If you have a complex project and can’t describe it in simple terms, then don’t do it.
ADAGE
Be Like Nehemiah
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RESPONSE
If you have a complex project and can’t describe it in simple terms, then don’t do it. Avoid projects that will take more than six months. They too often take on a life of their own. Spend your finite resources on something more controllable. If you must engage in a large or complex project, use someone else’s money. Even then, try to break the project into smaller six-month “stand-alone” projects. Staff any project with as few people as possible. When possible, staff your projects with no more than five to seven people. If the project is too big or difficult, get stronger people, not more people. Select the best and then back them. It is false economy to skimp on the quality of your people. The more people participating in a project, the more critical it is for there to be a simple shared understanding of the project, its goals, and how to resolve the unavoidable trade-offs that must be made in any project of consequence. One of the more impressive projects in the Bible is Nehemiah’s leadership of the effort to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. He accomplished this task through the blessing of God, the support of a King, and dedicated workers who worked with a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other to ward off would-be attackers. Planning is essential to success. Nehemiah reduced this complex task to manageable parts by assigning families or tribes to build out each gate section. Rushing headlong into an apparent opportunity may not be wise. Plan carefully and think strategically.
SCRIPTURE
Luke 14:30 (NCB) “There goes the man who started to build but was unable to complete his work”.
Nehemiah 2:17 (NLT) But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!”
QUESTIONS
How do the Scripture(s) apply to the business adage?
What are a few of the most recent approaches to project management you’ve used that worked?
There are many apps, platforms, websites, and software designed for project management. Do they help or hinder the management process?
Is it better to have diverse teams? Why or why not?
DOWNLOAD
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