The Top 10 Things I Learned about Project Management
from American Idol
By Rick Griffin and Conrad Imel

Whether you thought Taylor Hicks was the rightful winner this year or that Katherine McPhee was the better performer, the phenomenon of American Idol provides an opportunity to look at what it takes to be a winner. The concept is very simple: Bring unknown talent to the television stage and give someone a chance at stardom. Underneath that simple concept are a number of tactics that contribute to the success of the show. Let’s take those lessons from American Idol and apply them to our favorite vocation as we once again publish a project management top ten list.

1) Know what works and stick with it

There is a proven framework to American Idol. The season begins with auditions around the country, where the judges see the good, the bad, and the ugly. Some will move on to Hollywood where the contestants are pared down and the audience has the opportunity to vote for their favorites and crown the American Idol. This framework produces the ratings that producers like; the framework will not change. A project manager needs to know and apply the same concept. What has worked in the past? How can those concepts be applied to my current project? While the specifics will change from project to project, you as a project manager know from experience the types of approaches and tactics that work. You need to maintain those practices regardless of what each individual project demands from you.

2) Know what changes need to be made

The framework may work year in and year out for American Idol, but within that framework some things need to change. Minor changes are made, but the “deliverables” remain the same. When you work on similar projects there may be a tendency to try to perform them the same way. While you know what has worked in the past, know that not everything will work in the future. As a project manager you need to be aware of the various factors involved in the project and learn how to adjust those factors for the benefit of the project. You should stick with what has worked in the past, but be mindful of the fact that adjustments will need to be made.

3) Keep the basics in mind

Idol judges may be harsh from time to time, but they know talent. They know what it takes to be a top performer. Flashy lights, style, and screaming fans may make for good television performance, but it is the core talent that the judges are looking for. The basics of singing are what will impress them. Without knowing the basics, no competitor will win the competition. The same principle applies when managing a project. The concepts in each project - the core skills - remain the same. As each new project brings you new challenges, do not abandon your basic skills and knowledge set. These are the skills that will carry you through the unexpected twists in a fancy, flashy project.

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