When communication breaks down and everyone’s working from a different playbook, even the best teams can fall into chaos. If you've ever felt the friction of misaligned expectations, unclear priorities, or endless status-chasing, this episode offers a clear way forward.

We explore how to create shared definitions, structure meaningful conversations, and align teams—whether you're managing complex projects or just trying to get better results across departments. Discover why the first step to clarity isn't better tools, but better thinking.

Host Al McBride speaks with Paul Koetke of Koetke Consulting about the subtle traps that derail collaboration, how to avoid assumptions, and why standardization isn’t about rigidity, it’s about freeing your team to focus on what really matters.

Listen now to learn how clarity, conversation, and proactive alignment can transform how you and your team work.

GUEST BIO:

Paul Koetke is the Founder and Managing Partner of Koetke Consulting, a firm specializing in implementing Smartsheet PMO solutions for organizations seeking transparency and actionable intelligence in their project management offices. As a certified Smartsheet Platinum Partner with nine years of experience, Paul has designed and deployed over 100 PMO solutions for industry leaders like Cushman & Wakefield, Johnson & Johnson, Lineage Logistics, and Public Storage.

A Control Center specialist, Paul empowers PMOs by transforming fragmented processes into scalable, automated workflows that provide real-time visibility and strategic insights. His expertise helps business leaders managing large project portfolios gain complete oversight, optimize decision-making, and enhance their teams’ project management capabilities.

TOPICS EXPLORED:

1. The importance of creating a shared language before implementing any system
2. Common mistakes teams make when attempting to improve project visibility
3. How to balance structure with flexibility across engineering and creative teams
4. Why a tailored approach always beats one-size-fits-all in PMO solutions
5. The 3 foundational steps to begin standardizing your project processes
6. How clear definitions around quality and timelines prevent costly misunderstandings
7. The role of proactive discovery in building internal alignment and external trust
8. Why effective project management systems liberate rather than constrain
   
   

RESOURCES:

 Koetke Consulting: https://www.koetkeconsulting.com/

COONECT WITH PAUL KOETKE:

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulkoetke/

If you're interested in more visit ▶ https://almcbride.com/minicourse
for a free email minicourse on how to gain the psychological edge in your negotiations and critical conversations along with a helpful negotiation prep cheat sheet.

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