[Update 22-Apr-2009 Links to the mind map file, free Mind Manager Viewer and same in pdf format added. Apparently IE can’t render the embedded viewer either. Kudos to Hans Henrik Krohn for pointing this out.]
This is the second part of a discussion on the secret life of issue lists in our project lifestyles.
In Part 1 I opened the discussion by looking at why issues are such slippery things to manage. I then got perspectives on managing issues from various colleagues who know a thing or two about them.
In this post I’ll see how some of the latest thinking in personal productivity intersects with issue management in projects.
Issue Management and GTD
I compared my colleagues’ perspectives on issue lists and issue management to some of the concepts outlined in the action management method "Getting Things Done” (GTD) developed by David Allen.
Basically this method rests on the principle that a person needs to move tasks out of their mind by recording them somewhere.
That way, the mind is freed from the job of remembering everything that needs to be done, and can concentrate on actually performing those tasks. Hmmm…sounds like the projects lifestyle to me…
Two things distinguish GTD from other time- or action-management systems.
GTD is not about prioritizing up front. It is about dealing with things as the come using a standard workflow.
Secondly GTD the idea of grouping tasks by the context (defined as a place or set of available resources) in which they are to be performed.
Really I wanted to see what would happen by applying GTD workflow to the project context and the issue process in particular.
Here is a MindMap I built to document the steps in the workflow. You can grab this file directly from the link and view using the free MindManager Viewer.
You will need to view this in IE or install the excellent IE Tab plugin for Firefox to view this embedded MindMap Viewer.
For the truly afflicted you can grab the mind map as a pdf file.
Built by Mindjet LLC
The biggest thing really is the concept of collecting issues out of the minds of project team members and users and getting them recorded.
Issues running around in the wild are the dangerous ones.
Once you capture them, you can tame and manage them.
So doing, you exercise a lot more control over the unknowns in your project.
In the next and final post I will examine how better management of issues may have an overall impact on project outcomes by referring to Tipping Point theory.
Comments (3)
Hello, this sounds very interesting; I'd dearly like to know more about systems meant to facilitate getting issues described and dealt with. My own current system is a series of wordpad documents; not very much, but better than the Remedy based push-things-around system being "used" (in quotes) by my co-workers.
Unfortunately I cannot see the MindMap you write about, Internet Explorer 8 denies installing the MjMmViewer.cab since it isn't digitally signed. Perhaps you could make the MindMap as a .png or (worse) a .pdf in stead?
Best regards,
Hans Henrik Krohn
[AS: Thanks for the heads up! I will update with a link to the mmap file and the viewer (so you can install it) and a pdf. GTD makes a point of being technology agnostic - its all about the workflow of capturing and cranking through your open issues - or open loops as Dave Allen calls them.]
Posted by Hans Henrik Krohn | April 22, 2009 12:36 AM
Posted on April 22, 2009 00:36
Hello Andrew,
Interesting topic, since are in the era of globalization of services.
Doing the things right can be sometimes a challenge.
We need to look at the valuestream and see where efficiency can be gained.
Warm regards,
Victor
Posted by Victor Chang | April 23, 2009 9:14 AM
Posted on April 23, 2009 09:14
Great article.
For implementing GTD you can use this web-based application:
http://www.Gtdagenda.com
You can use it to manage your goals, projects and tasks, set next actions and contexts, use checklists, schedules and a calendar.
A mobile version is available too.
Posted by Dan | May 20, 2009 12:14 PM
Posted on May 20, 2009 12:14