Preface

Project management is a tough business. Not only do we have to contend with schedules, budgets, and a host of stakeholder demands, but we must also deal with sometimes vexing human behaviors—whining, indecision, opposition, inflexibility, complacency, and tunnel vision, to name a few. And there are more than a few. We’ve identified 77 “deadly sins” of project management that have serious, if sometimes amusing, ramifications for project work and the project work environment.

Our contributors are all seasoned project managers and team members, in addition to being experts in aspects of project management that include decision-making, leadership, risk management, earned value, requirements, and the work breakdown structure. They have focused on each of the 77 deadly sins and probed its manifestations and consequences for projects. By sharing their personal experiences, as well as some historical events, the contributors show us the effects and costs—both financial and human—of failing to get a handle on these sins and rein them in. They warn us of the danger signs, so we can spot a sin before it takes too great a toll on the project and the team. The solutions and tips the contributors offer at the end of each chapter will help us make sure that this particular sin doesn’t derail or destroy our projects.

Of course, deadly sins do not usually operate in isolation; many are interrelated and tend to feed off one another. When the particular sin we are discussing involves another sin in some way, we highlight that other sin in bold—so you know what to tackle next!

The assessment tools that follow the chapters will help you zero in on the particular sins that are plaguing your current project and pinpoint the situations that are posing the greatest challenges. Use these tools to help figure out what to focus on and address first.

We have little doubt that you will recognize many of the 77 deadly sins on your own project. We hope that some insight, advice, and fair warning will help you keep them at bay and thus keep your project on track and your team progressing toward a successful outcome.