Sadly, our week of motivational quotes is coming to an end. And, just as each time Shark Week ends, I’m starting to feel withdrawals and am anxiously looking forward to our next Quote Week!
Over the course of this week I’ve come to realize that sometimes the most direct quotes are the best, especially in the world of project management, where ambiguity always leads to confusion. It’s best to get right to the point. So, here you go, a few straightforward quotes that I either adhere to or use regularly as a project manager.
“Just do it!” – Nike
Okay fine, this is not a traditional PM quote, but it’s something I hear myself saying. A lot. Projects can be tedious, changes to projects sometimes cause them to drag on and on, or sometimes, let’s be honest, a project just isn’t fun. It’s at these times that you have to say, “Just do it!” I have to say it to myself as often as any member of the project team. I don’t want to have to call the customer to tell them we need an extra day. The project team doesn’t want to make ANOTHER round of changes. Rather than complaining or dwelling about dreaded tasks – “JUST DO IT!”
“What gets measured, gets managed.” - Peter Drucker
This is one of my favorite PM related quotes. It can be translated in many ways, but for me it means – if I am measuring something it is getting proper attention. Measuring quality and tracking progress holds you and project teams accountable. This can be especially relevant when a project is rushed and people are just trying to get deliverables out the door. But it can be equally relevant when you have a trusted project team that starts taking simple details for granted. Once you stop measuring, things slip, no matter the timeline or the team’s experience.
“If everything seems under control, you’re not going fast enough.” – Mario Andretti
I suppose this is also not technically a PM quote, but it’s relevant nonetheless. This quote represents the mindset of most customers and businesses. Unfortunately the reality is that when managing a project, you have to buy into this concept. Let me clarify, that does NOT mean your team has to be out of control! I would never recommend that. It just means that you need to show hustle and push the limits! You must commit to tighter deadlines and then make it happen, because you run a well-oiled machine of a project team.
This officially wraps up our motivational quote week. I know it’s sad. The good news is, just like you don’t need Shark Week to watch awesome shark videos, you don’t need us to find motivational quotes-they are everywhere. I mean, just spend 30 seconds on your favorite social media site and you’ll find enough inspirational and motivational material to jump start your day at work.
Feeling motivated, yet? If not, take a look at this gorgeous ocean view:
Now that we’ve wrapped up Quote Week, what are some of your favorite motivational quotes? We’ll feature the best one in our next installment and hand out an ej4 prize pack for your troubles…