“I learned everything I know about Project Management from Star Wars.” No, definitely not my idea, I just enjoy it. And actually the first person I heard utter these words is my old friend Bob Wise. Truer words, though, have never been spoken. Some brief evidence for your reading pleasure …
- First lesson: if possible, it is best to operate from a position of strength: (Ep. V)
Darth Vader: “I am altering the deal. Pray I don’t alter it any further.” - The Good Cop, Bad Cop paradigm can be a useful negotiating tactic: (Ep. VI)
Moff Jerjerrod: “The Emperor’s coming here?”
Darth Vader: “That is correct, Commander. And, he is most displeased with your apparent lack of progress.”
Moff Jerjerrod: “We shall double our efforts.”
Darth Vader: “I hope so, Commander, for your sake. The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am.” - Schedule … of course … as always … is paramount: (Ep. VI)
Moff Jerjerrod: “Lord Vader, this is an unexpected pleasure. We are honored by your presence…”
Darth Vader: “You may dispense with the pleasantries, Commander. I’m here to put you back on schedule.” - Always work to enable, facilitate and motivate your team: (Ep. VI)
Moff Jerjerrod: “I assure you, Lord Vader. My men are working as fast as they can.”
Darth Vader: “Perhaps I can find new ways to motivate them.” - Somewhat less tongue-in-cheek, we have the following genuinely useful thought from Annakin’s mother to her son: (Ep. I)
Shmi Skywalker: But you can’t stop the change, any more than you can stop the suns from setting.”
I recently discovered that others have taken it to a much higher level (no surprise!):
- Brandon Koeller: Top 10 reasons Darth Vader was an amazing project manager[1]
- Tim W: Five ways Project Managers could have saved the Empire[2]
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Enjoy …
[1] https://www.geekwire.com/2011/top-10-reasons-darth-vader-amazing-project-manager/ .
[2] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/star-wars-five-ways-project-manager-could-have-saved-empire-woolery/