Making Things Happen: Mastering Project Management by Scott Berkun

Summary

Scott Berkun's 'Making Things Happen: Mastering Project Management' is a practical, engaging guide to the realities of project management, drawing on Berkun's experience at Microsoft. The book focuses on the skills, mindset, and flexibility required to lead successful projects, eschewing dry theory for actionable advice. It's written in an accessible, story-driven style that prioritizes clear communication, risk management, and leadership over rigid process models. Readers are treated to practical strategies for collaborating, managing uncertainty, and adapting to change. Berkun empowers project managers to be proactive problem-solvers in dynamic environments, making the book relevant for both newcomers and seasoned professionals.

Life-Changing Lessons

1. Clear, honest communication is the cornerstone of successful project management. Being transparent with your team fosters trust and motivation.

2. Embracing uncertainty and adapting to change is a must, as no project goes exactly as planned. Flexibility and readiness to adjust are crucial traits.

3. Leadership is not just about authority; it's about inspiring, serving, and empowering your team. Effective project managers build strong relationships and nurture talent.

Publishing year and rating

The book was published in: 2008

AI Rating (from 0 to 100): 92

Practical Examples

1. Devising project schedules.

   Berkun discusses how most schedule estimates start out as guesses. He recommends breaking tasks into small, manageable pieces and getting feedback from all stakeholders, reiterating the importance of revising schedules based on real progress instead of rigid initial timelines.

2. Dealing with difficult people.

   In handling conflict, Berkun suggests listening actively, understanding motives, and never resorting to blame. He promotes fostering respect and finding common ground, demonstrating that interpersonal skills are as critical as technical ability in managing teams.

3. Managing scope creep.

   Berkun explains that project creep often arises from unclear requirements and shifting priorities. He advises project managers to rigorously define goals early, regularly communicate changes, and push back against additions that jeopardize timelines and budgets.

4. Leading through uncertainty.

   Acknowledging that projects are always subject to change, Berkun recommends openly discussing unknowns with your team. He emphasizes proactive planning while remaining flexible, preparing contingency plans, and viewing ambiguity as a challenge rather than a threat.

5. Effective meetings.

   The book details how meetings can be a drain if not managed properly. Berkun provides tactics for setting clear agendas, ending with actionable items, and being ruthless about who attends, ensuring collaboration time is productive.

6. Learning from mistakes.

   Berkun highlights the value of conducting project retrospectives. He urges documenting both successes and failures, promoting an environment where teams can openly discuss what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve without fear of blame.

7. Building motivation.

   The author describes techniques for fostering motivation, such as connecting team members to the project’s purpose, celebrating milestones, and recognizing individual contributions, thereby maintaining energy and engagement throughout the project lifecycle.

8. Navigating corporate politics.

   Berkun acknowledges office politics as a reality. He suggests mapping stakeholder influence, understanding hidden agendas, and negotiating smartly to secure support for your project.

9. Balancing perfection and progress.

   Many managers get bogged down chasing perfection. Berkun argues for a pragmatic approach: setting quality bars, knowing when ‘good enough’ truly is, and moving forward instead of stalling for ideal outcomes.

10. Communicating project status.

    The book advocates regular, clear updates for stakeholders using concise dashboards and honest reporting. Berkun stresses that candor builds trust and ensures everyone understands current challenges and achievements.