Latest news with #projectmanager
RNZ News
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- RNZ News
Manawatū Tararua Highway opens
transport infrastructure 26 minutes ago The four-laned, 11.5 kilometre Te Ahu a Tararanga - linking Manawatū and Tararua - officially opened to traffic on Wednesday. Principal project manager Grant Kauri spoke to Charlotte Cook.
Globe and Mail
30-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
How to unleash the career superpower of curiosity
Interested in more careers-related content? Check out our new weekly Work Life newsletter. Sent every Monday afternoon. A junior analyst notices that a recurring report includes several metrics that no longer align with the team's current objectives. Instead of merely updating the report as instructed, he asks, 'Why are we still tracking these specific metrics?' This question prompts a discussion that leads to a more relevant and streamlined reporting process. A mid-level project manager is assigned to lead a project involving a department they're unfamiliar with. Rather than solely focusing on their project plan, she takes the initiative to learn about the department's workflows and challenges by asking, 'Can you walk me through your typical process?' This curiosity fosters better collaboration and uncovers opportunities for process improvements that benefit the entire organization. These are just two situations that occur in workplaces across the country every week, sometimes every day. In today's dynamic workplace, curiosity isn't just a trait – it is a strategic tool for career advancement. By actively cultivating curiosity, you can unlock new opportunities, drive innovation and position yourself for growth. Here are five practical strategies to harness curiosity effectively: Ask open-ended questions Curiosity starts with the right questions. Instead of yes/no prompts such as 'Is this working?', try asking, 'What's going well, and what's getting in the way?' or 'What haven't we considered yet?' These kinds of questions invite deeper insight and spark more meaningful conversation. Before your next meeting, prepare two open-ended questions to raise such as, 'What would success look like here?' or 'What led you to that approach?' In one-on-one conversations, try asking, 'What's been your biggest challenge this week?' or 'What's one thing you need from me?' A helpful habit is to pause before offering your own opinion and ask a clarifying question first. By consistently using open-ended questions, you show engagement, foster learning and open the door to innovation and problem-solving. Seek diverse perspectives One of the best ways to fuel curiosity is by actively seeking out viewpoints beyond your usual circle. Make a point of asking colleagues in different roles or departments for their insights, especially when you're tackling a problem or making a decision. You might ask, 'How does this affect your team?' or 'What's one thing you'd want us to know from your side?' Even an informal chat over coffee can reveal perspectives you hadn't considered. When working on a project, invite someone from another function to weigh in early. It could surface issues or opportunities you'd otherwise miss. By regularly tapping into diverse perspectives, you'll broaden your understanding, challenge your assumptions and build stronger, more collaborative relationships across your organization. Embrace lifelong learning Curiosity thrives when you make learning part of your routine, not just something you do when required. Look for small, practical ways to expand your knowledge, whether it's reading an article about industry trends, watching a short tutorial or asking a colleague to explain a tool you're unfamiliar with. You might say, 'I'd love to understand how you approach that, could you walk me through it?' or 'What resource would you recommend if I want to learn more about this?' Even 15 minutes a week set aside for learning can pay off. By showing a proactive approach to growth, you demonstrate adaptability and initiative – qualities that your leaders will notice and value when thinking about future opportunities. Reflect and adapt Curiosity isn't just about asking questions of others, it is also about examining your own work. After finishing a project or task, pause to reflect: What went well? What was challenging? What should I adjust next time? You can also ask others, 'What's one thing we could improve next time?' or 'Was anything unexpected for you in this process?' This habit of reflection and adaptation helps you avoid repeating mistakes and spot opportunities to improve. Over time, it sharpens your judgment, strengthens resilience and signals to others that you're proactive and committed to continuous growth – all qualities that can accelerate your career. Create a safe space for inquiry Curiosity flourishes in environments where questions are welcomed, not shut down. Whether you're leading a team or working alongside others, you can help create that space by modeling openness yourself. Try saying, 'That's a great question, let's look at it together,' or 'I hadn't thought of it that way; tell me more.' When someone raises an idea or concern, resist the urge to dismiss or rush past it. Instead, ask 'What makes you see it that way?' or 'How do you think we could explore this further?' Over time, encouraging this kind of dialogue builds trust, improves problem-solving and fosters a culture where innovation can take root. It makes you not just curious, but also a catalyst for growth. Curiosity is more than a nice-to-have – it's a professional superpower. It helps you navigate uncertainty, uncover fresh insights and adapt to change with confidence. By bringing curiosity to your daily work, you not only elevate your own growth but also inspire those around you to think bigger and bolder. Merge Gupta-Sunderji is a speaker, author, mentor to senior leaders and the chief executive officer of the leadership development consultancy Turning Managers Into Leaders.
CBC
28-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
No rules broken with hiring of Windsor mayor's wife, says CAO
The city of Windsor has hired Jane Deneau as a project manager and the chief administrative officer said that they followed all city protocols for individuals with a relative involved with the city.
