Adam Gonnerman

The concept of Agile transformation, particularly in industries perceived as traditional, such as publishing, often comes with a heavy dose of skepticism. A pivotal moment in my career was steering such a transformation for a publishing company’s engineering team, aiming to adopt Scrum methodologies. The journey, although fraught with challenges, offers valuable insights into driving change even in the most unlikely environments. Overcoming Leadership Hesitancy Initially, the transformation encountered resistance. A new boss, with roots in a different era of publishing, held the belief that Agile frameworks, with their iterative nature and flexible deadlines, were incompatible with the rigorous deadline commitments of our industry. This underscored a common misunderstanding of Agile: it’s not a lack of structure or discipline, but a more responsive and efficient way to manage projects. Despite efforts to clarify this, my explanations met with resistance, leading to a professional parti

 As project managers, we often pride ourselves on our ability to handle complex and demanding workloads. However, there comes a point where the scales tip, and we find ourselves swamped, trying to stay afloat amid the myriad responsibilities of our role. The reality is that being overwhelmed isn’t just common; it’s a serious issue that needs addressing for the sake of our projects and our well-being. Recognizing Workload Overwhelm The signs of being overwhelmed are not always as obvious as a backlogged to-do list. They manifest in constant worry about deadlines, the feeling that you're always playing catch-up, and the inability to disconnect even after office hours. This can lead to stress, burnout, and even mental health concerns, all of which are topics that, unfortunately, carry a certain stigma in the workplace. Initiating the Conversation About Workload Admitting to yourself and to your superiors that you're at capacity is the first, often hardest, step. In an environment

The line between diligent supervision and micromanagement is often a blur in the workplace. Although well-intentioned, a boss who micromanages can create a stifling and counterproductive environment. Recognizing the signs and learning to cope with such management can make all the difference in maintaining one’s professional sanity and career trajectory. Understanding the Signs of Micromanagement Recognizing a micromanager becomes easier when you know the traits. Having endured the trials of working under such management, I can attest to these behaviors: Reluctance to Delegate: Trust is not a micromanager’s forte; they hold tasks close, even when delegation would be more efficient. Excessive Control: Over-involvement in every step and persistent check-ins disrupt workflow and autonomy. Overly Detailed Instructions: Instructions become exhaustive scripts, leaving little room for personal judgment. Constant Update Requests: Interruptions for progress checks become part of the daily routi

In the realm of project management, two contrasting sources of fulfillment often emerge: the thrill of delivering results and the enriching experience of team interactions. Both aspects carry their unique set of rewards and challenges, often acting as the dual engines that propel a project forward. The Rush of the Delivery The "dopamine of delivery" is a phrase that encapsulates the sheer exhilaration project managers and team members feel when they hit targets, meet deadlines, and deliver tangible results. It's that hit of neurotransmitter-induced happiness that comes from checking off a task on the to-do list, the pride in seeing a product or feature go live, and the satisfaction in reaching milestones. This chemical reward system is hardwired into our brains, motivating us to pursue goal-oriented behavior and giving us a sense of achievement when we complete tasks. However, it's not without its pitfalls. Overemphasizing delivery can lead to a relentless chase for t

As a seasoned project manager, you're accustomed to the hustle and bustle of juggling tasks, meeting tight deadlines, and driving teams toward project completion. But what do you do when the pace slows down and you find yourself with a surplus of time and a shortage of work? It's not an unusual scenario, and while it can lead to feelings of frustration or worry about your place in the team, this can actually be a golden opportunity to amplify your career and personal growth. Here's how to leverage those quiet periods for maximum benefit. Take Initiative and Communicate When you notice your workload becoming lighter than you can handle, the first and most crucial step is to take initiative. Reach out to your supervisor or team leader and convey your eagerness to shoulder more responsibilities. Illustrate your capabilities and articulate how you can contribute to the wider objectives of the organization. Show your passion for work and your readiness to embrace additional chal

As we wade deeper into the digital age, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our daily tasks is becoming more integral and, quite frankly, fascinating. Yet, when considering the integration of AI into our professional lives, there's a lingering question about the balance between utility and authenticity. Through my experiences, I've discovered ways to leverage AI to streamline tasks without losing the personal touch that defines my work ethic and professional output. Crafting Legal Documents with AI Assistance One of the more surprising uses I’ve found for AI is in generating formal documents such as a power of attorney. Initially, I was skeptical. Would an AI comprehend the nuances and gravity of such a document? To my astonishment, it did— with a little guidance and some meticulous proofreading on my part. The AI created a draft that served as a sturdy foundation for the final document. This experience was a revelation, illustrating that with precise instructions, AI c

Navigating different sectors has provided me with a unique perspective on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Here’s a brief look into this transition. My Professional Background Starting in ministry and mission work, I understood early on the value of community impact. My career trajectory later took me to prominent corporations like AMC Networks, NBC Universal, and ViacomCBS. There, I focused on program and project management, which taught me the intricacies of team dynamics and project execution. Living in Brazil twice and gaining fluency in Portuguese gave me a broader understanding of diverse cultures. My academic background, including a Bachelor of Ministry and Master of Arts in Management, along with credentials like PMP, CSM, and ITIL Foundation, equipped me with industry-specific skills. Outside of these roles, I also engaged in volunteer initiatives, such as the Uberlândia Development Initiatives. Lately, I've been inclined towards sustainability. For me, it represents