I firmly believe the gates of opportunity for solutions will swing open with the simple acceptance of ideas, along with the skills and knowledge possessed by each team member. Perhaps most important, each team member must have a clearly defined role with a set of responsibilities—and be empowered to carry them out. Without these parameters, the team will not achieve its fullest potential, and individuals will act as individuals, attempting to maximize their own achievements versus optimizing the group's success.

Whether you're operating a combat theater or a civilian construction site, project delivery is a complex business executed in an endlessly changing environment. Over time, processes and Knowledge Areas have evolved to bring structure to the delivery of projects. Effective leaders obviously need to balance cost, schedule and quality, but they must build the right team, remain agile and have confidence in their actions. In my extensive project management experience in the U.S. military, I've discovered unique friction points, cultural nuances and atmospheric challenges to overcome. At the same time, I've encountered many traditional issues that rear their heads particularly in times of urgent deadlines and constrained resources.