3 Most Famous Project Management Myths and Reality Check!

Where Change Occurs, Misconceptions Often Follow Suit.

Once, my colleague said, "Project management is a fancy term claimed by many. There is ample information available to achieve the desired goal. However, there are still many unsuccessful use cases when it comes to execution."

Well, I can't disagree! The reason is, that project management is a process where we strive for success. And the definition of success changes with time and requirements (and other factors).

Engaging in such discussions prompts reflection on the performance of other organizations, offering valuable insights from both successful and unsuccessful cases. These observations contribute to my learning and understanding of project management dynamics.

Only 54 percent of organizations fully understand the value of project management, according to PMI's Pulse of the Profession? report.

To my amusement, there were many myths floating around regarding project management, but the most famous of all were these three.

MYTH 1: The customer is always right!

Reality Check: The reality is that while customer satisfaction and needs are crucial considerations in project management, they are NOT the sole determining factor of success. Project management involves balancing various stakeholders' interests, including customers, sponsors, team members, and other stakeholders.

While meeting customer requirements and expectations is essential, it's equally important to consider project constraints such as budget, timeline, and scope. Additionally, project managers must prioritize delivering value to all stakeholders, ensuring that the project aligns with organizational goals and objectives.

Furthermore, relying solely on customer preferences without considering broader project objectives and constraints can lead to scope creep, budget overruns, and project delays. Effective project management requires a balanced approach that considers the needs and expectations of all stakeholders while ensuring project success within predefined parameters.

MYTH 2: You can use only one project management technique

Reality Check: The reality is that project management is a multifaceted discipline that encompasses various methodologies, techniques, and tools. While some organizations may advocate for a singular approach, such as Agile, Waterfall, or Lean, exclusively relying on one technique can be limiting and ineffective in certain contexts.

MYTH 3 (OR MAYBE REALITY): Too many meetings result in conficts

Reality Check: The belief that too many meetings result in conflicts can indeed be both a myth and a reality, depending on how meetings are conducted and managed within an organization.

A well-planned, purposeful meetings can enhance communication and collaboration, reducing conflicts. To mitigate conflicts, set clear objectives, limit attendance, establish ground rules, foster participation, and follow up with documented outcomes. Quality and effectiveness, not quantity, determine the impact of meetings on team dynamics and project outcomes.

Which of these three myths is the most well-known in your organization? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

Adaptable, tech-savvy project managers who embrace change, foster collaboration, and harness the power of emerging technologies will be essential drivers of success in this dynamic environment.

Special Credits to all my senior colleagues who keep guiding me, Project Management Institute, Forbes, 麦肯锡 , Strenure AI, Teamly for their insightful articles, and all the PMs who came across any of these(or all) myths in some way or the other ;)