Little did I know that a decision I needed to make in 1992 would have a huge impact for me over the next quarter century. As chair for an internal project management conference at Hewlett-Packard Company, I had reviewers’ inputs for proposed papers submitted by practicing project managers. One paper in particular was on the borderline—it came from a Spanish author whose English was clearly not his native language and reviewers gave it marginal scores. I sensed there was something valuable in the content and so accepted the paper to be presented. The author, Alfonso Bucero, went on to work hard on his presentation and writing skills and managed to consistently share his passion, persistence, and patience about the project management profession. He also became a customer, client, and colleague for the HP Project Management Initiative, where I worked at the time. Now, I claim Alfonso as co-author, co-facilitator, and best friend.
When editing chapters for Creating the Project Office: A Manager’s Guide to Leading Organizational Change, Dr. Robert J. Graham and I pondered what made Alfonso’s chapter, “Implementing the Project Office: Case Study,” so valuable. Was there one thing he did that constituted success for the Spanish project office he implemented? No. What he did was practice passion, persistence, and patience. His examples amply illustrated how these traits guided him to address real-life challenges and opportunities.
Having worked with Alfonso now for many years, I believe I have come to know the man and his works. However, every time I read one of his books or blogs, I learn something new. This is a remarkable skill—continuously learning innovative ideas and practices and articulating why and how to implement them through the stories he tells. This book about his 3P’s is no exception.
Values that Alfonso and I share in common is that all leaders need to create healthy environments for people to consistently and sustainably achieve project success; sponsors can do a better job of guiding and supporting project teams; and project managers can expand their people skills. An organic approach to project management means people adapt effective concepts from nature to make organizations more project-friendly, leading to greater value-added and economic results. All this comes together when project managers become more complete through adopting, adapting, and applying skills from multiple disciplines.
Alfonso’s thought leadership, educational offerings, and writings are timeless contributions, providing lessons that enhance and carry others throughout their careers. His works withstand the test of time, and his message keeps evolving about environments, competencies, and attributes required to meet the dynamic needs and direction of the future of project management. He presents, consults, coaches, and mentors project managers and executives, focusing on people skills and creating environments for successful projects. He especially focuses on a positive attitude as a huge factor in personal effectiveness. Yes, today is a good day and tomorrow will be better when the lessons shared by Alfonso are firmly rooted in everyday actions.
His books and seminars continue to delight readers and audiences by providing a systematic, energetic, and inclusive focus on the set of skills and attitude needed for success when managing today’s projects. The message is powerful and clearly articulated. It applies to emerging and experienced project managers alike. As you read this book and apply its principles, I believe you will be inspired to broaden and deepen your skills to the point of achieving more project success more of the time.
I thank Alfonso for letting me share my comments and provide my points of view on the subject. Believe me, he has written a precious book. I wish your reading to be as useful and inspiring to you as it is for me. I encourage you to put the thoughts into action; reap the benefits derived from personal effectiveness and move forward to improve project management in every aspect of your life.
Randall L. Englund, Executive Consultant
October 2018
Englund Project Management Consultancy
St. George, Utah, USA
www.englundpmc.com