Samsara, Nirvana, Ground Hog, and Godot
Act 1: Project Samsara 1.0
(Curtain rises)
Project team sitting around the conference kickoff table
Sponsor is both visible and vocal
Great benefits forecast upon project completion
Budget set, team engaged, and time lines drawn on Gantt charts.
(Hearty round of applause)
Act 2: Project Samsara 1.1, 1.2, 1.3…
(Darkened stage – dim light on project manager)
Beta moment.
Project manager in desperate need of beta blockers
Calling for the sponsor but no reply
Project is over —
Overruns
Over budget
Over time
Over and out
(Intermission: Audience craves catharsis and caramel popcorn)
Act 3: Project Nirvana 1.0
(Audience arrives late for Act 3 because of popcorn shortages)
Project Samsara has failed and fallen out of focus
Like a cloud blown away by the winds of organizational change
No wake is necessary…
Same project team is sitting around the same conference table
The sponsor has reappeared – visible and vocal
Announces the launch of Project Nirvana.
Great benefits forecast upon project completion
Budget set, team engaged, and time lines drawn on new Gantt chart.
(Spotlight shifts stage left)
Groundhog peaks out of hole, sees shadow and dives underground.
(Curtain falls – audience leaves wondering if they somehow missed Godot)
Poem by David Zinger - David Zinger is a leading expert on employee engagement. He is committed to creating authentic and sustained employee engagement for the benefit of all. Contact David at (204) 254-2130 or Email dzinger@shaw.ca.
Photo Credit: ground hog day by http://www.flickr.com/photos/neonman/516647160/
Beautiful poem and play.
I think that groundhog knows something