ect Management
A project is an undertaking. It is about coordinating future events that are unknown to produce something valuable.
Arriving on time to a meeting (airlines!) is a big deal. traffic! weather!) The same goes for building a skyscraper. The next podcast that you plan to release is a project. So is cooking for guests.
We are always dancing with the unknown, random events, and other people.
A project will not be completed on its own if it is left to its own devices.
Unexpected speed bumps are inevitable due to the unpredictable nature of future events. There is no perfect project manager, as the costs of perfection in the face unknown are too high. There’s still a big difference between good project management and just putting in a genuine effort. If you find yourself finding excuses more often than you would like, or if unexpected events occur more frequently than you expect, your next project may benefit from a deliberate approach to delivering quality work on time.
We’re not surprised that project management is a skill we lack. In first grade we are expected to start with the simplest of assignments, but as time goes on, our projects become more complex. No one teaches us this skill can be learned with technique and strategy.
What are the hallmarks of a genuine amateur?
- Emergency resources are readily available, allowing time to be spent on planning and contingencies.
- Adopt a narrative stating that this interruption was unique and could not have been planned.
- The thrill of almost failing and succeeding at the last moment
Professionals, on the contrary, make a lot of money to ensure that these three things do not happen. When surprises occur, they accept them, and then simply switch to another route.
Professional project management trades excitement for system thinking and intentional actions. The people who save the day at the last moment are hailed as heroes, but the true work is to not need the last minute.
It’s important to understand that project management is a skill to learn, and not something you’re born with. Few successful organizations believe they have under-invested in their project management. When a project is worthwhile, it should be done with intention.
