PMP Exam Success in 40 Days! - Project Management 101

Visit ⁠⁠http://pmpdoctor.com/⁠⁠ for more PMP practice questions.In the PMP Exam Mindset, "Negotiating Project Agreements" (People Domain, Task 8) is about finding the Win-Win. Forget the "hard-bargaining" movie tropes—the PM's goal is to reach a sustainable consensus that protects project objectives while maintaining healthy relationships.1. Core Mindset Principles
Collaboration Over Competition: Negotiation isn't about winning at the other party's expense. It’s about aligning everyone to the project’s success.
Know Your Bounds: Always understand your BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) and your limits before entering the room.
Focus on Interests, Not Positions: If a stakeholder demands "Feature X," ask why. The underlying interest is often easier to satisfy than the rigid demand.
Integrity First: Never promise something the team cannot deliver just to close a deal.
Analyze Bounds of Negotiation: Determine the scope, budget, and schedule flexibility before starting.
Assess Priorities and Objectives: Use tools like MoSCoW Prioritization to understand what is "Must-Have" versus "Nice-to-Have."
Verify Objectives Are Met: Ensure the final agreement actually solves the project's needs and is documented in an Agreement or Contract.
Participate in Negotiations: You aren't just an observer; you are the bridge between the technical team and the Procurement/Legal departments.
2. Key Exam Enablers (Subtasks)Based on the PMP Content Outline, you must master:3. The Agile PerspectiveIn Agile projects, negotiation is continuous. We prioritize "Customer Collaboration over Contract Negotiation" (Agile Manifesto). This means favoring flexible contracts, like Fixed-Price Incremental or Time and Materials, that allow for changing priorities.Exam Tip: The "Consensus" StrategyIf you see a question where two stakeholders disagree on a requirement, the correct answer usually involves facilitating a meeting to find common ground or using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to objectively rank options.

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In the PMP Exam Mindset, "Removing Impediments" is the ultimate expression of Servant Leadership. Your job is to act as a "shield" for the team, clearing the path so they can focus on delivering value without distraction. 
Definitions to Know (The "Nuance")While the exam often uses these interchangeably, understanding the slight differences helps you prioritize: 
Impediments: Anything that slows down the team (e.g., a slow server or unnecessary meetings).
Obstacles: Barriers that can be avoided or moved with effort (e.g., a missing stakeholder approval).
Blockers: Specific issues that cause a total stop on a task or story (e.g., a critical software bug).

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In the PMP Exam Mindset, "Build a Team" (People Domain, Task 6) is not a one-time event but a continuous process of evolving a group of individuals into a high-performing unit. Core Mindset Principles
Servant Leadership: Your role is to support, coach, and shield the team, rather than giving commands.
Team Empowerment: Trust the team to break down their own work and determine activity timing; they are the experts in execution.
Continuous Skill Assessment: Regularly appraise team skills (both technical and soft skills) to identify gaps and provide necessary training.
Proactive Development: Facilitate the team through Tuckman’s Stages (Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing) to reach maturity and shared leadership.

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2026 Bold GOAL SETTING Using the JOHN MAXWELL Plan Ahead Method
2026 will not reward hope. It will reward intention.In this video, I walk you through a bold, practical framework for goalsetting in 2026—not wishful thinking, not hype, but deliberate planning backed by action. If you want 2026 to be your strongest year yet, it starts with deciding in advance what success looks like and building the discipline to pursue it relentlessly.I break down the PLAN AHEAD framework step by step, showing you how to:• Set macro goals aligned to each quarter• Define non-negotiable outcomes instead of vague intentions• Build flexibility without losing momentum• Communicate your vision so others can support it• Take action even when conditions aren’t perfect• Anticipate problems instead of being surprised by them• Maintain a strong mental posture when pressure shows up• Review, reprioritize, and protect what truly mattersThis isn’t about doing more.It’s about doing what matters.If you’ve ever felt busy but not moving forward…If your goals keep slipping into “next year”…If you’re ready to stop negotiating with your future—This message is for you.Your 2026 is waiting.Plan ahead.Be bold.And take it head on.2026 BOLD GOALSETTING0:00 – Welcome to 2026 & why this year must be intentional0:45 – Hope vs action: why planning separates winners1:38 – Macro goals & the quarterly mindset (Q1–Q4)2:13 – PLAN AHEAD framework overview2:19 – P: Predetermine your course of action2:52 – Deciding success in advance (vision before movement)3:29 – Quarterly goals & highest return / reward thinking4:08 – Real story: climbing out of major debt through planning4:44 – Mapping major moves & eliminating hesitation5:16 – Defining non-negotiable goals & outcomes6:06 – L: Lay out your goals6:14 – Why vague goals produce vague results6:20 – SMART goals explained (specific, measurable, time-bound)6:50 – Macro goals vs micro goals7:07 – Breaking annual goals into quarterly, monthly, weekly wins7:31 – Visibility, accountability & goal tracking8:02 – A: Allow time for adjustments8:08 – Why plans break and flexibility wins8:44 – COVID lesson: pivoting when reality shifts9:16 – Buffer time, reviews, and contingency planning9:42 – AI, market shifts & knowing when to pivot10:32 – N: Notify key personnel10:38 – You cannot win alone10:55 – Alignment, trust, and momentum11:14 – Communicating vision to family, teams, stakeholders11:32 – A: Allow time for acceptance11:39 – Why big change needs time to land11:47 – Kayaku: bad change vs meaningful change12:25 – Leading people at their pace13:01 – Family, teams & avoiding shock change13:16 – Patience now prevents resistance later14:10 – H: Head into action14:21 – Planning without execution is paralysis14:35 – “Do it ugly” & imperfect action15:02 – First 48 hours: momentum rules15:25 – Public accountability & bias toward action15:53 – E: Expect problems15:58 – Obstacles are inevitable, not anomalies16:12 – BEHAG mindset: big, bold, uncomfortable goals16:46 – Risk thinking & if-then scenarios17:23 – Reframing problems as puzzles17:39 – A: Always point to the positive17:46 – Narrative, mindset & strategic optimism17:53 – Zig Ziglar: attitude vs aptitude18:31 – Cutting negativity & complaint cycles19:10 – Wins reviews & gratitude practices19:45 – D: Daily review & reprioritize19:54 – Aggressive prioritization (Jack Welch example)20:49 – Killing noise & focusing on the vital few21:48 – Time as your most valuable asset22:09 – Daily recalibration habit23:26 – Reward, risk & value prioritization filter24:12 – BHAG decisions & early execution24:37 – Be bold, aggressive, and decisive with goals26:39 – Final charge: Your 2026 awaits27:04 – Closing message: plan ahead and take no prisoners