates for all labor resources, ensuring accurate cost forecasting. 3. Modifying Calendar Assignments If a new working calendar is implemented, you can apply global changes to reassign activities to the new calendar. For example, if a new "Summer Work Hours" calendar is introduced, activities previously assigned to the "Standard Hours" calendar can be updated in bulk to reflect the new schedule. 4. Standardizing Activity Names To ensure consistency in activity naming conventions, use global changes to standardize activity names. For example, if activities related to "Quality Control" are named inconsistently, a global change can be set up to rename all these activities to a standard format such as "QC - [Activity Description]." 5. Updating Baseline Start Dates When project schedules shift, baseline start dates need to be adjusted to reflect new timelines. Global changes can update baseline start dates for all affected activities, such as moving baseline start dates forward by two weeks due to project delays. 6. Reassigning Resources If resource assignments need to be shifted due to changes in project staffing, global changes can reassign resources efficiently. For example, if a team member leaves and their tasks need to be reassigned, a global change can reassign all their activities to a new team member. 7. Changing Activity Durations To adjust activity durations based on updated estimates, use global changes to modify the durations for multiple activities simultaneously. For instance, if a new method reduces the time required for certain tasks, a global change can shorten the durations for all relevant activities. 8. Revising Constraint Dates When project constraints are modified, global changes can revise constraint dates for activities. For example, if a project's finish date is extended by a month, a global change can adjust the "Finish On" constraint dates for all milestone activities to align with the new project timeline. 9. Resolving the problems you caused with global changes. With great power comes great responsibility. Test your global change in a safe environment before implementing it. Subscribe to the Beyond Deadlines podcast https://lnkd.in/ernzi6cD

The best scheduling specifications are made with empathy. Let me explain. If you were going to build a highly complex schedule. Would you rather… Have a 63 page document explaining everything that you need to do? Or A bunch of templates showing you exactly what needs to be done? Here are 5 specific tips; 1. How can you make these more engaging to consume? Graphics, video, conversational language. 2. Is there a better way to set up the reader for success? Prepare template schedules with requirements to assist the user or resource loader in estimating the number of people needed. 3. Can you better explain the “Why?” and align on the goals thus eliminating much of the micro? Need specific installation details to improve future projects. 4. In parallel to writing the specification, is there? a way to set up automation for checking compliance? 5. Would it be possible to future-proof your specification to prevent the constant churn of updates? Subscribe to the Beyond Deadlines podcast https://lnkd.in/ernzi6cD

What can you do to change people's minds about this? Whenever I've encountered this, the projects haven't been delivered on time. Change can only be achieved by convincing people to do it differently. This is one way that has worked for me. I like to explain that 20% of $500 million is $100 million. And that 20% of 15 months is 3 months. Instead of using an exact date for that last critical project milestone. We should try using a range similar to cost estimating. What else has worked in your experience? Subscribe to the Beyond Deadlines podcast https://lnkd.in/ernzi6cD

My life drastically changed as soon as I accepted this: Real work is what matters. Fake work is a trickster. Real work takes you closer to your goals. Fake work, on the other hand, just feels good in the moment. It tricks you into thinking you're productive. But at the end of the day, you wonder where the time went??. Here are clear examples of fake work: ? Aimlessly following logic paths in your schedule - It feels like progress, but it's not. ? Constantly checking email - You think you might miss something important, but it's just a distraction. ? Instantly responding to any coworker's request - It seems helpful, but it derails your focus. ? Fiddling with the format of a report only three people read - It feels productive, but it's a waste of time. ? Dream searching for other jobs on LinkedIn without applying - It feels like planning, but it's just procrastination. Real work is harder. It takes effort and focus. For example, figuring out the root cause of common delays on a construction project. Fixing these problems programmatically. Putting solutions in place to prevent them from happening again. The tricky part is that the difference between real work and fake work is nuanced. Sometimes, responding to that chat or email is important. The key is to align your tasks with your goals. Here are strategies that have helped me: ? Have a vision of where you are heading and why. ? Do you want to be a Project Controls Manager? Work at a top 10 company? Start your own consultancy? ? Set goals that chip away at that vision. ? Gain experience in cost controls, update your resume, gain experience in sales. ? Find value in your current tasks that align with your goal. ? If you want to learn basic coding to improve your data analytics, work on building an automation for a report. ? Your goals don't have to be 100% manager or company approved. ? If your company doesn’t offer opportunities, find them yourself. ? Measure what matters. ? The urgent will always steal from the important. Use time blocking, weekly reviews, or daily streaks to track your progress. Remember, you often have more control over these decisions than you think. Focus on what truly matters. Real work. You've got this. ?? Repost this to help someone else focus on real work. Subscribe to the Beyond Deadlines podcast https://lnkd.in/ernzi6cD

