Categories: collectable cards
Wouldn't it be nice to have something on your wall that provides you an overview of how to do projects? I know I would like that.
Wouldn't it be nice to collect cards that you can combine to make a big map of "project world"? I definitely know I would like that!
So here's your first card. Mostly Harmless. And it's based upon something I wrote a couple of years ago... I hope you like it. :)
"When you conduct a project within a larger organization, an intervention, you might feel like an explorer at first. You arrive with your temporary tribe in a foreign culture. On an adventure. With maps and stuff.
What do you do?
Like the famous explorers from the old days, you can follow two strategies on arrival.
Arrive with a bang. Bring your own culture and let it shine. Brightly. And loud. Plant your own freak flag for all to see and scream your own tune from the top of your longs. This might appear hostile. Or not. It will be different for sure.
Or.
Stay low profile and try to adopt the culture of the Natives, the original inhabitants of the host organization. Be harmless. Or at least, appear harmless. Mostly harmless. And take things from there.
Plant your own flag or mix with the natives?
Now, I would start mixing with the natives first. They know the territory. They know the environment. And although you might think that you are there because the natives are too stupid to do the tasks themselves, you might want to check that first. Check that before you arrive in your big parade and get rolled in tar and feathers.
There is a huge difference between arriving on the scene all-knowing and arriving slightly clumsy. Seem a little off-beat and charmingly clumsy makes you appear harmless. Again. Mostly harmless. You mix with the locals, but might have a small version of your freak flag pinned onto your suit."
Bas de Baar is a writer who draws about people in transition. He loves to make visual maps and travel guides for the collaborators of our brave new world.
