The Eight Things About Project Management
I Learned From a Kangaroo
Denise DeCarlo, PMP

In honour (yes – we’ll be using the Queen’s English for this article) of the new Canberra office Mindavation recently opened in Australia – we thought we’d discuss the similarities between those oh-so-cute kangaroos and project management. So … let’s hop to it!

1) Have weapons, but rarely if ever use them

Kangaroos are typically docile animals. However, if provoked or attacked, they can be deadly by using long sharp claws on their hind legs to wound their attacker. As a general rule project managers are also very effective and we also are docile. Over reacting to typical day-to-day “fires” is usually not favourable and certainly doesn’t help the team remain focused and content. However, if your project is being “attacked” by a key stakeholder – it’s our obligation to defend the project and our project activities. General rule of thumb – be docile – but defend your project with passion.

2) Instruct your team to avoid surprising you

Kangaroos absolutely despise being surprised or sneaked up on. If you do want to “meet” a kangaroo and not alarm them you should approach them from the front – facing them directly – certainly not from behind. As project managers – we don’t like surprises at all! The sooner we know about a problem – the more time and potential resources we’ll have available to address the problem. Remind your team members how important it is for you to be aware of every day problems. Not so you can solve the problem necessarily – instead for awareness so you can be supportive of your team members. I would even suggest rewarding your team for bringing problems to your attention – to demonstrate to them how important this truly is. Candy from your candy jar can go a long ways!

3) Handle your project with care

Kangaroos love to cuddle their young and keep them close in their pouch. Project managers should handle their scope as ‘precious cargo’ to be dealt with carefully and seriously – always understand your scope and protect it. You don’t want your scope to be taken from you, and conversely you probably don’t want your scope increasing unnecessarily as well. Manage your scope with well documented requirements with scope boundaries and always adhere to strict change control practices to ensure scope is managed with care.

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