Keys To Running A Successful Project

By Eric Holtzclaw 
@echoltzclaw

Here are steps to running a great project :

1. Consider a Sailboat.

A good way to get clear on the vision for a new product is to conduct a "sailboat exercise."
First, visualize the goal for the product, which is represented in this exercise as an island. The island is where the team wants to direct the boat.
Next, determine what wind is in the boat's sails. The wind represents the resources at the team's disposal to make the journey towards the island successful. Knowing what resources are available is a confidence builder for the team.
Then, identify any anchors that will slow down the boat on its voyage. Anchors represent internal roadblocks, like office politics, procedures, or policies, which get in the way of the boat reaching its destination.
Finally, identify the icebergs that exist between port and the island that will sink the ship. Icebergs represent external roadblocks that will hurt the project.

2. Tell an Epic Story.

In the world of software development, an epic is defined as "a large user story that awaits decomposition into smaller stories prior to implementation."
An example of epics: if the team is developing a website for a trade conference, they identify the musts – a session list, resources on travel and location, and a sign up feature, for example. These features are an epic for the project.
To ensure success, the stakeholder must list out all the epics required for the project so the team has a high level summary of the features or functions. This list of epics is then prioritized, so they are tackled in order of importance.

3. Pick the Right Team and Let Them Focus.

Dedicate a team to take the project from inception to completion.
The team needs to be cross functional in nature, with team members encompassing all of the key skill sets necessary to build out the project or campaign.
Ideally, the team will be 100% focused solely on this project. In Geoff's experience, a focused team produces the best outcomes, and singular focus gives them the ability to respond to feedback more effectively than if team members have additional responsibilities outside the project.

4. Ready, Set, Sprint.

The team understands the ultimate destination for the project, but what can it get done now? What can it get done in the next two weeks?
The duration of the sprint is variable, but two-week increments have proven to be a good sweet spot for moving projects forward. This limited time period allows the team to see incremental success towards their goal while providing opportunity to pivot if they run into problems or determine a new course.

5. Ensure Constant Accountability.

Team members sign-up for what they believe they can get done during the sprint period and they are required to report their progress to the client or internal stakeholder every day.
This is best done through a consistent daily standup meeting, which lasts 15 minutes. At the meeting, each team member stands up and says what they accomplished in last 24 hours, what they'll do in next 24 hours, and what roadblocks are inhibiting their progress.
This continuous feedback loops creates total transparency and self-accountability.

6. Include User Feedback.

Geoff's final recommendation about running successful projects is to be diligent about getting user feedback . Iterations will only be as good as the feedback received from users and running user tests to improve the product is paramount.
Teams should continue iterations and improvement as long as the iterations move the needle in a positive direction. 

Credit: www.inc.com

Why Write or Blog? ( Lessons From #BlogCamp16)

                                  Photo credit: #BlogCamp16/ USEmbassyGhana 

Blogging is growing and becoming a part of the newest trends in today's Ghana. More and more people, especially the youth, are getting to understand the need to blog or share their experiences with a larger audience. Blog Camp by Blogging Ghana has been a great platform where bloggers and social media enthusiasts converge to learn and share ideas. I'm excited to share with you some exciting lessons from the event.

A blog can in simple terms be explained as a platform where an individual or a group share information for the benefit of a larger audience. If you are interested in having a blog, the first step is to sign on to either Blogger or WordPress. That will be your first launch into the writing world. Incase you have any difficulties, you can seek help from anyone or even on Google. Now, back to our lessons from #BlogCamp16. 


Create Your Space

Oftentimes, a lot of us feel the need to let our voice be heard yet find no place to pour it out. Blogging, creating a post, writing, are all best ways to let your voice be heard. Unlike traditional ways where we write and post letters and wait for months before we get a reply, blogging presents us with a better feedback. There are people who may want to be heard or related to in the way that we feel. When we write, we  are likely to get to these people, and in a way we provide them a sense of belonging. Writers and bloggers are able to share relevant messages with people who may need such content for various purposes. Your own blog or website becomes your own diary, notebook, workplace, anything, you name it, where you can channel across any message you have with the rest of the world. 

Be the Source

One blogger shared how her post on Environmental Activism became a resource for some media houses to fall upon at some point of their discussions. I thought that was might have felt good for this Blogger. The point is,  most information that writers share are factual and resonates a particular situation. Writing about experiences, history, politics, science, economics, and the many other topical issues can be a reference point for discussions and learning. Start writing about what you want the world to know which seem out of reach to them. You will be amazed at how your work may be useful to someone out there. I am a living proof of that. Time and time again, people email me and tell me how an article by me has really been of help to them. 

