Project Management Unveiled: Insights from an Adventure
Last year, I left my full-time position at Deloitte without anything lined up. It wasn’t an easy choice, but I felt so lost it seemed like the only path forward. Despite being surrounded by brilliant minds in a highly-driven environment, something crucial was missing. So, I decided to take some time off to explore and embark on an inner journey. It was a combination of confusion, surprises, and, honestly, a lot of fun.
During my break, I found myself drawn to communities focused on self-growth and engaged in discussions about philosophy and spirituality—topics like discovering your higher self and understanding the nuances of the "me", "myself" and "I". It may sound a bit woo woo, but there was something about these discussions that resonated deeply with me. Now that I am back in the world of project management, I see just how closely connected spirituality is to my professional life.
Here are a few things I've come to realise:
Having a Sense of Purpose vs. Having a Defined Goal
One of the primary reasons behind my decision to take a break was my lack of a sense of belonging and purpose. It became evident that without a clear purpose, simply jumping into another job wouldn’t make a difference. Through my time off and some soul-searching, I discovered that having a purpose is what truly matters. And the same applies to project management.
While it's crucial to have clear project goals, as many of us already know, it's equally important to understand why you are pursuing them within the project team and what they personally mean to you. Don’t just engage in tasks out of obligation or financial necessity. Instead, do it because it aligns your aspirations through thoughtful reflection. Remind yourself of this alignment regularly, especially during challenging times when the project veers off course and impacts your mental well-being. Maintaining a strong personal drive rooted in purpose can help you persevere while staying focused on your project goals.
For project managers, fostering a project culture that resonates with the team is equally valuable. Cultivating a sense of 'we are in this together' among team members goes beyond achieving project goals. It enhances collaboration, trust, and ultimately leads to better outcomes.
Being ‘Wu Wei’, Effortless Action vs. Being Agile
"Wu wei" is a Taoist principle that champions the idea of "effortless action". It's about flowing with the rhythm of life, guided by the universe's natural course rather than resisting it.
After the initial two months of fun during my break, my natural insecurities about the unknown and my fear of wasting time crept in. Instead of embracing the uncertainty, I found myself grappling with frustration and overthinking. I was blindly going through the motions, desperately trying to grasp onto something solid to avoid feeling even more lost. But the more I resisted, the more mentally drained I became. It wasn’t until I surrendered to the situation, let go of my fixation on specific outcomes, and focused on the present moment that I realised life was never meant to be a struggle. It only felt that way because I was clinging to a vision of how I thought things should be, rather than accepting them as they were meant to be.
In project management, we have the agile mindset that priorities adaptability, collaboration, and iterative development alongside a structured methodology in a dynamic environment. This structured methodology is like the way of the universe, guiding us to follow the project path. The mindset required to navigate change in agile environment is like “wu wei”, not forcing anything but adapting for the energy to flow. Central to this approach is the practice of breaking work into small, manageable tasks and remaining responsive to current circumstances. This ability to pivot and adjust in real-time is where the essence of agility truly lies.
Feeling Yourself and Others vs. Managing from the Heart
Throughout my professional journey, I have been told time and again about the importance of structure. Whether it’s establishing governance frameworks, logical structuring in consulting world (MECE, anyone?), or meticulously planning projects, structure has always been emphasised.
As much as I am ware the importance of structure, we often forget one key aspect: project management is fundamentally about connecting with people. Whether it's understanding your team's strengths, building relationships with clients, or managing stakeholders, effective project management requires a deep understanding of human nature. And the best way to cultivate this understanding is through heart-to-heart connections. This doesn’t mean you have to pour your heart out and become best friends with everyone. Rather, it’s about being attuned to your own emotions and practicing self-awareness before engaging with others. Take the time to understand what matters to them before sharing what’s important to you. Be authentic, so people feel comfortable opening up and sharing their concerns in the project environment. All of this requires connecting from the heart rather than just the mind. The magical part is that when you approach interactions with an open heart and genuine authenticity, communication becomes effortless.
One of the most powerful exercises I have undertaken during my inner journey was eye-to-eye gazing with complete strangers. In that moment, I witnessed the vulnerability and strength in them, and my tears flowed as if I were experiencing their emotions. The connection was immediate, and I felt a profound understanding without the need for words. It was pure magic.
I could go on and talk more about other interconnection between spirituality and project management, but the key here really is to cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and others so we could paving the way for a new paradigm of project management rooted in consciousness, compassion, and authenticity.
Have you got similar experience integrating spirituality into your projects or business? Leave a comment and let us know your story!
