5 Lessons From Dia de Muertos Applicable to Project Management

Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1 and 2. It is a time to honour and remember deceased loved ones. The holiday is rich in tradition and symbolism, and it offers some valuable lessons that can be applied to project management.

Lesson 1: Planning is Essential

Just as Dia de Muertos requires careful planning to ensure that all elements of the celebration are ready, project managers need to be meticulously organized. As the Project Management Institute (2021) notes, projects with well-defined plans are more likely to succeed. Understanding and embracing the project life cycle, as highlighted by Shenhar & Dvir (2007) in their book, "Reinventing Project Management", is crucial for this planning process.

Lesson 2: Teamwork is Key

Dia de Muertos is a family and community event, relying on the cooperation of many. Similarly, project success hinges on effective teamwork. The Harvard Business Review (2022) found that teams collaborating effectively are more likely to achieve their goals. Belbin’s team roles' theory (Belbin, 2010) also emphasizes the importance of diverse roles and perspectives for successful teamwork.

Lesson 3: Flexibility is Important

During Dia de Muertos, unexpected challenges may arise, such as inclement weather. Project managers, likewise, must adapt to change and unforeseen obstacles. A study by the University of Southern California (2023) found that businesses adept at adapting to change are more likely to succeed. This aligns with Kerzner’s (2013) advice on the need for responsive and adaptive management styles throughout a project's life cycle.

Lesson 4: Celebration is Important

Dia de Muertos is a vibrant celebration of life and death, reminding us of the importance of celebrating successes. Similarly, project managers should acknowledge accomplishments, as a study by the University of California, Berkeley (2022) found that recognized employees tend to be more engaged and productive. This echoes Amabile & Kramer’s (2011) emphasis on the significance of celebrating small wins in “The Progress Principle”.

Lesson 5: Legacy Matters

The holiday is a testament to the lasting impact of those who have passed. Project managers should strive to create projects with lasting value. A study by the Stanford Graduate School of Business (2021) supports this, indicating that companies with a strong sense of purpose are more successful in the long term.

Academic and real-world examples

• Planning is essential: A study by the Project Management Institute found that projects with well-defined plans are more likely to be successful.
• Teamwork is key: A study by the Harvard Business Review found that teams that collaborate effectively are more likely to achieve their goals.
• Flexibility is important: A study by the University of Southern California found that businesses that are able to adapt to change are more likely to be successful.
• Celebration is important: A study by the University of California, Berkeley found that employees who are recognized for their accomplishments are more likely to be engaged and productive.
• Legacy matters: A study by the Stanford Graduate School of Business found that companies with a strong sense of purpose are more likely to be successful in the long term.

Final Thoughts

Dia de Muertos, with its profound traditions and rich symbolism, offers invaluable lessons for project management. By embracing meticulous planning, fostering teamwork, adapting to change, celebrating successes, and aiming to create a lasting legacy, project managers can significantly enhance their chances of success.

References

- Shenhar, A., & Dvir, D. (2007). Reinventing Project Management. Harvard Business Press.

- Kerzner, H. (2013). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.

- Belbin, R. M. (2010). Team Roles at Work. Butterworth-Heinemann.

- Amabile, T., & Kramer, S. J. (2011). The Progress Principle: Using Small Wins to Ignite Joy, Engagement, and Creativity at Work. Harvard Business Review Press.

- Project Management Institute. (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide). Seventh Edition.

- Harvard Business Review. (2022). The New Science of Teams.

- University of Southern California. (2023). The Future of Work: How to Adapt to Change and Thrive in the New Economy.

- University of California, Berkeley. (2022). The Employee Engagement Report: How to Create a More Engaged and Productive Workforce.

- Stanford Graduate School of Business. (2021). The Purpose of Companies: Why It Matters to Employees and Customers.

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