Larry Bird and The Fundamentals of Project-Based Work

Anyone who had the opportunity to watch Larry Bird play basketball during his 13 year career with the Boston Celtics can't argue with the fact that he was one of the greatest stars to every play the game.  Although there may have been others more talented, there wasn't anyone who worked harder or practiced more than Larry Bird.  It was Bird's dedication to the fundamentals and hard work that made him such an exceptional player.

Bird was obsessed with practice.  He was known to often come in early so he could work on every nuance of his game.  In fact, he was such a deadly shot from the three point line, he would practice three pointers with his eyes closed.  Usually the first to arrive at Boston Gardens on game day, Bird would dribble the ball up and down the parquet floor until he had identified every flat spot on the court—making him a formidable ball-stealer.

So what does this have to do with project based work?

Larry's play was never as flashy as Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson—but the guy focused on the things that were most important.  "A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses the skills to accomplish his goals," said Bird.

In today's economic climate, work management success depends on project managers and project team members understanding that the fundamentals of project management haven't really changed.  Project software is available to streamline reporting, improve efficiencies, and facilitate improved collaboration—but will never replace the fundamental best practices of getting work done.

Separating your activities into the following three distinct areas will help you manage projects like Larry Bird played basketball:

1. Those things that you still need to do.  These are the activities that absolutely can't be sacrificed.  For example, stakeholder communications have to happen—and it's the project manager's responsibility.
2. Those things that need to be done, but can be delegated to others.  Delegate the things you can—to a member of your project team, external stakeholders, or PMO resources.
3. Those tasks that can be eliminated.  It's just not possible to do the same amount of work with less time to dedicate to each initiative.  The secret to success is knowing what can be sacrificed.

Focusing on fundamental project management best practices will make you well-equipped to deal with the current economy and strongly position you for the future.

"First master the fundamentals," said Bird.