In this episode, Val and Dale interview Ali Maffey about project management and the importance of lean thinking. They discuss the challenges of project planning, the role of technology in project management, and the complexity of project management tools. They also delve into the difference between identifying threats and shortening programs, the flaws of long-term planning, and the benefits of small projects. The conversation concludes with final thoughts and anecdotes from Ali.

Takeaways

• Lean thinking is crucial in project management as it focuses on eliminating waste and improving efficiency.
• Project planning can be challenging, especially when it comes to long-term planning and forecasting risks in novel projects.
• Technology plays a significant role in project management, but it can also add complexity and hinder progress if not used effectively.
• Identifying bottlenecks and addressing them is essential for successful project execution.
• Improving project management requires a collective effort from all project professionals, and a focus on collaboration and breaking down silos.

Ali started on-site as an engineer in Terminal 4 in 1980. He worked his way up to the project management role and, after two projects, decided how projects worked wasn’t for me. Nothing seemed to work and felt that it wasn’t intellectually engaging. It was all chasing sub-contractors and engaging in energy-sapping toxic behaviours such as blaming and defensive reasoning.

Ali started with implementing TQM before Lean Thinking. He helped Eli Goldratt with his first trial of Critical Chain. We met Gelen Ballard soon after his Last Planner paper was published. He tested out ideas from Semco and Riccardo Semler, setting up self-managing front-line teams on major projects.

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