Ricardo Viana Vargas's Blog, page 10
July 23, 2019
Using the ADKAR Method in Change Management
In this episode, Ricardo explains the ADKAR method, developed by Jeff Hiatt. The model suggests a 5-step process, centered on the human change that, in consequence, becomes able to change organizations and society. ADKAR and the acronym of the stages of Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability and Reinforcement.

July 11, 2019
What we can learn from honesty with the Caltech Honor Code
In this episode, Ricardo discusses a surprising tradition of one of the most respected educational institutions in the world, the Caltech (Californian Institute of Technology). At Caltech, students usually take their exams home, in a clear demonstration of the level of confidence and responsibility given to students by themselves, their professors, and the institution.
Ricardo also makes some reflections about what we can learn from this example to apply to how we conduct and report our work, and to what extent each of us is committed to truth and honesty in assessing deadlines, budgets, risks, and even results of our projects. A point to be reflected by all.

May 20, 2019
Understanding the Futures Wheel Tool
In this episode, Ricardo presents a simple visual tool to explore and understand future scenarios. The Futures Wheel is a form of a mind map that associates causes and consequences of events or decisions, allowing you to evaluate future scenarios from the present and evaluate the best options to take.

April 15, 2019
Is the Project Manager Responsible for All the Work in the Project?
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the responsibility of the work project in coordinating the multidisciplinary work of the project. He also discusses the issue related to the role "Project Manager" and in the effectiveness of the title in transforming ideas into results.

February 3, 2019
Why is the Fear of Change So Relevant?
In this episode, Ricardo talks about one of the biggest obstacles to any transformation initiative: the fear of change. Fear is one of the fundamental principles of survival itself. However, when fear blocks the ability to progress, it becomes one of the worst enemies of projects and natural evolution.

January 17, 2019
Welcome to 2019: Technology, Volatility and other trends around the corner of our lives
In the first episode of the year, Ricardo approaches the main trends he sees for 2019. This time he talks about his impressions about exponential technologies such as artificial intelligence, energy, transportation, genetics and their implications on our lives, our work as a manager of projects and in our society.

December 6, 2018
5 Tips to plan and execute projects in chaotic environments: Understanding the concept of Antifragility
In this episode, Ricardo addresses the current challenge of planning and executing projects in chaotic environments. He uses some of the concepts presented by Nassim Taleb in the book Antifragile to give you five tips to use in your projects today: developing options, proactivity and paranoia, flexibility, having your skin in the game, and getting energy out of failures.

November 4, 2018
People Manifesto: Revisiting our Concepts of Leadership, Collaboration, Culture and Self Interest
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the work done by the Brightline Initiative and its partners to address one of the greatest assets for organizational transformation: the people. Ricardo addresses the 4 essential points of the manifesto that raise questions around universal concepts of leadership, collaboration, culture, and interest. To download the manifesto, visit https://www.brightline.org/people-manifesto/

October 16, 2018
Generalization x Detailing: The good, the bad and the ugly
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of more detailed planning versus more generic and agile planning. It also presents the 3 criteria that it usually uses to define how well it generalizes and how detailed it is.

September 18, 2018
What is VUCA and Why it is so Relevant in Today's Work Environment
In this episode, Ricardo explains what VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) is and what its implications for the current environment. He reinforces the concept he posted in a recent article on LinkedIn that most organizations are not structured for this environment, and that's one reason why new organizations born with this perception of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity end up taking advantage in the innovation, business and project environment.