Expect your project to be late if you have zero total float. It is impossible for everything to go according to plan 100% of the time. Due to optimism bias there will be error caused by... ?? Underestimating Task Durations - One of the primary impacts of optimism bias is the tendency to underestimate the time required to complete tasks or activities. This can lead to overly ambitious and unrealistic schedules that do not account for potential risks, delays, or complexities that may arise during construction. ?? Overlooking Risks and Contingencies - Optimism bias can cause planners and schedulers to overlook or downplay potential risks and uncertainties associated with construction projects. This can result in schedules that do not incorporate adequate contingencies or buffers, leaving projects vulnerable to delays and cost overruns when unforeseen events occur. ?? Ignoring Historical Data - Optimism bias can lead to a disregard for historical data and lessons learned from previous projects. Instead of leveraging empirical evidence and industry benchmarks, planners may rely too heavily on overly optimistic assumptions, resulting in schedules that do not align with realistic expectations. ?? Inadequate Resource Allocation - Optimistic schedules may fail to account for resource constraints, such as skilled labor availability, material shortages, or equipment limitations. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and potential bottlenecks during project execution. ?? Not signing up to the Beyond Deadlines Podcast https://lnkd.in/gRfGSZwa - Stay ahead of the curve with expert insights, tips, and strategies for effective construction planning and scheduling. Don't let optimism bias derail your projects. Sign up now to gain valuable knowledge and keep your projects on track!

Is your digital workspace working for you—or against you? Files scattered across platforms. Emails buried in threads. Tasks falling through the cracks. Sound familiar? This week on the Beyond Deadlines, we’re diving into digital organization with expert Shawn Lemon. Together, we explore: → How to build a streamlined digital workspace. → Tools and techniques to eliminate clutter. → The power of organizing your digital life for real-world impact. Digital transformation starts with the right systems—and the discipline to use them well. Ready to declutter and take control? Listen now to discover actionable insights that will help how you manage your digital world. https://lnkd.in/g6FDKGSu

Ever felt like you're speaking a different language when presenting risk assessments to your project manager? You’re not alone. In the heat of project deadlines, the warnings from risk assessments often fall on deaf ears. But fast forward a year, and suddenly, it’s: "How could we have missed this?" If only they listened to the 90% chance of delay you flagged a year ago, right? Here's how to convince your Project Manager that your risk assessments matter: 1?? Gather the data and reports – Don’t just talk probabilities. Show the history, the trends, the supporting documents. 2?? Explain the method and outcomes – Break it down clearly. Make sure they understand why the assessment is accurate and the consequences of ignoring it. 3?? Keep repeating and updating – Risk is dynamic. Show that you’re actively tracking it and keeping them informed as things evolve. 4?? Use visuals and scenarios – Sometimes a chart or forecast gets the message across better than words. Show what happens if risks aren’t mitigated. 5?? Don’t get discouraged – They might resist at first, but persistence pays off. When the delays hit, they'll remember who called it. In the end, it's not just about being right — it's about protecting the project. ? Repost so all planners and schedulers out there should feel confident sharing their findings. Subscribe to the Beyond Deadlines podcast https://lnkd.in/ernzi6cD

???There are only 5 ways to make more money in construction planning and scheduling: 1?? Start your own consultancy. 2?? Get a raise. 3?? Get a promotion. 4?? Find a new job. 5?? Create your own software. Last week on?Beyond Deadlines, we tackled #1 with Diane from CPM Schedule Solutions LLC Solutions. Starting your own consultancy is a dream for many schedulers. But how do you turn that dream into a reality? Diane shared actionable advice that any scheduling professional can use to take the leap: ?? Niche down: Define the specific problem you want to solve and for whom. ?? Leverage relationships: Your first client is often someone who already knows and trusts your work. ?? Deliver exceptional value: Build relationships through stellar performance, not just marketing. Her #1 advice? Focus on what you enjoy. When you align your work with your strengths and passions, you’re not just building a business—you’re building a sustainable future. Want to hear more about Diane's story? Listen to the full episode here https://lnkd.in/gNZPtbSA ???Have you ever considered starting your own consultancy?