Three Kinds of PMs
There are three kinds of project managers at the end of the project:
- Those who say "what happened?"
- Those who let it happen
- Those who made it happen
What Happened?
Not knowing the train wreck was coming is a common event on many projects. Focusing on the details, focusing on the unimportant, or focusing on something else is the starting point for "what happened?"
Letting it Happen
Watching the train wreck in front of your own eyes is also common. Taking care of your own part of the project, while watching others fail is the beginning of watching a failure. Following the procedures, doing all the paper work, checking all the boxes may be necessary but far from sufficient for success
Making it Happen
Project Managers that make "management" a verb have a fighting chance of making it happen. Keeping the books straight on the project is not "management." Pointing out the possible problems is not "management."
Project Management is a full contact sport.
