What PMs Can Learn From The Wizard Of Oz

 

Metaphors are a great tool to explain concepts. Nothing beats a sparkling mental story.

To explain Stakeholder Management I was thinking about "The Wizard Of Oz".

Now before you get all too excited... repeat after me: "I am not a 12 year old in a dress with a dog named Toto." No dress. No dog.

You may sing if you feel like it. Later.

Dorothy has a problem: she wants to get home, back to Kansas. The only solution to this problem is the Wizard of Oz. She has to see the Wizard.

Now. I am not in favor of translating every occasion into Project Management slang. I have read about people that introduced planning and general PM into their household. Creepy.

But. For the sake of the metaphor... the goal of Dorothy's trip is to see the Wizard. So. Stakeholder. Goal. Needs. You get the idea.

Dorothy has no idea how to get to the Wizard in Emerald City. She knows the end destination. How does she know she is on the right track? How does she know the needs she has are going to be met?

Ah. Yes. The Yellow Brick Road.

As long as you see the yellow bricks, you're fine.

Awkward jump. Yellow Brick Road = Feedback to stakeholders. But you already guessed that.

During her trip, Dorothy encounters a scarecrow with no brain, a tin man with no heart and a lion without courage. They all join the road to the Wizard, as he might also solve their problems (brain, heart, courage). They all have different needs, but the single goal of the trip can satisfy them all.  (Wooohooo! Lesson!)

The entire crew is motivated to get to the end of the road. They overcome a lot of problems (more about that in a second) even though they are scared. It is the power of positive expectations, knowing their wishes are going to become true, that keeps them going in a productive manner.

Oh. The lessons. So many!

But first... a song ... "We're off to see The Wizard..."

Not every person is happy with Dorothy's trip. The Wicked Witch of The West tries to stop her from reaching Emerald City. In the beginning of the story Dorothy kills the Wicked Witch Of The East by accident, and her sister from The West wants revenge. Flying monkeys are sent to stop the little girl.

Brave Dorothy keeps The Witch out of her way. Blocking the bad influence. Keeping her own path.

Stepping out of the metaphor... not every one you meet on your trip should be included.

And were back.

Lots of other things happen and other wise lessons are neatly hidden in the mother of all Road Movies / Musicals. But the positive attitude, the motivational style of leading, makes Dorothy herself a fabulous example of how to engage stakeholders.

Ah. In the end The Wizard seems to be like some kind of consultant. Lots of smoke, plenty of shining objects, and the request: "Please. Don't pay attention to the man behind the curtain."

The end.