Brands and Content

A lot more brands in the world are in search of people who are creating relevant content on their websites and blogs. These brands are willing to pay huge sums monies in order to be associated with great content creators. A Typical example in Ghana is AmeyawDebra.com, which is making good money out of their blog because they have the content that brands want to associate with. A good content has more readership, is authentic, informative, and consistent in its publishing. It also has great layout and a catchy appeal to the eyes.

Connect with the world

One sure thing every Writer will tell you is that they love to get feedback. Most writers enjoy both the positive and negative criticisms that come from their readers. It is one way we learn to sharpen ourselves and be better writers. Blogging gives you the chance to build some connections that can last for a lifetime. It links people who share the same vision and dreams together. It also allows you to tell another person's story in a whole new twist, or even similar manner. Writers, Bloggers, Social media enthusiasts, are all connecting to the world in one way or the other. There is no better way to stay connected with people in the global village in which we find ourselves. 

That brings us to the end of yet another wonderful learning experience. I'm glad to have shared some of my experiences with you on the need to join the Writing Community. Do send me a feedback and I will be glad to reply.

Justica Anima
Adjeianima@gmail.com
Switstica.blogspot.com 

LOVE STORY: Out Of The World Romance

Nakie and Kwaku had been together since High School. Theirs was an inseparable tie which caused controversy all over campus. Anywhere there was Nakie, Kwaku was there and anywhere there was Kwaku, Nakie was visible. Infact, the two had grown so fond of eachother that they were almost looking like identical twins. Nakie would come and wait for Kwaku in front of his class during every break period, and the two will walk to the canteen together. She never allowed any girl to stare at her boyfriend without giving them a stern look as if to warn, "Don't even try to come near my man".

Lying in bed, Kwaku began reminiscing, it all began from somewhere. He loved Nakie so much that he never stopped to think of what might happen when faced with the void of her. They were always together and she... She did all that will please a man.  She cooked well, cleaned perfectly, pampered him, and was great at romance too; what more could a man ask for? Their University days were so full of undying memories. She would skip classes to be with him. They could travel for days to some of the most serene locations in town, just to have time of their own. No one came between them, not even a fly. It was as if Nakie was the only woman on earth that Kwaku could think about. They even shared some of the most craziest memories like making out in a car pack, and french kissing in the middle of the road(ofcourse not a busy road).

It all started when Nakie introduced her cousin, Lola, to him. The two shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. Lola was a fine looking dark-skinned lady with pink lips to die for. She had long, silky black hair and a nice slender body to match her features. She was not strikingly beautiful yet had a thing about her that won her many male suitors... her backside. She was additionally a good communicator with white teeth to compliment her frequent smiles. Nakie decided to leave the two to have a chat together while she rushed to the market to pick up a few stuff for lunch.

Noticing the absence of Nakie, Lola would stand up to go and check outside to see if there was a sign of anyone approaching the house. All this while, she would walk in a seductive manner, shaking her backside in order to get Kwaku's attention. On her last round of checking, Lola came to meet Kwaku's absence. She called and called but he was gone. She sat down to watch television, biting at her fingers for losing her prey. In her mind, she figured how good Kwaku would be in bed with the kind of body he had. The doors finally opened, and there was the couple coming through it. Lola asked stunned, "Where have you been Kwaku? How could you leave me alone to myself?". Nakie laughed a long laugh and responded, "He has been with his wife my dear, do you have a problem with that?".

Weeks later, Nakie was at the salon when her phone rang. It was Lola. She wanted to come visit her cousin. "Kwaku is in the house so you can come, my hair should be done in an hour", Nakie told Lola. The line went dead. At the other end, Lola quickly found something revealing to wear and rushed to Nakie's. The door bell rang. Kwaku hurriedly went to fetch the door, thinking it was his lover. As soon as he opened the door, he hugged and kissed the woman, as a gesture of surprise, only to surprise himself. It was Lola instead. He was so ashamed and tried to apologize. Lola held his lips and asked him not to. In a flash, she pushed him unto the sofa closest to the door and started kissing and caressing him. Kwaku reached for his phone amidst the smooching and and typed: GET HERE SOON. Before he could say a word, Lola unzipped his trousers and got on top of him. He did not resist for she looked yummy without her top on. Soon, they were devouring eachother and gasping for breath.

The door flanged open. Everything came to a standstill. There stood Nakie at the door with anger written all over her face. She screamed, "Lola get out of my house and never show your face again! And for your information, I am two months pregnant and we are getting married next month". Lola picked her top and run out of the house to escape the wrath of her angry cousin.

