Now I am teaching for PMP, I saw a major difference between PMBOK 3rd and 4th edition. In scope, risk, cost, communication and in all 6 processes of project integration area they have added “expert judgment” as a technique. They have also given guidance on who are the typical experts to help with that process. I think it is a very useful update.

Many times project managers don’t ask for help. Even in this wonderfully connected world, people try to solve their problems, their own way. I should confess that before starting on my own, I was also guilty of that mistake. Nowadays, I have realized the potential of giving and asking and the third critical corner of the networking triangle – “Thanking” at the end of it. It is not only thanking if we get what we want, but even for the efforts and the thought they want to help you.

Next time you are stuck with a problem, seek expert judjment. When they say – “Expert Judgment” they don’t mean a PhD with white hair. It can even be a team member or a peer project manager. Expert could simply mean that he/she has done it before and know how to approach the problem.