Tanushree Kaushik’s Post

Stop Just Thinking. Start Thinking Strategically! Have you ever faced a moment where you were spinning your wheels but going nowhere? I surely have. A while back, I was involved in a project that seemed like the perfect opportunity. The dream project, if you will. But despite our team's hard work, we weren't seeing the results we had hoped for. That's when it hit me: we were thinking, but we weren't thinking strategically. Thinking strategically isn’t just a buzzword. It's a shift in approach. To see the big picture, you need to anticipate what's next, while assessing what's in front of you. It's about understanding the ‘why’ before rushing to the ‘how.’ Real-world analogy: Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint. In a marathon, planning your pace, hydration, and energy management is key. But just running won’t cut it. Strategic runners visualize the course, anticipate hills, plan breakpoints, and understand competitors’ strategies. Let's translate this into actionable insights: 1. Start with the End in Mind: Visualize your end goal. Ask yourself, "What is the ultimate objective?" Write it down. Make it visible every day. Let it guide your decisions. 2. Break Down the Path: Once you know where you're heading, break down the journey. List the critical steps. Define milestones. It’s these smaller steps that make a daunting journey manageable. Tip: Use a mind-mapping tool to structure your thoughts and visualize the journey. 3. Anticipate Obstacles: Identify potential roadblocks. Not to be demotivated, but to be prepared. Think of alternative paths in case things don’t go as planned. 4. Involve Your Team: Two heads are better than one. Build a culture of inclusion around strategic thinking. Encourage open communication and varied perspectives. Now, pause for a moment. Reflect on how you can incorporate strategic thinking into your projects or day-to-day life. Start today. How do you ensure you're thinking strategically in your projects? I'd love to hear your thoughts! #StrategicThinking #ProjectManagement #ProfessionalGrowth #Leadership #Mindset

🌊 𝗔𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁. When we hear “𝘼𝙜𝙞𝙡𝙚,” we often think of frameworks, sprints, or ceremonies. But real agility shows up long before any methodology—it starts in how we approach change, uncertainty, and even frustration. 🔹 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚: I was part of a large system transformation project, supporting the Change Management alongside my team lead and colleague. We followed the ADKAR process as our guiding framework. But here’s the truth: reality doesn’t always stick to the script. Approvals got delayed, technical limitations popped up, and sometimes users were simply confused. Instead of forcing the plan step by step, we had to adapt—adjusting communication, reshaping timelines, and even rethinking parts of our rollout. That’s where agility came in. Not just the plan, but the mindset of saying: “Okay, things shifted. Let’s pivot.” 🔹 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚: I recently experienced a travel transition. And if you’ve ever been through one, you know—it rarely goes exactly as planned. From last-minute gate changes to adjusting to new routines, you either resist and get frustrated, or you lean into it. Choosing to adapt made the whole experience less stressful and even enjoyable. 💡 Here’s the thing: change 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 happen—whether it’s in a hierarchical organization, a project plan, or life itself. Frustration is optional. Agility is like riding a wave: you can run from it, but it’ll still crash. Better to grab a board and enjoy the ride 😁🏄🏻♂️. 👉 Agility is not just for projects—it’s a way of thinking, working, and living. The more we welcome change, the more resilient (and less stressed!) we become. How do you practice agility in your own work—or life? #ProjectManagement #PMP #Agility #AgileMindset #Leadership #ChangeManagement #ProfessionalGrowth #ContinuousImprovement #BusinessAgility #ProjectLeadership #StrategyExecution #AgileLeadership

Mastering Task Management: Doing the Right Work, Not Just More Work Success isn’t defined by how busy we are — it’s defined by how effective we are.Task management is more than a to-do list; it’s the discipline of prioritization, focus, and execution. A strong manager doesn’t try to do everything at once — they identify what truly drives progress and delegate the rest. The key lies in aligning tasks with objectives, setting realistic timelines, and continuously reviewing progress. 💡 Remember: Efficiency is doing things right. Effectiveness is doing the right things. When task management is done well, teams stay aligned, deadlines are met, and stress levels drop — not because there’s less to do, but because everyone is working smarter. How do you prioritize your daily tasks to stay both productive and strategic? #TaskManagement #Leadership #WorkSmart #ProjectManagement #Productivity #Prioritization #Professional

𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁. Complex projects aren’t limited to the workplace, they exist in our daily lives too. In tech, complexity shows up as shifting requirements, tight deadlines, and cross-team dependencies. In life, it looks like balancing priorities, managing expectations, and adapting to change. Whether you’re building software or pursuing personal goals, the same principles apply: 1. Break it down. Simplify big goals into smaller, actionable steps. 2. Prioritize wisely. Focus on what truly drives progress. 3. Communicate clearly. Clarity prevents confusion and keeps everyone aligned. 4. Embrace iteration. Progress comes from refining, not perfection. 5. Manage energy, not just time. Burnout kills productivity faster than bad planning. Managing complexity isn’t about controlling everything it’s about staying adaptable, intentional, and focused on outcomes. Because whether it’s in code or in life, the process determines the success. #ProjectManagement #Complexity #Leadership #StrategicThinking #LifeSkils

People Over Process — The Real Secret of Project Success A few years ago, during a major client transition I was leading, everything looked perfect on paper. The timelines were aligned, SOPs were defined, metrics were clear — yet something felt off. Despite all the planning, progress was slow and team morale was dropping. So, in one meeting, I decided to do something different. I paused the discussion midway and simply asked everyone — “What’s stopping you from delivering your best?” The responses opened my eyes. It wasn’t about workload or lack of skill. It was communication gaps, unclear ownership, and small recognition misses that had built up quietly. We addressed those first — made space for open feedback, realigned responsibilities, and ensured people felt heard. Within weeks, delivery stabilized, collaboration improved, and the same team started exceeding targets. That project taught me something I carry even today — Processes succeed only when people feel valued. You can have the most structured plan, but without trust and connection, it’s just a checklist. Lesson: If you take care of your people, they’ll take care of the process — and success naturally follows. #Leadership #PeopleFirst #TransitionManagement #ProjectSuccess #Teamwork #Learning,

 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗰𝗸, 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀. Most projects don’t fail because of bad ideas. They fail because of disorganization. Think about it  You start strong, everyone’s excited, then two weeks in…  “Wait, who’s doing what again?”  “Did we agree on this timeline?” “Where’s that file?” Sound familiar? That’s how momentum quietly dies. Not in a big explosion but in a slow leak of confusion. Because here’s the thing  Projects don’t collapse overnight. They fade when clarity fades. And as a Project Manager, I’ve learned that organization isn’t about micromanaging people it’s about protecting progress.  • 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀.  • 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀.  • 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. When everyone knows what matters most and how their work connects to the goal, things move again. So if your project feels stuck, don’t add more tools or more meetings. Start by bringing back clarity. That’s where growth begins. #ProjectManagement #Leadership #Organization #Growth #Teamwork #Clarity #Execution

Focus: Prioritization in projects, avoiding distractions in life There was a time when I wanted to do everything at once, take on new ideas, start side projects, learn new things, and help everyone around me. It felt productive, but in reality, I was just busy, not effective. That experience taught me the true meaning of focus. It’s not about doing more but about doing what truly matters. As someone who loves motivating and inspiring others, I’ve realized how this mindset applies both in life and in project management. Every project comes with competing priorities, endless meetings, and unexpected challenges. But without prioritization, we lose sight of what really moves the project and our goals forward. Now I ask myself: 👉 What’s the one thing that will create the biggest impact today? 👉 What aligns most with the purpose behind the work? When you focus on the right things, progress feels lighter and more meaningful. Focus brings clarity. Clarity drives results. #ProjectManagement #Motivation #Leadership #Focus #Prioritization #PersonalGrowth #Mindset

𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 You've defined your goal (Initiation) and you've created a brilliant roadmap (Planning). Now comes the hardest part: 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴. This is where discipline beats motivation. In a professional project, these two phases run concurrently. In your personal life, they are the secret to maintaining momentum without burning out. Here are the three essential habits to master: 1) 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀: Execution is not just doing the work; it's diligently tracking it. Use your schedule and milestones from the planning phase to check in daily. Ask yourself: 𝗔𝗺 𝗜 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱, 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱, 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸? The moment you fall behind is the moment you implement your pre-planned risk response.   • Example: If your goal is a certification, track the chapter completion rate daily, not just weekly. 2) 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 (𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀): You established a 'team' (accountability partner, mentor) in the planning phase. Now is the time to use them. 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 forces accountability and prevents silent backsliding. Share wins to build momentum, and share struggles to get immediate guidance.   • Example: Send a quick end-of-week text: "Completed 80% of my study goal. Need help next week on X topic." 3) 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 (𝗕𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗲): The plan is a guide, not a dictator. 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 will reveal where your plan clashes with reality. Don't force a bad plan; adjust it. This agility is a sign of leadership, not failure. Adjustments should be small, calculated, and aimed at getting you back on the critical path.   • Example: If your 5 AM study slot isn't working, immediately adjust to a 7 PM slot. Don't waste time trying to force a failed routine. Discipline in execution and honesty in monitoring are what separate goal setters from 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀. Which of these three habits do you find most challenging to maintain during a long-term goal? #Execution #ProjectManagement #Productivity #GoalAchievement #Discipline

“Push yourself to be uncomfortable — that’s how growth happens.” That was one of the key takeaways from this week’s Boise Young Professionals b|wise session, where I presented on time and project management. I was joined by my colleague Joseph Dailey, MBA, senior project manager and board member of the PMI Western Idaho Chapter, who shared insights during Q&A. Joe has led multi-year projects valued up to $500 million and I’m grateful for the practical advice he shared with my b|wise mentees Nickolas Wrobel and Shane O'Byrne. 💡Key takeaways from our conversation: 🔹Growth is meant to be uncomfortable. If it feels easy, you’re probably not stretching. Discomfort is a signal that you’re learning, evolving and pushing toward something meaningful. 🔹Emotional intelligence provides a critical advantage in planning projects. It’s not just about timelines and deliverables; it’s about people. Understanding team dynamics, reading the room, and responding with empathy can prevent friction, build trust and keep momentum strong. 🔹No project goes exactly as planned. Lean on subject matter experts, past project artifacts and teamwork to help navigate the unknown. 🎯 Actionable advice: ✅Prioritize what matters. Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to distinguish between what’s urgent and what’s truly important. Don’t let noise drown out meaningful work. ✅Remove business friction. Find inefficiencies such as unclear roles, delayed decisions, or misaligned priorities, and address them before they stall momentum. ✅ Build strong relationships early on. Projects succeed not just because of good planning, but also because of strong collaboration. Invest in trust, empathy and consistent communication. 📌 Final thought: Strategy matters. Create one, track changes and don’t pivot without good reason. Ready to expand your network and grow professionally? Discover how the Boise Young Professionals program can help you thrive (link in the comments). #ProjectManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth

What my manager said in a meeting changed how I see chaos… especially in projects (and life): “Every project meltdown starts small.” And it hit me how true that is… not just at work but everywhere. It’s never one big thing that throws a project off track. It’s the tiny misses that quietly pile up: ⚠️ A skipped update 📝 Unclear ownership ⏱ That “quick sync” that never happened Such small cracks stack up & suddenly what seemed manageable spins out of control. Life works the same way. It’s rarely one dramatic event that knocks us off balance, it’s the small moments we ignore, the tiny cracks that grow if left unchecked. The best Project Managers don’t fight chaos. They notice its early signs: 👀 A subtle shift in tone ⏳ A delay that repeats 🤐 A silence that feels heavier than usual Awareness is the real strategy. 🌱 Whether leading a project or navigating life- catch the small cracks early and you’ll save the structure later. #ProjectManagement #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Mindset #LifeLessons