Integrating the Science and Art of Project Management

Reading through this content you might get the impression that at PM-Guidance we don’t see value in the Science of Project Management and are just about the Art of it. It is quite the contrary, the Science is crucial for creation of Project Clarity and a project foundation. Without a proper project fundament the application of the Project Management Art becomes a counterproductive exercise. To make that very simple, to cooperate with people on a delivery without having clarity of what that delivery should be is futile. 

However, the Project Management landscape is mainly dictated by the Science of it. The recognition that there is an Art to it which need to be taught, nourished and most of all applied is hardly recognized nor talked about. That is why the messages around the Art of Project Management are spread here. The industry needs to get to a balanced approach of the Science and Art of Project Management if we want to significantly increase success levels within Projects.  

For successful projects, use the science to create absolute clarity about either what to accomplish or the process you are going to follow if you are on a more exploratory initiative. Use the science as well to establish factual clarity around any and all relevant boundaries. Use the art to spread the clarity in a meaningful manner and create ownership around it. Work with the team to maximize the project results people within those boundaries while having a lot of fun.  

The biggest challenge for any project manager is to figure out what to do when? To find a proper balance in applying the Art and Science of Project Management.  You want this to become second nature rather than the application of another methodology. This is what PM-Guidance is all about and what our coaching and other services and training is focused on. 

When done appropriately, you will find that both the Art and the Science have a synergetic effect on each other. When there is clarity it is easier to connect as people. Differences tend to disappear or to be perceived as an asset. On the other hand, when people truly connect and when they feel ownership for a project it has positive effects on the Science of the Project. The quality of project deliverables is refined with their expertise and you will find that your team is protecting the project from possible dangers.  

Ultimately, the Project Manager operates as the integrator. Of different people, different stakes and of a the factual reality of a project with the people involved in it.