Statistics show that 70% of transformational projects fail.
In the hustle of project management, where timelines are tight, stakes are high, and uncertainties lurk around every corner, finding guidance can feel like embarking on an epic journey. Worry Not!
The relevance of Bhagavad Gita to Project Managers
You can curate yourself into a successful project manager and lead your projects into one of those 30% successful projects by embracing the invaluable lessons from the Bhagavad Gita.
The Bhagavad Gita offers timeless wisdom and profound insights. These invaluable lessons, when applied to the modern context of project management, can guide the path to success like a beacon in the stormy seas. Bhagavad Gita can become the interconnection of ancient wisdom and modern project management. Here are five tips derived from the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita for better project management.
Clarity of Purpose: The WHY factor
In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna faces a profound dilemma on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Overwhelmed by the sight of his kin and revered teachers standing on the opposing side, he expresses his reluctance to engage in battle. Arjuna’s mind is clouded with uncertainty. He asks Krishna for Clarity and guidance. He questions the righteousness of fighting against his family members, fearing the consequences of such actions.
Krishna, recognizing Arjuna’s turmoil, imparts wisdom to him, clarifying the purpose and duty that lie before him. Krishna enlightens the concept of Dharma, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one’s righteous duty. He reminds Arjuna of his role as a warrior and the necessity of upholding justice and righteousness, even in the face of personal conflicts. Through his guidance, Krishna helps Arjuna understand the larger purpose behind the battle and his role in winning it.
This incident beautifully illustrates the importance of Clarity of purpose.
Similarly, project managers often encounter moments of uncertainty and conflicting priorities in their projects. They are often challenged to navigate through the changing demands of stakeholders and business requirements and the tumultuous constraints to achieve project objectives.
Just as Arjuna sought guidance from Krishna to clarify his purpose on the battlefield, Project managers must seek input from relevant stakeholders, clients, sponsors, management, project documentation, etc., to gain Clarity on the project’s objectives, end goal, and role within it.
Clarity of purpose acts as a beacon that guides through the fog of ambiguity. It further helps to infer the project’s negotiables and non-negotiables, as well as the risks and critical path. Thus, the priorities for decision-making are crystal clear.
Strategic Planning: The Backbone of Every Action
A compelling incident in the Bhagavad Gita highlights the importance of strategic planning in addressing adversities.
The strategic plan that Lord Krishna advised to Arjuna was multifaceted and comprehensive, designed to address the complexities of the impending battle while staying true to the principles of righteousness and duty.
Firstly, Krishna emphasizes the importance of understanding the larger purpose and context of the battle. This aspect of the strategic plan underscores the significance of aligning strategic objectives with the project’s overarching goals and values.
Secondly, Krishna’s strategic plan involved a meticulous assessment of the battlefield and the opposing forces. He provided Arjuna with insights into the strengths and weaknesses of their forces and opponents. He elucidated how to leverage these insights to gain a tactical advantage in battle. He also called out the strategic advantages and disadvantages of their own position.
Thirdly, Krishna outlined specific tactics and manoeuvres on how to position his chariot strategically, how to target key opponents, and how to coordinate with his allies for maximum effectiveness. He stressed leveraging strategic positioning and morale-boosting tactics to gain an advantage over the enemy.
Importantly, Krishna’s strategic plan was not just about winning the battle at any cost. It was about achieving victory while upholding the principles of righteousness and Dharma. He stressed the importance of fighting with integrity, avoiding unnecessary violence, and showing compassion even to one’s enemies. Overall, Krishna’s strategic plan for Arjuna was a holistic approach that integrated military tactics with moral principles and spiritual wisdom.
Like Arjuna, project managers often find themselves faced with daunting challenges and conflicting priorities. By developing strategic plans that are aligned with the objectives and values of their projects, project managers can chart a course towards success.
Similar to Kurukshetra, Strategy also plays an important role in project management. As a project manager, you are the mastermind of your project’s destiny and should craft every small detail en route to success.
As Krishna’s first point, Project managers must engage in meticulous planning and ensure that every decision and action is in harmony with the project’s mission, vision and overall objectives.
As Krishna’s second point, project managers should conduct a thorough analysis of their project’s internal and external environments, identifying potential risks, constraints, and opportunities. By understanding these factors, project managers can develop strategies to mitigate risks, capitalize on strengths, and navigate challenges effectively.
Thirdly, the strategic plan should be a blueprint with well-knit action at each juncture and by each role. Your short-term goals, long-term vision, and the impact of your decisions on stakeholders must all be part of your strategy.
It should also incorporate ethical considerations and stakeholder perspectives into its strategy so that the overall purpose of the project stays intact.
Break down your overall strategic plans into actionable steps, prioritize tasks, and allocate resources effectively based on their capabilities and strengths to achieve incremental progress towards the project’s goals.
Effective Communication: The Symphony of Collaboration
In the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most pivotal and enlightening conversations occurs between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
It’s a touching moment where Arjuna, overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation, expresses his inner turmoil to Krishna, voicing his doubts and fears about the righteousness of engaging in battle.
Please NOTE – In response, Krishna doesn’t dismiss Arjuna’s doubts, offer quick solutions or merely provide answers or directives. Instead, he engages in a profound dialogue with Arjuna, patiently listening to his concerns and addressing them with wisdom and compassion.
Krishna’s communication with Arjuna is characterized by Clarity, empathy, and understanding. He doesn’t impose his will or dictate Arjuna’s actions; rather, he provides insightful guidance that resonates deeply with Arjuna’s moral compass and sense of duty. Krishna uses analogies, metaphors, and examples from everyday life to illustrate his points.
