PMcrunch

I have worked on all kinds of projects.  I’m well aware that project requirements will pit you against limitations of all sorts.  Indeed, we all recognize that we operate in a world of constraints; however, sometimes WE are the biggest constraint of all.   This leads me to the question, “Is your project bigger than yourself?”

While some constraints relate to resources such as money, personnel, and equipment, other constraints can relate directly to our outlook or view of the world.  I usually find that we are the constraints whenever we work ourselves entirely too hard.  It isn’t necessarily the project that is bigger than us in these situations, but until we find a new mindset, and go through some paradigm shift, we simply cannot take our projects to the next level.

I find that small projects tend to increase the likelihood of getting away with this “small thinking.”  Most projects that I’ve worked on have been relatively small, but projects are destined to remain small, and tightly contained, if we ourselves provide the limitation or constraint in our projects.  Maybe this is what we desire and what is called for when defining our  project scope.  I find that many small projects have much more potential than the individual running them.

 I’ve also been involved in some big projects, some in the construction industry, some in IT, but most recently in the defense industry, where the projects tend to be enormous, almost beyond comprehension.  On such projects, I personally find a great satisfaction in being part of something bigger than myself.  While on a small project, we can be big fish in a small pond, this isn’t even remotely possible on larger projects, and at some point, we either need to take some satisfaction in being part of something bigger than ourselves or find a way to cut loose.

I think the key with smaller projects and finding ways to make them bigger than us is to formulate our project plans with a goal, objective, or purpose that is bigger than ourselves.  If we can do that, we can begin to think outside of the box, and escape the self imposed constraints that we bring to the project ourselves.  It is these limitations that limit our output and we are somewhat helpless until we move beyond them.
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John Reiling, PMP
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