About this Video

• Video Title: Flow for Project Managers | Episode 451
• Channel: CorneliusFichtner
• Speakers: Cornelius Fichtner, Andrew Colman
• Duration: 00:37:16

Introduction

This episode of the PM podcast introduces "Flow," a methodology to align project teams and boost productivity. The host interviews Andrew Colman, co-author of "Flow: Get Everyone Moving in the Right Direction and Loving It," to explore practical applications of this concept in project management.

Key Takeaways

• Flow State: Defined as a state of complete absorption in an activity, resulting in heightened focus, energy, and enjoyment. The interview emphasizes how achieving this state, individually and as a team, significantly improves project outcomes.
• Flow Friction Analysis: A tool to identify and address project obstacles (Anarchy, Anxiety, Confusion, Chaos, and Division) stemming from unclear vision, wrong personnel, inadequate definitions, inability to deliver, and lack of drive. It helps pinpoint the root cause of project issues and strategize solutions.
• Flow's Applicability to Agile: The Flow methodology aligns with the Agile Manifesto's principles and values and can significantly enhance Agile team productivity, evidenced by a 300% productivity increase observed in one case study.
• Building Critical Mass: Strategies for building support for Flow within organizations involve managing stakeholders (identifying allies, neutrals, and opponents), clear communication, and achieving widespread agreement on project goals and definitions.
• Flow's Cultural Impact: Flow's effectiveness transcends business and national cultures, demonstrating success in diverse environments, from manufacturing and engineering to finance and telecoms. The key lies in adaptability and applying the right tools to overcome cultural headwinds.

The last 10 minutes of the video (approximately from 27:16 to 37:16) focus on several key aspects of the Flow methodology:

• Flow's impact across cultures: Andrew Colman discusses the successful application of Flow in various national and business cultures, emphasizing its adaptability and effectiveness regardless of organizational structure or geographical location. He cites examples from Finland, Singapore, and other regions.

• Advice for executives and business owners: Colman explains the significant return on investment (ROI) that organizations experience after adopting Flow, highlighting a case study where the implementation of Flow led to a substantial increase in project delivery and cost savings.

• Tips for project managers lacking organizational support: Colman provides guidance for project managers who want to use Flow but lack top-down support. He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating results, building credibility through successful project delivery, and using this success to advocate for broader adoption of the Flow methodology within the company.

• Sustaining momentum and continuous improvement: The discussion covers strategies for maintaining the positive effects of Flow within teams, emphasizing the role of coaching, continuous feedback, and keeping the team focused on the overall vision.

• Concluding remarks and call to action: The interview concludes with a summary of the book, "Flow: Get Everyone Moving in the Right Direction and Loving It," and a final encouragement to project managers to implement and embrace the Flow methodology.