Complex projects need not be synonymous with difficult projects, by recognizing the necessity of five important skills. First, when things are complex, meaning that many parts are being combined into one, adaptability is key. Second, collaboration with others, and the ability to do so well, will go along way to a successful outcome. This goes hand in hand with the third skill: communication. Fourth, expertise is vital, though this can include ‘borrowing’ this from others. Fifth and final is leadership: the ability to guide others to a mutual goal.
Key Takeaways:
- Complexity adds to the overwhelm. Not only are you feeling that the project is like a cat you can’t get in the carry case to take the vet, but there are a ton of other complicating factors.
- Projects with multiple strands or workstreams are necessarily more complex than when you have one thing to do. There’s just more to juggle and more plates to spin.
- You have to realise that things are going to change. This happens on all projects but on complex projects it’s even more the norm than usual.
“Projects with multiple strands or workstreams are necessarily more complex than when you have one thing to do. There’s just more to juggle and more plates to spin.”
