Acknowledgments
This book would not have been possible without the suggestions and advice provided by numerous individuals. First and foremost among those is my wife who, after more than a year of my having abandoned a craft and avocation I care about deeply, asked, "Why haven't you written for so long?" Without a good reason why not, and given the frequent but friendly reminders of this book's due date from my kind and understanding publisher, I sat down and finished this book.
Second are the three project management professionals with whom I have worked in various capacities over the years who submitted chapters for this book: Debbie Spaulding, Glenn Briskin, and Gary Hudson. They are consummate professionals and good friends, and they have many stories to share. I hope that they and others like them will see the value in sharing their stories so others might learn from their experiences.
I must also thank the project management and business professionals who, through our many discussions and collaborations, have contributed to my own library of lessons learned. These include Gil Dean, PMP, Dalene Sprick, Sharon Sikes, PMP, Jennifer Carter, Noel Rubadue, Cal Brodie, Kim Brodie, Jim Anderson, Tom Wallace, Heather Anderson, Eric Vonderscheer, Mark Vetsch, Shaun Berry, Kent Meisner, and Bob Schwent.
Without a doubt, I also must thank the many students I have instructed over the years in the project management certificate program at South Puget Sound Community College and the other colleges and universities where I have taught. Their many stories, challenging questions, and insights continue to help evolve and expand my own skills.
Finally, as always, I offer my considerable thanks to my publisher, Myra Strauss, who has seen me through two previous project management books, several major life changes, and bouts of absentmindedness, and has gently kept me leaning forward toward the completion of this manuscript. Thanks, Myra. You and the crew at Management Concepts are the best. You have been great friends and allies through the several-year journey that has been the crafting of this book.
And to you, the reader, I also offer my thanks. You might be a project manager, a member of a project team, a project sponsor, or someone considering the field of project management. All I can say to you is that we need you. The failure rate of projects remains way too high across all industries. Simply by picking up this book to thumb through its pages or read its contents, you have indicated your motivation to learn, grow, and succeed.
There are too many in our field who call themselves project managers yet do not have the training or seek the knowledge to provide the highest quality service to their employers and clients. By looking beyond your current level of skill and understanding and seeking the experiences of others, you have signaled your intent to improve your capabilities and to become someone who has the background, experience, training, and information to do the job well.
This book is only one step in that direction, but just the same: Nice going, and Godspeed.