CNA
24-05-2025
- CNA
How to travel without a phone
In today's hyperconnected world, traveling without a phone seems impossible, or at the very least, pointless. But for those who've done it, the experience can be rewarding and rejuvenating. In January, Soraya Lemboumba, 40, a project manager in Switzerland, spent 10 days in Panama on a phone-free trip. 'It was absolutely life-changing,' she said. She said she awoke to the sounds of nature rather than an alarm and didn't spend her time composing captions for social media in her head or use her phone to fill the silence. 'I spent days immersed in pure presence,' she said. Thinking of disconnecting for your next trip? Here are some steps to start. DECIDE YOUR RULES Before leaving for the airport, decide whether you're bringing a laptop or tablet or nothing at all. A laptop performs all the functions of your smartphone, but you're less likely to bring it to dinner table or the beach. Then, if you're bringing a device, write down a list of rules to govern your tech use throughout your trip. For example: I won't use electronics for entertainment on this trip. If I can't hail a taxi, I'll use my laptop for Uber. I'll use my tablet only an hour per day for researching activities and lodging. A physical list codifies a system and eliminates temptation during those bored, anxious moments that inevitably arise during travel, which prompt you to grab your device. You can modify the rules throughout your trip if you feel they're not working. Downloading app blocker extensions like Freedom, ScreenZen and Opal can block apps or websites like YouTube, Instagram and X for preset periods of time. Temporarily deleting apps is another effective way to prevent mindless scrolling. NAVIGATING THE AIRPORT Most anxiety from phoneless travel centres on logistics, like what will happen at the airport or train station, where there are schedules, and possible delays and cancellations. As a rule of thumb, allow ample time for transportation — at least an extra hour to buffer against scheduling mishaps or contingencies. Without a phone to display e-tickets, you'll need to rely on paper boarding passes. Most airlines will print them out for you at the kiosks free of charge. But be careful, some charge a fee per person, per direction, to print boarding passes. Avoid this fee by printing them out beforehand. With no airline app, you'll need to remember to keep an eye on those monitors throughout the airport for delays and gate changes, and don't hesitate to ask the gate attendants and airline employees for help or directions. Catherine Price, the author of How to Break Up With Your Phone, reminds us that digitised travel isn't always desirable. 'People forget that you can rely on paper,' Price said, 'and the feeling of freedom outweighs any minor inconvenience.' GETTING YOUR BEARINGS When you arrive at your lodging, introduce yourself to the front desk and concierge, addressing them by their first names — a scientifically proven way to curry favour, which can be helpful if you need directions printed or taxis hailed throughout your trip. To orient yourself near your hotel or other lodging, walk in increasingly larger concentric circles outward. Use physical maps and expect mistakes. The beauty of phoneless travel comes in the hiccups, as wrong turns often lead to incredible memories. You'll find that you learn a city faster by relying on your wits and not GPS, which is a thrilling realisation. Write down the full address of your accommodations and keep it safely tucked into your wallet in case you get lost. Worst-case scenario, show it to a taxi driver or a local. In place of a translator app, pick up a phrase book to carry with you (Lonely Planet's, in numerous languages, cost around US$12). If you adopt a conversationalist's mind-set, your trip will blossom in special, unforeseen ways. If you're confronted with a QR code for, say, museum entry, merely explain your situation to the person behind you and ask to tag along, giving them cash for the ticket. This is how you unexpectedly make friends and access the serendipity of travel. TAKING PICTURES WITHOUT A PHONE Purchase a disposable camera or a digital camera , and practice a philosophy of intention — take one picture of something you want to remember, then put your camera away. 'Every time you take a picture on vacation, you take yourself out of the moment,' Price said. 'You get too wrapped up in photos, especially if you're taking them to post on social media for others. Don't perform your vacation. Live it.' Writing in a journal at the end of the day can solidify the memories you've made. Instead of looking back through pictures on your phone, you can read your vacation and relive these cherished memories in a more illustrative way. Taking 'mental snapshots' helped Lemboumba internalise memories by mindfully soaking in experiences as they happened. 'The moments I didn't photograph are, ironically, now the ones I remember the most vividly,' she said. HANDLING EMERGENCIES The prospect of an emergency keeps many from attempting phoneless travel, but real emergencies are rare. The emergencies you're likely to face are practical ones, like missing a train. These may seem catastrophic in the moment, but with the right attitude they're nothing more than speed bumps. Since you won't have Apple Pay or similar services, in addition to a credit card, carry US$200 to US$300 in local currency in a secured travel bag that straps across your body. (Cash is handy for extricating yourself from sticky situations.) For female solo travellers who are anxious about phoneless travel, buy a prepaid burner phone and stick it in the bottom of your backpack. You can always borrow a phone in a time of crisis, and always let loved ones know your itinerary ahead of time. If phoneless solo travel feels too daunting, consider joining a group. Grace Borges, a 35-year-old research analyst from Washington, attended a five-day phoneless trip to Cuba last year with FTLO Travel, which specialises in group travel for young professionals. The tour guide handled logistics, and because she was in a group, 'sticking to the phoneless ethos was easier because everyone was in the same boat,' she said.
