Don’t ask me what “Zen” is.
I am not qualified to answer such a question. All I can say is that anyone who studies Zen applies it to their daily lives and work.
As a project manager I apply Zen in the following ways:-
1) When constructing a project plan I think of the plan as a river flowing to the sea. It never goes uphill and avoids major obstructions. It has a natural rythym to it with everything happening in the right order. I check it once, twice, thrice then I get the Team to review it.
2) When allocating timescales I ask the person who is actually doing the task. I might push them to do it quicker but I need timescales which are aggressive but realistic. I need that person’s commitment.
3) I never lie to the customer. I always keep them appraised of progress even if its bad news. Once trust is lost it’s gone forever.
4) I always offer the customer options. If my timescale has slipped I offer alternative solutions.
5) I am neither overly optimistic nor pessimistic.
6) I tell Senior Management the bad news. They dislike obfuscation even more.
7) I never allow myself to be bullied into giving unrealistic timescales. What’s the point, I will only look stupid when we can’t meet them.
8) I am open & honest with my team and expect the same in return.
9) “Best laid plans of mice & men gang aft agley” – say no more!
10) Calmness in the eye of the storm is either a sign of great leadership or incredible stupidity.
* Recommended reading: Robert M Pirsig – Zen & the art of motorcycle maintenance.
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