It’s friday and I’m thinking of the weekends I’ve spent whitewater rafting in summers past. It made me realize that many of the projects I’ve been on have correlations to nature’s waters.
Most of the projects I’ve been on are like a river. They twist and turn and there are occasional obstructions in the current. There are fast currents, choppy waters and some stretchs of easy drifting with progress stalling eddies swirling behind rocks and in the slow curves.
Other projects are like a lake. Vast and mostly calm unless there is a big storm. Man made with a Dam at one end (called the budget) that must be closely monitored.
Finally there is the Swamp and Marsh. The same you say? Not quite. Definitively, as my son once pointed out, a Marsh has grasses and a Swamp trees. Either way progress is not going to be quick and if you are not punished by mosquitos the leeches and reptiles may get you.
So, it’s lunchtime, geek. What does the I.T. Survivor man do in these situations? Rule 1, don’t work up a sweat; Rule 2 follow the guidelines below and; Rule 3 See Rule 1.
Guidelines for the River:
You can’t control it. Respect it. Keep your team in the raft. Have a lookout spot the rocks and currents. Have a skipper steer the raft. Work as at team to stay in the current. Keep the nose of the raft pointed down river and the raft in the current. Paddle when you need to and stay alert for when you can rest. Remember, there might be another set of rapids around the next curve to navigate. Most importantly, never panic. Your life vest is your professional and interpersonal skills. Make sure you always have them on. To make good progress a tight team, the correct tools, respect for the surroundings and confidence based on experience dampened with the humility of your small influence over the universe will go along way to an enjoyable trip.
Guidelines for the Lake:
As long as the dam holds (budget) you have a wide opportunity. Explore the boundaries and learn the depths. Watch out for speeding watercraft. Wear sunblock and always keep your life preserver near. Determine where you need to go and enjoy the trip.
Guidelines for the Swamp or Marsh:
Watch out for the crocs and alligators. Try to find a river and go downstream. By all means get out. Alternatively, if you have enough time and money turn it into a Lake and make it a place for all your colleagues to go.
For more reading the following article, Management by Procrastination by Thomas Cutting is of interest. I appreciated his direct approach; Identify. Prioritize. Deliver.