Host Matt Stoltz switches it up today to interview the regular host, Jeff Plumblee, on the theory vs. the practice of project management, and where people fit in. Jeff starts with a taste of theory and then moves into management. He says if you wonder about the value of a project manager, remove the manager and see what happens to your project. The conversation covers theory and practice and finishes with why you want to be in a Community of Practice.  You know the first 10% of project management. Listen in to learn about the remaining 90%.   Key Takeaways: Jeff got a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and an MBA at the same time. He regrets not having networked in business school. He says to play fewer video games and join more business organizations. Schools teach theory but not human nature. Taking care of human needs is vitally important to project management. When a project starts, the variables start moving. How you react to the variables determines project success. Use data to reach decisions. The data backs up the right decision. Check-ins and status updates are crucial. Jeff discusses tedious tasks. A good project manager may look like a task manager until the project manager is needed to get things back on track. Jeff tells PMO leaders not to add layers for complexity’s sake. Matt believes the best thing a project manager can do is spotlight the team. Jeff adds to let them shine when they’re doing well. Jeff notes that the Community of Practice Live Events has had great value for project managers to share their successes and ask for help. Project managers from different fields can share ideas that transcend fields. Jeff tells how engineering Communities of Practice have evolved and about a report he co-authored for the American Society for Engineering Education on successful Communities of Practice. Foster psychological safety and trust. Jeff shares a couple of meaningful Communities of Practice success stories.   Brought to you by Moovila — Autonomous Project Management Website: Moovila.com/thisprojectlife Email: [email protected] Resources: Moovila.com Critical Path Method Expected Value Cost-Benefit Analysis Earned value management Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less, by Leidy Klotz American Society for Engineering Education Conference LinkedIn: JeffPlumblee