7 Project Management lessons from running the 2024 Dublin marathon

You may not have the inclination to run a marathon. You do not have to. Here are the lessons:

1. Embrace Serendipity?

What a feeling to run through a red light and the garda (police) joyfully clapping at you!?

While working on a project, an unexpected positive event may happen, like a sudden drop in material costs, a change of law in your favor, a domain expert becomes available, ... take advantage of it. Keep an eye and capitalize on positive risks eventuating, not only manage the negative ones.?

2. Bring your humor?

?? Humor is a softener and a pain killer: Hard and serious work does not clash with humor to lighten the mood. It gives you a boost! Don’t take yourself so seriously even though you are doing serious work. Some runners are dressed up outrageously (one was even running with fireman gear – how can you run a marathon that way?) and tell jokes and the spectators have load of humor with witty remarks written on hand-crafted cardboard signs lining the route – for more, see at the bottom.?

?????? At key moments on a project, the pressure is intense, the air is tense, and an appropriate light comment will diffuse the tensions and is an accelerator for solutions. Don’t hesitate to sprinkle some humor and lift the spirits of the team. JIRA, spreadsheets, risk registers are tools and so is humor to add to your project management toolkit.??

3. Remain Agile?

A plan, a strategy is essential. Not everything is in and goes according to plan: Ability to adapt to real time difficulties is even more important. When you have a cramp, you have to adjust your pace and slow down before speeding up again. ?

On a project, regularly re-assess your scope and what you are working on to ensure you will deliver a relevant product that meets your customer needs and market changes. ?

4. Maintain a sustainable pace.?

It is a marathon, not a sprint (except if you are in the top 10% running for Gold). You burn some calories, but the game is not to burn out. You want to finish the race, and the project, not make a frantic herculean burst?as if your life depends on it and that you cannot maintain for the whole duration of the project and burn out in the process.??

5. Value Team effort?

The private event organizer will have his name in the newspaper and so will the winners. The rest of us are part of the pack and so are the committed helpful and friendly volunteers.?

Who on your project is doing the less glamorous and fundamental work or is supporting and not part of the core team? You may not appreciate how valuable their work is when it is done well. Without them, you cannot deliver the outcomes.??

6. Pick your projects?

For a slow runner like me, a marathon takes more than 4 hours. You may as well spend the same amount of time on a golf course, going on an excursion with your family, .... ?

What project is more appealing and exciting to you and where can you contribute best? Seek project opportunities that align your passion and strengths.?

7. Celebrate achievements?

It is guaranteed there will be more obstacles and disappointments ahead. Celebrate reaching a key milestone. ?

It may not be that important to you, but you may be surprised that celebrations matter for many team members. Secure?a small budget for your project, dedicated to celebrations.?

I could not resist but share a selection of the funny and humorous cardboard signs you could see during the race:???

Smiles away?

42 pints to go?

Tap to recharge?

Mind over miles?

I am feeling 26.2 ?

Push up to top up?

I farted, run faster?

My fiancé is 26.2/10?

Smile, you paid for that?

We made this sign for you ?

Whine now and wine after?

Why? Therapy was an option!?

Mum, what are we having for dinner??

Pain is temporary, bragging is for ever?

It took me a lot of effort to make this sign ?

When your legs get tired, run with your heart?

What humorous moments did you experience on a project or race? How did it make the journey more enjoyable??

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