Big things get done through a combination of careful planning, clear goal- setting, and efficient execution. According to Bent Flyvbjerg, a leading expert on megaprojects, the keys to successful project completion include:
- Plan slowly and act fast: Thorough, slow, and careful planning upfront ensures a clearer understanding of the project's scope and risks. Once planning is done, execution should be rapid and decisive.
- Think right to left: Start from the end goal and work backward to identify the steps needed to achieve it, rather than building plans bottom-up.
- Understand your odds and risks: Be aware of the likelihood of challenges and manage the "unknown unknowns" that can derail projects.
- Break big projects into small parts: Construct large endeavors from smaller, manageable pieces or "Lego-like" modules.
- Build a strong team culture: Success depends on creating a cohesive team with a shared sense of purpose ("an us").
- Use experienced people and processes: Employ skilled professionals and proven planning and management processes.
The approach of "think slow, act fast" has been exemplified by projects like the Empire State Building, which was meticulously planned before moving quickly to construction and finished ahead of schedule and under budget. However, most big projects tend to go over budget or run late due to rushed planning and unforeseen risks. Applying these principles can significantly improve the odds of delivering large projects on time and budget. This summary is based on the insights from the book How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner, which draws on extensive research and real-world examples from various large-scale projects, from home renovations to space exploration.
