Project Management According to Napoleon, Part 5

Jerry Manas is the author of the best-sellers Napoleon on Project Management and Managing the Gray Areas, and a recognized thought leader in organizational project and resource management. His latest book is The Resource Management and Capacity Planning Handbook (September 2014). Jerry's work has been highlighted in a variety of publications, and he has appeared on radio programs nationwide.

 

The quotes from Napoleon included in this series are taken from Napoleon on the Art of War (by Napoleon I, Emperor of the French--selected, edited and translated by Jay Luvaas) and Military Maxims of Napoleon (also by Napoleon I, Emperor of the French--translated by George C. D'Aguilar and revised by David G.Chandler).

In these quotes, you will get a feel for the principles that led to Napoleon's successes: exactitude, character and simplicity, and above all, an inherent belief in the value of planning.

Planning and Risk Management
"In war, nothing is accomplished except through calculation. Anything that is not profoundly meditated in details will produce no result. Matters are contemplated over a long period of time and, to attain success, you must devote several months to thinking about what might happen. If I take so many precautions it is because my habit is to leave nothing to chance."

The key to Napoleon's success, more than any other, is his strong focus on planning, including risk management. As is evident in his statements here, Napoleon left nothing to chance. Even his fondness and appreciation of "audacity" was in reality "planned audacity." There is a big difference between planned audacity and foolish risk. To do something that surprises everyone and appears bold, but in reality has been well thought out, is the trick.

Patton achieved this when, in …

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