Krishna’s communication with Arjuna serves as a bridge that connects their hearts and minds, fostering a deep sense of trust. Krishna instils confidence, courage, and Clarity in Arjuna’s mind, enabling him to overcome his doubts and fears and embrace his duty as a warrior.
Moreover, this dialogue serves as a timeless example of leadership communication. In essence, this conversation highlights the transformative power of effective communication. It teaches us that by fostering open dialogue, actively listening to others, and communicating with Clarity and empathy, we can navigate through the complexities of life with wisdom, resilience, and grace.
Effective communication is the cerebral connection for collaboration, and it is also true in project management. Like Krishna’s guidance to Arjuna, project managers must cultivate an environment of open dialogue and transparent exchange of ideas. It helps to bring together people with varied experience, expertise and perspectives.
For instance, as a project manager, you can frequently communicate the purpose, plan, strategy, timelines, role, responsibility, dependency, etc., with Clarity and compassion. Patiently listen to your team members’ vows and apprehensions and address them calmly.
A project manager should be literally guiding your team through the battlefield of deadlines and deliverables. This fosters collaboration and minimizes misunderstandings. Remember, overcommunication is always better than miscommunication.
Leadership by Example: Guiding with Grace and Integrity
In the Bhagavad Gita, there are several instances where Lord Krishna exemplifies “Leadership by Example” through his actions and words.
When Arjuna, overwhelmed by doubt and moral conflict, expresses his reluctance to fight in the battle of Kurukshetra, Krishna doesn’t simply lecture him on duty or righteousness; Instead, Krishna takes on the role of Arjuna’s charioteer, demonstrating humility and selflessness in his Leadership.
By doing so, Krishna sets an example of selflessness and courage, showing that true leaders stand shoulder to shoulder with their team whenever required, facing challenges head-on.
Despite being the supreme lord of the universe, Krishna doesn’t shy away from becoming a charioteer. It emphasizes the true concept of servant Leadership, which is the importance of serving others with dedication and humility.
When Arjuna expresses fear and his internal turmoil, Instead of merely offering words of reassurance imposing his will or dictating the course of action, Krishna listens attentively to Arjuna’s concerns and addresses them with empathy, Clarity, grace and integrity. This again illustrates Leadership by example by showcasing good communication.
Krishna served as a role model, demonstrating Leadership, wisdom, and compassion through his actions and words.
Similarly, At the helm of every successful project stands a leader who leads not with authority but with grace and integrity.
In the context of project management, effective Project managers have more than just giving orders or making decisions. They must lead by example, demonstrating the qualities they wish to instil in their teams.
Just as Krishna’s guidance inspired Arjuna to overcome challenges on the battlefield, each of the project managers must guide their teams towards success with grace and conviction. By serving as role models for their teams, project managers can inspire trust, loyalty, and commitment among team members.
Additionally, project managers can inspire their teams by showing dedication, perseverance, and resilience in the face of challenges. By remaining calm and composed under pressure and by tackling obstacles with determination and creativity, project managers set a positive example for their teams to follow.
For instance, project managers can demonstrate integrity by upholding ethical standards and transparency in their actions and decisions. Set clear expectations and ownership for each one, and openly promote a culture of transparency, trust and respect for all. And without any bias, reward your team members who achieve the expectations. Do not hesitate to give critical feedback, as that is the very source for your team members to improve.
In essence, Leadership by example is about more than just words; it’s about living the values and principles you preach; it’s about inspiring others through your actions; it’s about embodying the principles of integrity, humility, and compassion in every action and interaction.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Catching the Rhythm of Change
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing circumstances. He encourages Arjuna to embrace change without fear, emphasizing the virtue of adaptability. He reminds Arjuna that change is inevitable and that clinging to the familiar can only lead to stagnation.
Furthermore, throughout their conversation, Krishna provides numerous examples of adaptability and flexibility in action. He urges Arjuna to be flexible in his approach to the battle and be ready with an open mind to adjust his tactics as needed.
For instance, when faced with formidable opponents, Krishna advises Arjuna to adopt different tactics, such as engaging in direct combat, employing strategic manoeuvres, or resorting to diplomatic means.
He illustrates how individuals must adjust their strategies and behaviours based on the evolving circumstances around them.
This is a lesson that is very relevant to project management. Project managers must embrace change as a catalyst for growth. They should be adaptable to changing circumstances, adjusting their plans and strategies as needed.
This can also include revising timelines, reallocating resources, or even rethinking the overall strategy to navigate the changing dynamics and challenges. By embracing change as an opportunity for growth rather than a hindrance, project managers can lead their teams to success. Remaining flexible and agile, ready to pivot course when necessary, is the key mantra to leading projects successfully.
Also, project managers must empower teams to navigate turbulent situations and circumstances. By cultivating a mindset of adaptability, project managers are less likely to face resistance and breakdown from the team; instead, they can bring the team together to proactively discuss the next steps, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
Embrace change as an opportunity for growth, appreciate it, re-align and dance with the change, and navigate challenges with grace and resilience, leading your teams towards success.
Conclusion
Project managers can focus on these five aspects of project management – Clarity of purpose, strategic planning, effective communication, Leadership by example, and adaptability, in line with the teachings from the Bhagavad Gita.
By drawing inspiration from the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, Project managers can write a script of their success story by adopting these teachings with an open heart and mind.
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