03: Being Oneself

Some project managers are only happy when they and the project team look busy. They like to see the team working hard, working late and rushing about. But is that effective? I only feel happy when the project team is relaxed and everyone has time to smile and share a joke.

The Way

The poor project manager is ambitious and desperate for success. He wants advancement and this will create havoc for the project team. The wise project manager concentrates on making sure the team have what they need to do the work and protecting them from interference.

Getting things done doesn't have to be frantic and the team don’t have to be busy. If we just act 'as ourselves' and co-operate with one another the team can achieve great things. The wise project manager is more concerned that what the team does is effective and this is simple wisdom. I know this for this is the way of the project manager.

The Tao

Lao Tsu tells us:

Not exalting the gifted prevents quarrelling.

Not collecting treasure prevents stealing.

Not seeing desirable things prevents confusion of the heart.

The wise therefore rule by emptying hearts and stuffing bellies,

by weakening ambitions and strengthening bones.

If people lack knowledge and desire,

then intellectuals will not try to interfere.

If nothing is done then all will be well.