The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence A Lean Approach to Improving Project Results

Introduction
Origin of the Term 'Project'
Project Management as a Career Choice
Current State of Project Management
Do Failed Projects = Failed Project Managers?
Criticality of 12 Pillars to Future of Project Leadership
Use of Force Field Analysis11 in the '12 Pillars of Project Excellence'
How can Executives Maximize Profits from Projects
How will Project leaders learn the Art of Mastering the Fundamentals of Project Leadership?
12 Simple Steps to Maximize Benefit from the 12 Pillars
Setting the Right Expectations for This Book
Transformative Power of the 12 Pillars
Please Note: 12 Pillars follows the 'Tao of Simplicity'
Tips for Using the Accompanying CD

Chapter I:
Introduction
Project Manager vs. Project Leader
Five Powers of Project Leaders
     Power of Delegation
     Power of Dynamic Leadership
     Power of Visualization
     Power of Lean Thinking
     Power of Humility
Pillar I:
Summary
Case Study
Force Field Analysis
Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis
Exercises
References

Chapter II:
Introduction
Factors for project failure
Project Organization Structure
Project Types
Elements of the Project Organization Structure
Responsibility Assignment Matrix
Pillar II:
Summary
Case Study
Force Field Analysis
Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment
Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment
Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis
Exercises
|Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
References

Chapter III:
Introduction
     Delight the Customers
     How can a project vision statement be used to delight your customer?
Project vision Statement
     Definition 
     Explanation
     Example
     Why is a project vision statement important?
     How is a project vision statement created?
Steps to Create a Project vision Statement
     Create a Project Vision Committee
     Review the Charter
     Interview Key Stakeholders
     Identify the Priority Areas of Focus
     Create Initial Project Vision Statement
     Brainstorm for the Final Project Vision Statement
     Create a Final Powerful Project Vision Statement
The Goal of Creating a Project Vision Statement
     Setting higher standards versus 'Gold-Plating'
     A Permanent Project vision Statement of Project Leaders
Pillar III:
Summary
Case Study
Force Field Analysis
Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment
Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment
Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis
Exercises
Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
References

Chapter IV
Introduction
     Why projects fail?
Ambiguous Requirements
     Importance of Gathering Accurate Requirements
     Avoiding the Pitfalls of Ambiguous Requirements
Project Charter: Setting the Longitude and Latitude for a Project
Difference between a Charter and a Vision statement
Does creating a Vision Statement and a Charter Guarantee Project Success?
Developing a Project Charter
     Contents in the project charter
Good Charter Vs. Great Charter
     Complete Buy-in from all Stakeholders
     Signature from Key Stakeholders on the Charter
Difference between use of a Charter by a Project Manager versus a Project Leader
Pillar IV:
Summary
Case Study
Force Field Analysis
Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment
Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment
Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis
Exercises
Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
References

Chapter V:
Introduction
Why is communication so important?
Why is being an Excellent Communicator Critical?
Why is being an Excellent Communicator Critical to a Project Leader?
Mastering the Art of Excellent Communications 
Seven Ingredients to master the art of communication
Diffuse the passion

Pillar V:
Summary
Case Study
Force Field Analysis
Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment
Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment
Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis 
Exercises
Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
References

Chapter VI:
Introduction
     Lean technology - Simplifying the project
     What is a Lean Technology?
The fundamental principles of Lean
Lean thinking in projects
     Identify and Improve Value Added activities
     Identify and Reduce Necessary Non-Value Added (NNVA) Activities
     Eliminate or Reduce Non-value Added Activities and Eliminate Waste
A Classic Example of Lean
Pillar VI:
Summary
Case Study
Force Field Analysis
Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment
Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment
Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis 
Exercises
Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
References　

Chapter VII:
Introduction
     Reasons for waste
     Meetings- Sources for waste
The Lean Approach to Meetings
Components of a project meeting
     Input
     Tools and Techniques
     Output (Results)
Steps to Eliminate Waste in Meetings
     Step 1: Identify and eliminate non-value added meetings
     Step 2: Minimize/Eliminate non-value added time
Determination of Productive Meetings
Non-value added time in Complex projects
The Right Approach to Calculate the Project ROI using meeting costs
     ROI Calculations without considering Meeting Costs
     ROI Calculations considering Meeting Costs
     ROI Calculations considering meeting costs but reducing # of Meetings by 50%
Pillar VII:
Summary
Case Study
Force Field Analysis
Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment
Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment
Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis 
Exercises
Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
References　

