324: Pivot Like a Pro: When Project Plans Fall Apart

This week our hosts reflect on leadership, adaptability, and operational consistency in higher education AV. Murphy’s PM Minute focuses on a core project management reality: plans break. Whether it’s supply chain delays, weather events, or shifting requirements, effective leaders must pivot quickly, refocus teams, and maintain momentum without dwelling on lost goals.

The conversation expands into broader leadership themes, including defining outcomes versus rigid timelines, aligning teams around purpose, and ensuring organizational consistency. James shares a customer service experience highlighting how inconsistent communication erodes trust—reinforcing the importance of clear processes and a reliable “source of truth.” The episode blends practical AV management insight with real-world leadership lessons, emphasizing resilience, clarity, and long-term vision in project execution.

Topics Discussed:

• Adapting when project plans fail
• The role of a project manager as leader and motivator
• Defining broader goals vs. fixed deadlines
• Higher ed AV summer planning cycles
• Vendor partnerships and product transitions
• Technical support expectations for AV professionals
• Leadership consistency and employee experience
• Creating a knowledge base as a source of truth
• Customer service breakdowns and trust
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification
• Organizational behavior and MBA insights
• Innovation and long-term strategic focus

The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.

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