35: Keep It Simple

The wise project manager stays with the single principle and understands the team process. He keeps things simple and clear for the team and so the work of the team progresses smoothly. 

The Tao

Lao Tsu tells us:

All men will come to him who keeps the one,

For there lie rest and happiness and peace.

Passersby may stop for music and good food,

But a description of the Tao

Seems without substance or flavour.

It cannot be seen, it cannot be heard,

And yet it cannot be exhausted.

34: The Single Principle

The wise project manager works to create an awareness of what is happening on the project and in the business. 

The Tao

Lao Tsu tells us:

The great Tao flows everywhere, both to the left and to the right.

The ten thousand things depend upon it; it holds nothing back.

It fulfils its purpose silently and makes no claim.

It nourishes the ten thousand things,

And yet it is not their lord.

It has no aim; it is very small.

The ten thousand things return to it,

Yet it is not their lord.

It is very great.

It does not show greatness,

And is therefore truly great.

33: Inner Resources

The wise project manager is content with what he has. If our goals are clear, we can achieve them without fuss.

The Tao

Lao Tsu tells us:

Knowing others is wisdom;

Knowing the self is enlightenment.

Mastering others requires force;

Mastering the self needs strength.

He who knows he has enough is rich.

Perseverance is a sign of will power.

He who stays where he is endures.

To die but not to perish is to be eternally present.

32: Unity

The way cannot be defined, it just is. It is the single principle responsible for every event or thing. The wise project manager has regard for this principle and as a consequence the team will trust him.

The Tao

Lao Tsu tells us:

The Tao is forever undefined.

Small though it is in the unformed state, it cannot be grasped.

If kings and lords could harness it,

The ten thousand things would naturally obey.

Heaven and earth would come together

And gentle rain would fall.

Men would need no more instruction and all things would take their course.

Once the whole is divided, the parts need names.

There are already enough names.

One must know when to stop.

Knowing when to stop averts trouble.

Tao in the world is like a river flowing home to the sea.