Chapter VIII:
Introduction
Risk Management
Dynamic Risk Leadership
Methodology
Create a risk assessment team
Develop an assessment strategy
Establish clear threat response plan
Unknown risks
Pillar VIII:
Summary
Case Study
Force Field Analysis
Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment
Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment
Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis 
Exercises
Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
References　

Chapter IX:
Introduction
What is Information?
What is Data?
Why is timely availability of data critical?
Data Availability through the Ages
Age of Information Overload or Age of Too Much Information (TMI)
A Dynamic Data management Plan
Steps to Designing a Dynamic Data Management Plan
     Analysis of Project Data Requirements 
     Selection of Appropriate Data Type and Sources
     Appropriate Data Storage, Security, Retrieval and Distribution
Why is Dynamic Data Management Critical for the Future Success of Project Leaders?
Pillar IX:
Summary
Case Study
Force Field Analysis
Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment
Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment
Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis 
Exercises
Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
References　

Chapter X:
Introduction
What is a Failure?
The Difference between a Task Failure and a Project Failure
What do 'Success' and 'Failure' mean to a Project Manager
What do 'Success' and 'Failure' mean to a Project Leader
The Three Modes of Project Failure 
     System Level failure 
     Process Level failure 
     Human Level failure
Approach to Investigate and Address Project Failures
     A Reactive analysis using the "Who" approach with primary focus on human level mode of failure
     A Proactive analysis using the "Why" approach with a focus on system and process level modes of failure
Pillar X:
Summary
Case Study
Force Field Analysis
Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment
Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment
Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis 
Exercises
Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
References　

Chapter XI
Introduction
The impact of stress- A personal experience
What causes stress?
Ambiguous Requirements
Poor or inadequate project planning
Lack of emphasis on understanding Individuals on the Project Team
Impact of stress – an anecdote
     Introduction
     Experiment
     Observation
     Results
     Lessons Learned
Stress and Human function curve
Project managers- A ‘one size fits all' approach
Project leaders- An 'enlightened' approach
The formula for success
Pillar XI:
Summary
Case Study
Force Field Analysis
Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment
Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment
Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis 
Exercises
Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
References　

Chapter XII:
Introduction
Valuing Our True Appreciating Assets
People: The real appreciating assets
The Pinnacle House of Project Excellence
The Unique Philosophy - Dealing with Tough Economic Times
     Strengthen the Foundation
     Low tide exposes all sharp edges
Create Leaders and Leave a legacy
Reward Consistency of Excellence

Pillar XII:
Summary
Case Study
Force Field Analysis
Force Field Analysis of Organizational Assessment
Force Field Analysis of Self-Assessment
Recommendations for Optimal Results from Force Field Analysis 
Exercises
Organizational Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
Personal Level Skill-Set Enhancement Exercises
References　
Summary

Summary of 12 Pillars
Conclusion
Five Simple Steps to 'Now, Go Do It' 
     Know the Purpose-Pursue it!
     Winning is Habit - Cultivate it!
     There will be Resistance -Face It! 
     Passion is a Requirement - Show it! 
     Sky is the Limit - Reach for it!

Conclusion:
Summary
References
Appendix

Biography

Adil Dalal is the CEO of Pinnacle Process Solutions International^®. Mr. Dalal is a keynote speaker, author and an internationally recognized expert and thought leader in project leadership and Lean/Advanced Flow Technology. He is well known for pioneering several key advances in project leadership and in Lean, including Lean Project leadership™, iLean^® technology, Holistic Model (Lean + iLean)® and lean4kids^®. Mr. Dalal’s mission is to focus on enhancing the value of the appreciating assets and optimizing the human potential in addition to developing the necessary technical skills for ensuring the long term success of individuals and corporations.

