Wednesday@Work Poem: Project Management in 3 Acts

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/