New York Times
19-05-2025
- New York Times
How to Travel Without a Phone
In today's hyperconnected world, traveling without a phone seems impossible, or at the very least, pointless. But for those who've done it, the experience can be rewarding and rejuvenating. In January, Soraya Lemboumba, 40, a project manager in Switzerland, spent 10 days in Panama on a phone-free trip. 'It was absolutely life-changing,' she said. She said she awoke to the sounds of nature rather than an alarm and didn't spend her time composing captions for social media in her head or use her phone to fill the silence. 'I spent days immersed in pure presence,' she said. Thinking of disconnecting for your next trip? Here are some steps to start. Before leaving for the airport, decide whether you're bringing a laptop or tablet or nothing at all. A laptop performs all the functions of your smartphone, but you're less likely to bring it to dinner table or the beach. Then, if you're bringing a device, write down a list of rules to govern your tech use throughout your trip. For example: A physical list codifies a system and eliminates temptation during those bored, anxious moments that inevitably arise during travel, which prompt you to grab your device. You can modify the rules throughout your trip if you feel they're not working. Downloading app blocker extensions like Freedom, ScreenZen and Opal can block apps or websites like YouTube, Instagram and X for preset periods of time. Temporarily deleting apps is another effective way to prevent mindless scrolling. Most anxiety from phoneless travel centers on logistics, like what will happen at the airport or train station, where there are schedules, and possible delays and cancellations. As a rule of thumb, allow ample time for transportation — at least an extra hour to buffer against scheduling mishaps or contingencies. Without a phone to display e-tickets, you'll need to rely on paper boarding passes. Most airlines will print them out for you at the kiosks free of charge. But be careful, some airlines — namely Frontier — charge a $25 fee per person, per direction, to print boarding passes. Avoid this fee by printing them out beforehand. With no airline app, you'll need to remember to keep an eye on those monitors throughout the airport for delays and gate changes, and don't hesitate to ask the gate attendants and airline employees for help or directions. Catherine Price, the author of How to Break Up With Your Phone, reminds us that digitized travel isn't always desirable. 'People forget that you can rely on paper,' Ms. Price says, 'and the feeling of freedom outweighs any minor inconvenience.' When you arrive at your lodging, introduce yourself to the front desk and concierge, addressing them by their first names — a scientifically proven way to curry favor, which can be helpful if you need directions printed or taxis hailed throughout your trip. To orient yourself near your hotel or other lodging, walk in increasingly larger concentric circles outward. Use physical maps and expect mistakes. The beauty of phoneless travel comes in the hiccups, as wrong turns often lead to incredible memories. You'll find that you learn a city faster by relying on your wits and not GPS, which is a thrilling realization. Write down the full address of your accommodations and keep it safely tucked into your wallet in case you get lost. Worst-case scenario, show it to a taxi driver or a local. In place of a translator app, pick up a phrase book to carry with you (Lonely Planet's, in numerous languages, cost around $12). If you adopt a conversationalist's mind-set, your trip will blossom in special, unforeseen ways. If you're confronted with a QR code for, say, museum entry, merely explain your situation to the person behind you and ask to tag along, giving them cash for the ticket. This is how you unexpectedly make friends and access the serendipity of travel. Purchase a disposable camera or a digital camera for $50, and practice a philosophy of intention — take one picture of something you want to remember, then put your camera away. 'Every time you take a picture on vacation, you take yourself out of the moment,' Ms. Price said. 'You get too wrapped up in photos, especially if you're taking them to post on social media for others. Don't perform your vacation. Live it.' Writing in a journal at the end of the day can solidify the memories you've made. Instead of looking back through pictures on your phone, you can read your vacation and relive these cherished memories in a more illustrative way. Taking 'mental snapshots' helped Ms. Lemboumba internalize memories by mindfully soaking in experiences as they happened. 'The moments I didn't photograph are, ironically, now the ones I remember the most vividly,' she said. The prospect of an emergency keeps many from attempting phoneless travel, but real emergencies are rare. The emergencies you're likely to face are practical ones, like missing a train. These may seem catastrophic in the moment, but with the right attitude they're nothing more than speed bumps. Since you won't have Apple Pay or similar services, in addition to a credit card, carry $200 to $300 in local currency in a secured travel bag that straps across your body. (Cash is handy for extricating yourself from sticky situations.) For female solo travelers who are anxious about phoneless travel, buy a prepaid burner phone for $40 and stick it in the bottom of your backpack. You can always borrow a phone in a time of crisis, and always let loved ones know your itinerary ahead of time. If phoneless solo travel feels too daunting, consider joining a group. Grace Borges, a 35-year-old research analyst from Washington, attended a five-day phoneless trip to Cuba last year with FTLO Travel, which specializes in group travel for young professionals. The tour guide handled logistics, and because she was in a group, 'sticking to the phoneless ethos was easier because everyone was in the same boat,' she said. Remember in moments of stress: Everyone traveled this way just a few decades ago.
