We need to maintain a healthy skepticism of AI, especially in the project controls world. Trying to apply it to everything removes a key human element and the ability to cross check, both things critical to success in project controls. Let’s dive into specific reasons to be an AI skeptic: incorrect definitions of what AI is and is not; how these tools interpret inputs; and data hallucination.
Read MoreAnyone who utilizes large amounts of data and needs to merge, simplify, and transform data to analyze (and do it all again the following month) can benefit from using power queries. If you work in project controls, project management, finance, research or are just a general Excel user, power queries are for you.
Read MoreAs a consultant much of my career has been in the corporate and government sector. I’ve seen and worked with managers that cover the entire spectrum of effective to damaging, and I believe the difference lies in an understanding of what makes a “boss” vs. what makes a “leader.”
Read MoreWhile scuba diving may seem worlds away from the desk of a project controls analyst, the two aren’t that different in many aspects. Manny and Pamela’s underwater expertise has informed the way MRC approaches training and mentorship at the consultancy. Here they share how project controls and scuba mirror each other in three key areas: training, preparing for a new project, and ongoing project controls work.
Read MoreEmpowered individuals on a team who are excited to do the work create a strong team. Counterintuitively, you strengthen the whole unit by focusing on the singular. As always, the most important tip for both empowering individuals and building a strong team is communication. Communicate well, and often.
Read MoreConsultants in a variety of industries often work in an “agency” type setting, where the business overall has multiple clients, but individual consultants only work on a few (or single) accounts. In addition to the main account contact a client may be in communication with the agency owner or another senior leader depending on the size of the agency. Typically, a client contracting the services of a consultant or agency doesn’t have-or expect-access to the entire team. Agency Consultants aren’t expected to know the ins and outs of every client the firm serves. When you work with Manta Ray Consulting things are a bit different.
Read MoreNo matter the background they came from, folks in the project controls world are usually known for being analytical, quick on their feet, and right at home in overwhelming amounts of numbers. You might picture someone with a headset, hard at work in front of an intimidating desktop set up, completely tuning out the world and parsing through the data. Sometimes project controls work does look like that! However, those who excel in the industry also have strong soft skills and don’t see data and people skills as being at odds. Both are critical – and holding space for both can take some practice.
Read MoreMoving from rigid job descriptions and ideas of what makes a “role” for an employee can open you to a wealth of opportunity. Being willing to flex and adapt positions to your employees’ passions will present more opportunities for creative thinking and innovation. Consider people over jobs and you’ll build a stronger, more enthusiastic team.
Read More
