Before I answer the first question, let me tell you a little about Sun Tzu. While some historians dispute if he was a real person, legend states that he was a military commander in ancient China. He is believed to have lived between 544 B.C. and 496 B.C. A brilliant military strategist, Sun Tzu is credited with writing the famous military treatise The Art of War. During the 1980s this book became a must read among corporate managers that were looking for an edge in the corporate warfare of climbing the ladder. Returning to the original question, how can I call Sun Tzu a project manager?
Throughout The Art of War Sun Tzu offers several examples that are relevant for project managers. Among these are his discussion of subduing an enemy. According to Sun Tzu a commander should always try to win without fighting. When approaching a war, commanders should undertake the following strategy.
- The best policy is to attack the enemy's strategy.
- Disrupt his alliances through diplomatic means.
- Attack his army in the fields
- The worst strategy is to attack walled cities. This is the last resort when there is no alternative.
As a project manager, many of the efforts you are asked to lead entail a change. In many cases, this involves changing a culture. Since this is a difficult task, a manager should approach changing a culture as if he/she were preparing for a battle. Unfortunately, like the commanders mentioned by Sun Tzu, many of us become impatient with the preparation efforts. We move too quickly. The results end up being disastrous for both the project and the project manager's career.
Before attempting to attack the culture head on, take a page out of The Art of War.
- Seek a different strategy. Look for an advantage that can allow you to incorporate the change into what others feel comfortable with.
- If this fails to work or is not an option, then try to negotiate a compromise. Look for common ground and build from this foundation. Change may not be as complete or as quick as you envision. It might not even please all involved, but it will be something that is acceptable.
- Fight strategic battles. Be careful to pick battles that can lead to small, but significant wins. You must be prepared to lose a few battles as you move forward. Don't get discouraged, just continue to try to advance.
- The strategy of last resort should be to "attack the walled city". If you choose to hit a culture head on, be prepared for a long and slow siege. A culture is well entrenched and is difficult to change. Most people fear change and are willing to fight for the status quo. Beware, if you choose this option you better take time to prepare. Develop your arguments, line up your allies, and assemble your resources. If you don't, you will be doomed to fail like the ancient commanders.