Project bullshit

Business bullshit lit up my inspiration like a methane.

Bullshit projects and project bullshit

Bullshit projects are different from project bullshit. In the former case everyone knows pretty well what the project is about and how well it succeeded, whereas in the latter case no one really knows what the whole project is about.

Warning signs

Most of the following Infrequently Asked Questions (IAQs) will lead to a negative answer.

1. Do we know what we are doing?
2. Do we know why we are doing it?
3. Does anyone really care?
4. Are the right people involved?
5. Do we know who is doing what?
6. Deliver at any cost or risk?
7. Is this important?
8. Is this a task for “them” or for “us”?
9. Should I be involved?
10. Have we improved?
11. Is there life after the project?

Expressions such as mindset, focus or key performance areas and indicators, capabilities and competencies, customer experience, process model, competitive advantage, underoptimization, supply chain analysis, resource efficiency, benchmarking, benefits realization, end-use customers and maturity are cultivated in projects.

No one seems to know what has been achieved in the project so far, although meetings are continuously held and reports and other project material are accumulating at a rapid pace.

Nor does anyone seem to know the roles of other people in the project team.

Most participants in the project meetings are some kind of managers.

Most project members have never been in direct contact with the client.

There are as many opinions about the project objective as there are members in the project.

Do you find yourself struggling with project bullshit?

If so, return to the Infrequently Asked Questions (IAQs). Remember to pose the same questions to the person in charge of the project (if you can find one).