Making Things Happen

About the Author

Scott Berkun, a seasoned speaker, and project management expert, has carved a unique niche in the world of software development and leadership. With an illustrious career at Microsoft, where he played pivotal roles in the development of Internet Explorer and Windows, Berkun has acquired a wealth of practical knowledge about what makes projects succeed or fail. His experience is not limited to the tech industry; his insights transcend specific fields, making them universally applicable to anyone who leads a team or manages a project.

Berkun is also the author of several other influential books, including How Design Makes the World, which explores how design shapes our experiences and decisions. His writing style is characterized by its clarity and pragmatism. Rather than offering rigid formulas, Berkun provides flexible frameworks that project managers can adapt to their unique challenges. His advice is grounded in real-world experience, making it both accessible and highly actionable for professionals across various industries.

Main Idea

In Making Things Happen, Scott Berkun presents a comprehensive guide to project management that focuses on the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of leading teams. Instead of advocating for a one-size-fits-all approach, Berkun encourages project managers to embrace flexibility and adaptability. He covers the entire lifecycle of a project, from the initial planning phase through design, execution, and dealing with challenges.

Berkun emphasizes the importance of core leadership qualities such as communication, trust, and the ability to inspire. These qualities are the foundation of effective project management, enabling leaders to navigate the complexities of their projects and achieve successful outcomes. Throughout the book, Berkun provides practical strategies, backed by real-life examples, to help project managers lead their teams with confidence and agility.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Project Management
2. Leadership in Project Management
3. Planning Your Project
4. Designing the Project
5. Executing and Building
6. Dealing with Challenges and Setbacks
7. Concluding the Project

Leadership in Project Management

Leadership is the cornerstone of successful project management, according to Scott Berkun. In Making Things Happen, he delves deeply into the attributes that define a strong leader and how these qualities can be cultivated to ensure project success. Berkun argues that effective leadership is not about exerting control but about inspiring and empowering the team to perform at their best.

Building Relationships and Communication

One of the most crucial aspects of leadership, Berkun notes, is the ability to foster open and effective communication. He emphasizes that the success of a project largely depends on how well the team communicates. Communication is the lifeblood of a project, enabling the free flow of ideas, the resolution of conflicts, and the smooth coordination of tasks.

“A project’s success largely depends on the clarity and effectiveness of communication within a team. To build stronger relationships, make a point to have informal conversations with the team.” —Scott Berkun

Berkun suggests that informal conversations play a vital role in building trust and facilitating better communication. These interactions create a relaxed atmosphere where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. By getting to know their team members on a personal level, leaders can tailor their communication strategies to meet individual needs, thus enhancing overall team performance.

• Informal Conversations: These help break down barriers and foster a more open, trusting relationship among team members.
• Clarity and Effectiveness: Clear communication ensures that all team members are on the same page, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and errors.
• Building Trust: Trust is the foundation of effective teamwork. When team members trust each other and their leader, they are more likely to collaborate effectively and contribute to the project’s success.

Effective communication also involves understanding the nuances of how messages are sent, received, and acted upon. Berkun introduces a communication model that outlines the steps involved in ensuring that a message is not only delivered but also understood and acted upon correctly. This model is crucial for project managers who need to ensure that their instructions and feedback are clear and actionable.

Trust and Accountability

Trust is another fundamental element of leadership that Berkun emphasizes. A project manager must earn the trust of their team to lead effectively. This trust is built through consistency, transparency, and the delegation of responsibilities. Berkun points out that when a leader is reliable and stays true to their word, they set a positive example for the team. This reliability fosters an environment where team members feel secure and are more likely to be open and honest in their communication.

“When you give others responsibility, they’ll usually respond in a positive way.” —Scott Berkun

Delegation is a powerful tool for building trust. By entrusting team members with important tasks and decisions, a leader demonstrates confidence in their abilities. This not only empowers the team but also encourages a sense of ownership and accountability. Team members who feel trusted are more likely to take their responsibilities seriously and strive to meet or exceed expectations.

• Delegation of Tasks: This empowers team members and builds their confidence, which in turn enhances their performance.
• Consistency: A leader who consistently follows through on their commitments earns the trust and respect of the team.
• Transparency: Open and honest communication about the project’s goals, challenges, and expectations helps build a culture of trust.

In addition to trust, accountability is a critical aspect of effective leadership. Berkun stresses that a project manager must be accountable for the project’s outcomes. This means taking responsibility not only for the successes but also for the failures. By modeling accountability, leaders encourage their team members to take ownership of their work and to be accountable for their actions.