There are two sides to project management. Two sides of the same coin. Complementary but distinct.
One is the Science, the other is the Art. You can manage a project with just one, but get both right and you will be golden.
Science: Our Trusty Map
Most of us start our journeys as project managers learning the ‘Science’ part. Learning the foundational elements of project management – Project Phases, Entry and Exit Checkpoints, Project Briefs, RACIs, Risk Registers, Gantt Charts. You get the idea.
Tried and trusted methods, processes and tools that have been honed over decades of collective experience to guide us.
To be fair, this is what new project managers should focus on; initially. As with any new skill, before you can improvise, you need to know the basics well.
Art: Our Compass in Uncharted Territories
However, relying solely on the science will only take you so far. The ‘Art’ is what guides you when the map doesn’t quite match the terrain.
The art side of things is what really interests me. It’s at play in those moments when a team member is struggling silently, where something feels “off” about the project’s direction, or when you need to interpret the unsaid nuances in a stakeholder meeting. This is where intuition, human understanding, and adaptability comes into play.
It’s not just about knowing when to push and when to pivot—it’s also about how you do it. It’s the finesse in managing people and situations. Some of this is taught in classrooms and textbooks, but more often than not, it’s developed through experience. And, unless you have a good manager or senior pm to guide you in the right direction it can be difficult to know when to apply the letter of the law and when to use discretion.
When I write about project management, my aim is to try and shine a light on these topics. To share with those starting out what I’ve picked up from my experiences, and try when possible to provide some practical direction. That’s the intention anyway.
The Role of Balance and Context
The key, like with most things, is balance. Lean too heavily on the science, and you might find yourself boxed in, rigid, and unable to adapt when a curveball is thrown your way. Rely solely on art, and your approach might become too fluid, lacking the necessary structure to keep a project on track.
So how do you know when to lean on the art and when to lean on the science?
Unfortunately its not a one-size-fits-all scenario. There is no magic formula. Despite my intentions to share experiences to help point your thoughts to these topics – the reality is that experience will be what ultimately guides you in this. Successes, and more often, failures.
I will say that, for me, having as much visibility into the broader context of situations has been invaluable when I’m choosing my next step.
While data and processes offer a certain perspective, its incomplete. The broader context provides necessary depth. The depth that you need as a project manager if you want to be able to apply discretion successfully.
My views about the crucial role of context in wielding the art of project management were really cemented during a role transition. In one role, I had this panoramic view, encompassing not just the tangible milestones but the subtle dynamics—like the undertones in stakeholder meetings, the behind-the-scenes manoeuvrings, and the delicate balance of team camaraderies. These tidbits, seemingly trivial on their own, collectively painted a comprehensive backdrop, offering invaluable insights into the forces shaping my project. But when I switched roles, this rich tapestry faded. I felt like I was navigating blindfolded. The ‘art’ in project management empowers us to face the unknown, but charting a course with scant context makes the journey much more challenging.
Find Your Balance
If you are just starting out, be like a sponge. Absorb the scientific methodologies, but don’t sleep on the potential of ‘artistic side’ of the role.
Be observant—watch, learn, and appreciate the artful dance of experienced project managers as they weave their magic. Find as much opportunity as possible to absorb the wider context of the situation you are in – project, team and company.
And remember, authenticity is vital. It’s not about emulating someone else’s style but finding your own balance between the art and the science.