Organizing Chaos: A Project Manager's Tale

Reflecting on a LinkedIn post I recently came across, I couldn’t help but ponder how to encapsulate both the joy and chaos that accompany a career in project management. Even as a young child, I had an uncanny knack for scheduling things in my mind and analyzing the outcomes of events. I remember watching news reports about botched robberies and thinking they needed a better plan. Now, let me clarify—I have never had any criminal tendencies! It was just my innate urge to organize chaos and devise strategies to see things through to completion.

My journey into project management began in an unconventional manner. Besides my childhood critiques of poorly executed heists, the true manifestation of my talent emerged as I grew older. However, it wasn’t until I pursued my Master’s degree that I found a name for my skills. While working in the mortgage industry, a Vice President entrusted me with the role of project manager. “You’re smart, go and become my Project Manager!” he said. Flattering as it was, I initially had no idea what that entailed. I quickly learned how not to be a PM and how not playing nicely in the sandbox didn't get you too far.

These initial scrappy and resourceful skills have helped me both professionally and personally. I like to bring order to chaos, create schedules (and yes, I thought everyone created a color-coded hour-by-hour schedule for Disney when we first took our kids), work with so many talented people, and grow as a Project Manager and leader.

I absolutely love stepping into the beginning or middle of a project knowing I’m going to put on my PM cape and figure it out. I always say you can take a good PM and put them into any project, and they will figure it out. It isn't always pretty in the beginning, but we get it done.

Reflecting on the realities of project management, it's clear that this field is a unique blend of joy and chaos. Here are some truths I've discovered throughout my journey:

1. It's always chaotic in the beginning. Projects often start with a whirlwind of activity, and controlling the chaos is a skill every project manager must master.

2. The project generally controls you and everyone else in its path initially. In the early stages, it's common to feel like the project is leading the way.

3. Each project has a mind of its own, almost like its own personality. No two projects are alike, and each one comes with its own set of challenges and dynamics.

4. You must be good at playing nicely with others. Collaboration and teamwork are essential. Navigating different personalities and working styles is a key part of the job.

5. You don't need to be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) at anything other than Project Management. Your expertise in managing projects is what matters most.

6. If you don't do a good job scoping (yes, with your WBS), expect it to be a free-for-all, never knowing when you're done. Proper scoping and planning are crucial to avoid endless project change requests.

7. There's nothing better than successfully going live. The satisfaction of seeing a project come to fruition is unparalleled.

8. You better know how to navigate politics, scope, big personalities, and deliver the project within its triple constraints while realizing the benefits. Mastering these aspects is essential for successful project management.

9. Just because you have done one project doesn't mean you have expertise with the next one. Remember, each project is unique, and adapting to new challenges is part of the job.

10. There is no secret sauce when it comes to PMing; you need to ensure your science is in order (yes, that means being certified in your methodology of choice(s)) and you need to be even more solid on your art toolbox. Project management is as much about the art of managing people and situations as it is about the science of processes and methodologies.

These realities shape the journey of every project manager, making it a career full of dynamic challenges and rewarding achievements.