How to Implement Behavioral Project Management for Better Performance – Ep 055

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Josh Ramirez, Ph.D., NPPQ, PMP, CEO, and Dr. Jodi Bull Wilson, CSM, Ph.D., COO of the Institute for Neuro & Behavioral Project Management, about how understanding human behavior can transform project execution, enhance team performance, and sharpen decision-making for smoother, more successful outcomes. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Dr. Josh and Dr. Jodi: What is behavioral project management, and how does it differ from traditional project management approaches in terms of improving decision-making and outcomes? How does understanding cognitive conditions and designing project management processes around how the brain works lead to better project outcomes compared to traditional methods? How do cognitive moderators or filters, like cognitive overload, impact decision-making in projects, and what can be done to manage these effects? How can project managers apply behavioral design principles to navigate the effects of time pressure, improve team performance, and ensure better project delivery? What role do pressure, process, and people play in the success or failure of a project, and how can managers effectively navigate these factors using behavioral project management strategies? How does the NeuralPlan tool help project managers improve prediction accuracy and resource coordination throughout a project by applying behavioral insights? Can you share some real-world examples where behavioral project management, using tools like NeuralPlan, has led to significant improvements in project outcomes? How can AEC professionals incorporate behavioral principles into their daily project management practices for better long-term outcomes? What final piece of advice would you give to AEC professionals about integrating behavioral insights into project management for sustained success? Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Implement Behavioral Project Management for Better Performance: Behavioral project management goes beyond standard frameworks by focusing on how behaviors influence decision-making throughout a project's lifecycle. By designing processes around how the brain works, teams identify risks more effectively, define scope better, and achieve improved outcomes compared to traditional methods. Considering cognitive conditions and the individual’s role within the project context makes processes more effective. Tailoring management processes to how the team operates ensures more efficient decision-making and reduces errors, leading to better outcomes. Cognitive overload overwhelms individuals and slows decision-making. Recognizing when cognitive load becomes too high and taking short breaks helps reset focus, improving decision-making and overall project outcomes. Time and social pressures cause mental fatigue and reduce productivity. Managers boost performance by scheduling high-focus tasks during peak mental times and including short breaks, keeping teams energized and improving overall project delivery. Pressure, process, and people all impact a project's success. Using behavioral strategies, such as identifying obstacles early and managing time pressure with well-timed breaks, helps managers effectively navigate these elements and ensure successful outcomes. NeuralPlan enhances project management by improving prediction accuracy and resource coordination through behavioral insights. It enables teams to make reliable forecasts, ensuring smoother coordination from planning through execution, leading to better outcomes. NeuralPlan improves forecasting accuracy, reducing errors from 50% to as low as 10%.