Success Stories
Explore some of my success stories to learn how I tackled unique
challenges and delivered results.
1. On the Right Track: Evaluating Resiliency
What was the problem?
I was assigned an exploratory project that would analyze the resiliency of a large e-commerce website and 50+ applications within it’s ecosystem. The goal was to discover ways to improve the availability of the main website to 99.9% and the applications to 99.99%. Our recommendations from this analysis would lead to the initiation of 3-4 new projects.
What did I do to resolve it?
As this was a unique research project, traditional methodologies didn’t fit. Unlike my fellow project managers, who were focused on software development projects, my project was an outlier. Upon investigation, I discovered that Kanban’s flexibility was ideal for managing the evolving nature of our tasks. Unlike time-bound sprints, Kanban’s focus on continuous flow and work-in-progress (WIP) limits allowed us to adapt schedules and priorities based on emerging insights without disrupting overall workflow.
What did I learn?
This project taught me how to lead and manage work that deviates from conventional frameworks, showcasing my ability to adapt and innovate in unstructured environments. This experience not only helped in achieving our goals, but also served as a catalyst for future projects.
2. Navigating Client and Vendor Challenges
What was the problem?
During a critical project to transition from paper bills to e-invoicing, I encountered significant obstacles when the lead client went on disability, and an inexperienced backup took over. Compounding the issue, a key vendor accountable to the client was missing deadlines, jeopardizing our timeline.
What did I do to resolve it?
I took proactive steps to address these challenges by closely collaborating with the backup client to instill a sense of urgency and engaging the vendor assertively to ensure accountability. I also communicated these risks to my director to keep leadership informed.
What did I learn?
Through effective communication and leadership, I successfully secured the necessary changes and delivered the project on time. This experience demonstrated my ability to navigate complex challenges and drive results.
3. Coordinating Dependencies: Leading as a SAFe Scrum Master
What was the problem?
As a SAFe Scrum Master, I encountered a complex issue involving dependencies across three scrum teams. My team had a dependency on another application’s work product, which, in turn, depended on an outside vendor. These delays were creating a cascade effect, disrupting our development.
What did I do to resolve it?
I promptly escalated the issue to my director, who engaged the outside vendor’s leadership to secure their commitment on deadlines. Additionally, I collaborated closely with other scrum masters to manage dependencies, while stressing the importance of keeping a careful watch on these dependencies.
What did I learn?
My proactive communication and timely escalation ensured the project progressed smoothly without delays, showcasing the power of clear communication and timely escalation.
About Beth
My path has taken me from being an English major to becoming a technical writer, and now I’m a digital project manager currently learning web design and development. What better way to blend my talents than by creating a WordPress website and blogging about project management and technology topics?