Mr. Dalal holds several degrees: a MS in Engineering Management, a MS in Mechanical Engineering, and a BS in Automotive Engineering. Additionally, he holds numerous certifications, including a Certified Project Manager (PMP), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) and Certified Lean Bronze Professional (LBC). He is also a Certified Executive Coach.

Mr. Dalal has leveraged his expertise in Project Leadership and in Advanced Flow Technology to increase the performance of organizations around the world. His mastery has made Mr. Dalal a sought after strategic business partner and executive coach as he continues to drive excellence by implementing strategies for growth and long-term success.

Adil Dalal can be contacted by e-mail at [email protected].

... a highly pragmatic guide to project management. In this sense, it's an experience-based 'how to' book, not a collection of academic theories. Not only does the book provide the fundamental tools that leaders need to get better project results, it lays out the way of thinking that underpins success. Owing to this, the book represents a simple, manageable, actionable, repeatable, and teachable body of knowledge that everyone could benefit from.
—Mikel J. Harry, Ph.D., co-creator of Six Sigma, bestselling author, and consultant to the World's Top CEOs

... provides the most significant contribution for leaders to mitigate the project risks, assure sustainable growth and guarantee survival in a　global economic scenario full of uncertainties.
—Carlos Alberto Briganti, managing director of power systems research, South America & associated partner of MB Consultants

... one of the best books I have ever read on the project leadership. The book has extraordinary concepts on leading a project, which are unique and exceptional. This book reveals the facts behind project failures and the approaches to overcome those failures by leading all projects to a successful close. I highly recommend this book for all project managers and executives who are serious about building successful project leaders in their organization.
—John Salazar, CIO Department of Work Force Solutions, State of New Mexico and former CIO of the Department of Taxation and Revenue Department, State of New Mexico

... a thought-provoking book which will accelerate an intrinsic cultural change within your business operations. This book bridges the worlds of academia and business ventures. It provides step-by-step guidance in managing programs and projects that will result in your overall business success! Leading successful innovations always comes with inherent risks and obstacles. In my 30+ years experience in Defense, Space and Academia I have observed that several great opportunities fail due to lack of proper tools and processes. Following the steps outlined in The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence will not only allow program and project leaders to overcome these challenges but also provide managers and leaders checks and balances for total business transformation. I am confident that The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence is a comprehensive guide that will assist any business leader within an organization to consistently achieve excellent business results! A Must Buy - get it Now!
—Billy Billimoria, director, customer applications, BAE Systems; program director, Lockheed Martin; manager, Hughes Aircraft; project engineer, Space Shuttle and Support Equipment Design

Buy this book! Your business is dead in the water with unfinished projects… they’re like cinderblocks tied to your feet. The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence breathes life back into your project teams. It motivates them to think BIG and then actually DELIVER. Great book, great methodology.
—Karl Wadensten, president, VIBCO Vibrators and host of the radio talk show 'The Lean Nation' on 790AM-WPRV

... a true innovation in leadership and human-side of project management. This book provides some simple yet extraordinary tools to help project managers and organizations understand and transform their culture. I highly recommend this book to individuals who wish to be excellent leaders, organizations who wish to consistently run profitable projects and universities who wish to developed future leaders and executives. I strongly recommend this book as the 'must-read and apply' for anyone desiring growth and profits through perfection in leadership and project excellence.
—Professor Dr. Vijay Mahajan, John P. Harbin Centennial Chair, McCombs School of Business, University of Texas, Austin; Associate Dean of Research, Graduate School of Business, University of Texas, Austin (1991-94); & Dean of the Indian School of Business (ISB) (2002-04)

U.SA. has lost its leadership in manufacturing to other countries because we did not heed our own words to make quality in projects the top priority, especially when we design and manufacture product. 　The innovative approach laid out by Adil Dalal in his book The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence, which pioneers combining Lean concepts with project management, and focusing on human assets to achieve excellence, takes project leadership to its ultimate pinnacle and will result in Six Sigma type results or 'zero failures' on all projects. I strongly urge all executives aspiring for top quality in manufacturing, software, service or other projects, to make The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence a mandatory workbook for all levels within their respective organizations.
—Manny Chavez, President & CEO, Aristos Technologies, Inc.; Former Pres/CEO of Harvard Technologies

