Latest news with #projectmanager
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- 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
5 days ago
- 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.
Geeky Gadgets
11-05-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Let OpenAI o3 ChatGPT Automate Your Complex Workflows with Ease
What if you could take the most tedious, time-consuming tasks in your workflow and have them completed with precision and speed—without lifting a finger? Imagine automating everything from analyzing complex datasets to generating polished reports, all while seamlessly integrating with your favorite tools. Bold claim? Perhaps. But with OpenAI's latest innovation, the o3 model, this vision is no longer a distant dream. Designed to tackle the intricacies of modern AI automation workflows, o3 combines multi-step reasoning with innovative automation to transform how professionals approach their daily operations. Whether you're a data analyst, project manager, or researcher, the potential to reclaim your time and focus on what truly matters is now within reach. In this guide, the official OpenAI team show how its o3 model has been designed to redefine workflow automation by blending logical reasoning with robust tool integration. You'll discover how it handles tasks that once required hours of manual effort, from automating financial analyses to simplifying web research and creating compelling data visualizations. But this isn't just about saving time—it's about elevating the quality of your work and allowing smarter, faster decision-making. As we unpack its features and real-world applications, consider how this breakthrough could reshape the way you approach your most complex challenges. After all, when the mundane is automated, what new possibilities could you unlock? Streamlining Workflows with o3 Key Features of the o3 Model The o3 model is distinguished by its ability to handle multi-step reasoning, integrate with diverse tools, and automate tasks that traditionally require significant manual input. Its core features include: Multi-Step Reasoning: Executes sequential tasks with logical progression, making sure accuracy and efficiency across complex workflows. Executes sequential tasks with logical progression, making sure accuracy and efficiency across complex workflows. Tool Integration: Works seamlessly with Python scripts, spreadsheet software, APIs, and other tools to adapt to a wide range of operational needs. Works seamlessly with Python scripts, spreadsheet software, APIs, and other tools to adapt to a wide range of operational needs. Automation: Reduces repetitive tasks, allowing professionals to focus on high-value activities that drive strategic outcomes. These features collectively make the o3 model a powerful solution for tackling intricate workflows with minimal manual intervention. Let's delve deeper into its capabilities. Multi-Step Reasoning and Tool Integration The o3 model excels at managing workflows that require logical, step-by-step execution. For example, when tasked with analyzing a dataset, identifying trends, and generating a report, the model can handle each step in sequence without requiring constant oversight. Its ability to integrate with tools such as Python, spreadsheet software, and APIs ensures flexibility and adaptability to your specific requirements. This combination of logical reasoning and tool integration enables the o3 model to address diverse challenges. Whether you're automating financial analyses, streamlining project management tasks, or conducting technical research, the model ensures precision and efficiency. By reducing the need for manual intervention, it allows professionals to allocate their time and resources more effectively. Automate Complex Workflows with OpenAI o3 Watch this video on YouTube. Improve your AI workflow automation skills with the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides. Automated Data Analysis Data analysis often involves labor-intensive processes, but the o3 model simplifies this by automating critical steps. For instance, it can process large datasets, identify variances exceeding a specified threshold (e.g., 7%), and perform detailed statistical analyses. By using tools like Python, the model delivers precise insights quickly and efficiently. This capability is particularly valuable for tasks such as financial reporting, where accuracy and speed are essential. The o3 model ensures that data-driven decisions are based on reliable insights, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing the overall quality of your analyses. By automating repetitive aspects of data analysis, it enables professionals to focus on interpreting results and developing actionable strategies. Web Research and Benchmarking Conducting web research can be time-consuming, but the o3 model automates this process to save valuable time and effort. It can search for relevant benchmarks, credible sources, and up-to-date information to enhance your analysis. For example, when preparing a market analysis, the model can identify industry benchmarks and incorporate them into your findings. By automating web research, the o3 model ensures that your work is grounded in reliable data while freeing up your time for other tasks. This feature is particularly useful for professionals who need to stay informed about industry trends, competitive landscapes, or emerging opportunities without dedicating hours to manual research. Data Visualization Effective data presentation is critical for decision-making, and the o3 model simplifies this with automated data visualization. It can generate interactive charts, graphs, and other visuals tailored to your specific needs. For instance, when analyzing sales performance, the model can create visuals that highlight regional differences or product trends. These visuals not only make your data more accessible but also enhance the clarity and impact of your reports and presentations. By automating the creation of data visualizations, the o3 model ensures that your insights are communicated effectively, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions with confidence. Summary Generation Communicating insights effectively often requires concise summaries, and the o3 model excels in this area. It can generate executive summaries and ready-to-share outputs, such as Slack messages or email updates. By distilling complex information into digestible formats, it ensures that your audience quickly grasps the key points. This feature is particularly valuable for keeping teams aligned and informed without overwhelming them with unnecessary details. Whether you're sharing project updates, financial insights, or research findings, the o3 model streamlines communication and enhances collaboration across your organization. Efficiency Gains and Practical Applications At its core, the o3 model is designed to enhance efficiency by automating multi-step workflows. Tasks that once required hours of manual effort, such as variance reporting, market analysis, or data visualization, can now be completed in a fraction of the time. By reducing the burden of repetitive tasks, the model allows professionals to focus on strategic, high-value activities that drive organizational success. Practical applications of the o3 model span a wide range of industries and use cases, including: Financial Reporting: Automating variance analysis, budget tracking, and forecasting to improve accuracy and save time. Automating variance analysis, budget tracking, and forecasting to improve accuracy and save time. Market Research: Streamlining the collection and analysis of industry benchmarks, competitor data, and customer insights. Streamlining the collection and analysis of industry benchmarks, competitor data, and customer insights. Project Management: Enhancing task tracking, resource allocation, and progress reporting through automated workflows. Enhancing task tracking, resource allocation, and progress reporting through automated workflows. Technical Analysis: Simplifying complex calculations, simulations, and data modeling for engineering or scientific projects. By using the o3 model, organizations can streamline processes, improve efficiency, and deliver high-quality results with minimal effort. Its versatility and adaptability make it an indispensable tool for professionals seeking to optimize their operations and achieve measurable outcomes. Media Credit: OpenAI Filed Under: AI, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
