PMcrunch

George Pitagorsky examines the possibilities of using [tag]Zen[/tag] practices to become a more effective Project Manager in his article  “Manage Wisely” on Projects@Work (August 9, 2007).  The article is an edited excerpt from Chapter 1 of “The Zen Approach to Project Management”.  

I thought it was relaxing just reading the article - and thinking of the possibility of being relaxed with eyes and mind wide open!  And I think this was the intent.  I appreciate the author’s efforts to share insights from two seemingly different schools of thought.

With the thesis that there is great value in apply Zen thinking within the PM world, and with a barely novice understanding and experience with Zen, here are some of my thoughts:

1. Having one’s mind wide open means looking for what is there - not looking for something specific; however, disciplines - such as frameworks for managing projects - may seemingly force us out of that mode into looking for something to ‘fit’ a pattern.  I have seen it, and have been guilty of it myself.  As Project Managers, we need to understand the value of utilizing a project management framework, such as [tag]PMBOK[/tag], but then, knowing the value, set it aside so that we can see things as they are.  Then, seeing things as they are, we can again leverage the framework where we can apply the principles and processes that also have value.  Frameworks and methodologies are real, too!  They are products of organized thought, and thought is real!

2. Zen and Zen teaching seems to be based in wisdom on a life-philosophy scale.  A Project Management framework is also organized wisdom - developed from the minds and experiences of many.  However, while wisdom is behind it and its creation, awareness includes being aware of that the framework, or shared wisdom, exists.  

3. The Zen approach can make us mindful of the possibilities of using the PM framework, such as PMBOK, and where it fits into our world.  I think the original and more recent authors of the PMBOK needed to be present and mindful – open to observation and new thinking - to develop the PMBOK collaboratively.

4. Zen can be most helpful in people relations, where the world is so much less black and white than other aspects of life.

5. The author appears to be well-versed in Zen and is a serious student.  The book looks interesting!

6. In the chaotic, rough and tumble world of the [tag]project manager[/tag], it can be helpful to be able to ‘switch’ ourselves into a calm frame of mind.  Each of us finds our own personal ways of turning on this ‘switch’ so that we can think with clarity and act confidently.  Zen, it seems, can be one of those ways.
____________________________
John Reiling, PMP
Project Management Training Online
Lean Six Sigma Training Online