The uniqueness of Dalal’s book, The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence, is integrating lean, strategic, and behavioral thinking into project management, so it’s a book on leadership, emphasizing projects. Once you are familiar with the tools and techniques of modern project management, this is the book to get, and to digest. And as Dalal notes, as a leader you need to practice new habits of thinking and leadership; otherwise, no book will be of much help.
—Robert W. "Doc" Hall, Author of Zero Inventories and Compression; One of the first examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, Recipient of AME's and SME's lifetime achievement awards, & Editor Emeritus of AME's Target Magazine

... a very inspiring text of learning. Adil covers the span of the project management body of knowledge and leadership attributes that one can learn and directly apply to enhance their project management skills. This is formatted with an easy to read, easy to follow array of critical points of learning followed up with an excellence array of case studies and exercises that will give the reader reinforcement of their understanding. This is a must read from the novice to the skilled project leader.
—Dewey Butts III, CQPA, CQA, CQE, CMQ/OE, Continuous Improvement, Sr. Lean Six Sigma MBB, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, York, Pennsylvania, USA

... systematic coverage of project management and project leadership based on practical nuggets of over 300 successful projects by Adil Dalal. The book is comprehensive, simple and has a best practice focus. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is serious in achieving success with their projects.
—Manu K. Vora, Ph.D., MBA, ASQ CQE & Fellow, Chairman and President, Business Excellence, Inc., Recipient of US President's Call to Service Award, 2011

In my career as a professor, a manager, and a consultant, I have observed scores of leaders over the past 40 years. Adil is among the best. I observed him leading a group of professionals, all volunteers, tasked with turning around the fortunes of an organization that has been declining for years. Adil is an excellent leader: patient but firm, flexible but always headed in the direction of his vision. His humility left me unprepared for the outstanding quality of The 12 Pillars. It is a must read for anyone who aspires to improve as a leader. While the book is specifically directed to project leadership, it generalizes to all types of leadership. It was so well conceived and well written that I could not put it down.

Once when Dr. Deming was asked why particular stories were included in his book Out of the Crisis, he told the audience in his most emphatic voice 'Because I was there!'. Based on my personal experience of having attended several seminars conducted by Dr. Deming I can say that Adil, like Dr. Deming, shares some great stories in his book, because Adil was also there!'. The analysis in Adil’s book is all the more powerful because it forms the basis of his successful leadership of over 300 projects. It is a book with lots of theory backed by Adil’s 15 years of experience as a successful leader. I strongly suggest you read it.
—Brooks Carder, PhD, Author of Measurement Matters: How Effective Assessment Drives Business and Safety Performance, & Consultant to World’s largest corporations including: ExxonMobil, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Abbott Laboratories, IBM, Intel, Bayer, & Monsanto

Having worked in project ‘management’ for years and seeing the carnage of leaders who have tried to do the right thing, Dalal's book, The 12 Pillars of Project Excellence, truly summarizes the anatomy of the project ‘leadership’ process. He then helps the reader to functionally address the issues to enable success. This innovative book is written to enable people at all levels to successfully effect project leadership. If you are serious about achieving results in your organizational teams, either as a leader, an interactive member, or as a sponsor; then Dalal's 12 Pillars of Project Excellence book will help you meet that objective. Many thanks to Adil for making this resource available to us all.
—Jd Marhevko, ASQ Fellow, CMQ/OE, CQE, MBB, Chair ASQ-QMD, Principal, JQLC Inc.

... Adil F. Dalal offers his years of experience to those willing to invest time and openness to Lean project management methodology. The book not only provides guidance to those individuals desiring to move their project careers from managerial roles to a leadership level, but also serves as a guide, with specific tools and techniques, for organizations looking for fresh ideas from Lean project management methodology. ... not only very readable, but also inspirational. ... Dalal provides both global and tactical advice related to project leadership and Lean project management. The book serves the dual role as "mentor in a book" for the individual and as "consultant in a book" for the organization.
—Michele Muse, PMP, in PM World Journal, Vol. I, Issue III – October 2012