Nakie beckoned Kwaku in a seductive manner, "Come here bad boy, let's finish what you just started".

THE END.

Justica Anima
Adjeianima@gmail.com
Switstica.blogspot.com

If Nkrumah Were My Father: A Dedication to All Fathers

On the wake of father's day celebrations, it struck me whose child I was. My name? Hold on. I am a daughter of a great man. You may want to define greatness in your own terms, that is not my problem. I only hope that your definition falls within the criteria in which my dad represents. His name was Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah. And yes, I bear the Nkrumah name too. In a flash, I will tell you how growing up as an Nkrumah felt like. Let me first of all tell you a bit about my father before I set the ball rolling.

He was a brave man, an intellectual by all standards, talented and sacrificial. His love for the family and our mother was inexplicable. He lived on the notion of love and believed in a strong support system called family. I did not spend so much time with my dad but the least time we spent together were not boring at all. He was such a disciplinarian who will teach you that an applaud is better than a whip. It was exciting to learn from such a learned father. He taught us to love our skin and to be proud of our rich culture as Africans. He inspired every good idea in his children and encouraged learning outside the box. He carried the very sense of charisma which he infused into his leadership style as a father. You could never disobey his orders even though he never forced anyone to obey. He motivated us to be more for ourselves and for our country.

If Nkrumah were my father, all the white men at the time of the colonies would have been my frenemies. They would have been friends at the same time enemies. They would have visited my home a couple of times to negotiate deals with my father. They would have brought me candies and touched my cheeks to ask, "How are you little girl?". I would have given them the don't-patronize-me look and then walked away. Fathia Nkrumah would have been my mom. I would have listened to her talk about how sweet a husband my father was to her. Nkrumah, my dad, would have sent me on many travels and I would have gotten to know about diverse cultures and people. The many journeys would have been my learning grounds. I would have made many friends too. Growing up as a little Nkrumah would have been very interesting. I would have gotten to read great books written by him such as Africa must unite, I Speak of Freedom, Neo-colonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism, Class struggle in Africa.

My teacher and politician dad would have taught me my assignments, told me stories about leadership, and shared with me his adventures while studying and living abroad before returning to lead affairs in Ghana. I would have been the daughter of a great leader. Leadership genes would have been injected in me so much that I would have had no option than to lead the pack. I would be visionary and full of determination just like my father. I would have been courageous, not afraid to effect change around me. His inventive and innovative ideas would have been born in me. I know he would have been a traditional father: strict, unfriendly at times, demanding of respect rather than showing love, stiff, and everything in between. I would have woken up each day to meet his absence since work and nation building was always his sole priority.

My father would have always been away from home, from school functions, and from family gatherings. Yet outsiders would have had a feel of him more often than I would have had. Besides, he stood for God and country so I would have no cause to complain. Dad would be my admirer and confidant, I could have never lacked a day in my life because he would provide adequately for me. As the 'first daughter' of Ghana, folksmen would have treated me with love and respect. I would be fed even when I was not hungry, clothed when orphans needed it more than I did, and sheltered in the most luxurious bedroom fit for a princess. I would have attended schools that the rich kids attended. Under no circumstance would my father allow me to attend the normal public school that the ordinary Ghanaian child attended.

Every father's day, I would be preparing long speeches just to say all the good things I knew about my father while ignoring the bad ones. I would have painted portraits of my legend dad in every corner of my room so that anyone who came to visit will know about my affiliation to him. I cannot tell for now what I will genuinely feel for my dad; a mixture of love and dislike I guess. Love, because he raised my family name so high that it makes me walk around town shoulder-high. Dislike, because he was mostly not there when I needed him most and never brought me closer to my countrymen for reasons that he was betrayed by them. All the same, I would still bear the name Nkrumah. That would have been a legacy that I'd cherish all my life.

I take this time to pay homage to the first father of Ghana. I wish him and all fathers a Happy Father's Day. And to all fathers, may this season help you transform into great friends to your families. Anyway, I am not an Nkrumah. My biological father is nowhere near all his accolades and achievements. However, he too is a great personality and a traditional father just like Nkrumah would have been. We need more modern men in our society, one I define as available, understanding, supportive, protective, friendly and engaging. Modern men who will learn to cook for their families and bathe their children; who will mostly be there for the family. Modern men who will not only open doors for their wives and children but also, open up opportunities for them in many areas of life. Till I marry such a man, I still remain the imaginary Anima Nkrumah.

Justica Anima
Adjeianima@gmail.com
Switstica.blogspot.com