Business Transformation: From Planning to Execution
“How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors That Determine the Fate of Every Project, from Home Renovations to Space Exploration” by Bent Flyvbjerg, is a book that has been collecting dust on my shelf for more than a year. I finally read it. It is a good read that explores the complexities and challenges of large-scale projects and offers insights from a variety of fields: construction, infrastructure, and space exploration.
Key takeaways:
Planning Fallacies: Many large projects are plagued by over-optimism and underestimation of costs and timelines. Flyvbjerg explores the psychological biases and errors that often lead to unrealistic expectations in project planning. I am doing my basement reno now… and have to admit that calculating a project to be 25% over budget is saving my bacon at the moment.
The Role of Power: Large projects are often shaped by political and organizational power dynamics. Decision-makers may prioritize their interests, which can impact the project’s execution and outcomes. We live these realities very acutely today and, in truth, the tough times test our character and make us stronger. For example – do we have the fortitude to “do without” and follow through with the actions (reactions) that ultimately protect our country?
The Importance of the Right Culture: Successful projects often require a culture of adaptability, learning, and innovation. Flyvbjerg emphasizes that project managers need to foster a positive environment that encourages problem-solving and the flexibility to adjust when challenges arise.
Tracking Progress: The book highlights the importance of monitoring and adjusting progress regularly. Keeping a clear view of actual progress versus projected milestones is crucial to ensuring success.
For me… diving deeper into Point 3: The Importance of the Right Culture in large-scale projects, was most interesting. Especially since a translation from Projects to Initiatives or Transformation is so easy.
In the context of big projects, organizational culture plays a crucial role in determining whether a project or an initiative will succeed or fail. Flyvbjerg emphasizes that it’s not just the technical expertise or planning that makes a project successful but also the environment in which the project is being carried out. Nothing new, Edgar Shein always talked about the fact that culture eats strategy for breakfast. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements regarding culture as I see it in large organization change projects.
Adaptability and Flexibility
Big projects rarely go according to the original plan. Unexpected challenges, changes in requirements, or technological failures often arise. Projects that foster a culture of adaptability are better equipped to adjust and solve problems as they come up. Instead of sticking rigidly to a pre-established plan, teams with an adaptable mindset can pivot, explore new solutions, and adjust to keep the project on track.
In contrast, rigid, inflexible cultures can lead to major delays and cost overruns, as project teams may be unwilling to reconsider or change plans even when it becomes clear that the initial strategy is no longer feasible. The concepts covered in the book “mindset” of which I wrote a while back ring similar.
Learning from Mistakes
Learning from failure is a hallmark of successful projects. In projects with a culture that supports learning, failures aren’t seen as dead ends but as opportunities for growth. Teams can reflect on missteps and adjust their approach moving forward.
A healthy project culture encourages open communication about setbacks, where team members can share what went wrong without fear of blame. This transparency enables more informed decision-making and prevents the same mistakes from being repeated.
Innovation and Problem-Solving
Large projects often require innovation, whether it’s new technology, novel methods of project management, or finding creative solutions to unexpected challenges. A culture of innovation is critical in solving the kinds of complex problems that arise during big projects.
Encouraging creativity and empowering teams to explore unconventional solutions can lead to breakthroughs that keep projects moving forward when traditional methods would fail. Teams that are encouraged to experiment and think outside the box are more likely to find ways to overcome the unique challenges posed by large-scale projects.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Big projects are rarely successful without strong collaboration among diverse teams with varied skill sets. The book stresses the importance of teamwork, where different experts—such as engineers, architects, designers, and financiers—work together in a coordinated manner.
A collaborative culture fosters trust and effective communication, ensuring that issues are identified and addressed quickly. A siloed, fragmented approach, on the other hand, can create gaps in knowledge and lead to mistakes, inefficiencies, and delays.
Leadership and Decision-Making
The leaders of large projects play a crucial role in shaping the project culture. Flyvbjerg notes that good leadership in big projects goes beyond technical oversight—it’s about creating a culture of trust, where teams feel empowered to make decisions and take initiative.
Leaders who are able to foster a positive, open culture can inspire their teams, set clear expectations, and guide the project through the inevitable uncertainties. In contrast, poor leadership can create a toxic environment, marked by confusion, frustration, and a lack of direction.
Psychological Safety
A culture of psychological safety is another key factor. This refers to an environment where team members feel safe to voice concerns, suggest improvements, or admit when they don’t know something without fear of negative consequences. In such environments, problems can be addressed early on, before they snowball into more significant issues.
For instance, if a team member notices a potential flaw in a design or a misalignment with the project goals, they should be able to bring it up without fear of being dismissed or punished. This proactive problem-solving approach can prevent costly mistakes and keep projects on track.
So… the culture surrounding a large project—its adaptability, openness to learning, collaborative spirit, and leadership—is just as critical to success as the technical and financial aspects of the project. By nurturing a culture that supports these values, organizations can increase the chances of completing large projects successfully, on time, and within budget.
Hope this helps,
E
