Project Management Lessons from Hagakure, The Book of the Samurai | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Yamamoto Tsunetomo's book, "Hagakure," offers valuable advice for project managers, focusing on embracing the inevitable, mindfulness, stakeholder engagement, effective communication, professionalism, and learning from mistakes.

Key Insights

• 😀 Embracing the inevitable and confidently facing risks and challenges is crucial in project management.
• 🎁 Mindfulness and focus on the present moment contribute to success in project management.
• ❓ Proper timing and considering stakeholder readiness enhance effective communication.
• 💁 Communication can leak, so project managers must be cautious about sharing sensitive information.
• 💪 A strong foundation of knowledge and confidence in project management fundamentals is essential.
• 🍝 Real experience and substance matter more than bragging about past achievements.
• 📽️ Courage and professionalism are revealed during challenging moments in project management.

Transcript

yamamoto tsunitomo was a samurai in early 1700s japan and when his master died he was forbidden by his master's will to conduct ritual sepuku the suicide of a long-serving retainer on the death of their master so he retired to a monastery now although he wasn't the kind of samurai that fought in battles tsunitomo held dear the rituals and the way o... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main message behind the saying "There is something to be learned from a rainstorm"?

The saying emphasizes embracing the inevitable and confidently facing risks and challenges in project management, rather than trying to avoid or pretend they won't happen.

Q: How does the concept of mindfulness relate to project management?

Mindfulness, focusing on the present moment without distractions from the past or future, can lead to success in project management by giving it full attention and concentration.

Q: Why should project managers consider the disposition of stakeholders before communicating with them?

Considering the stakeholder's readiness to receive a message is crucial, as communication that is untimely or given to an unprepared stakeholder can lead to resistance or entrench their opposition.

Q: Why is it important to be mindful of the potential leakage of communication?

Communication can escape into the wild and reach unintended recipients, so project managers should only communicate messages they are prepared to have shared and leaked, or otherwise opt for in-person communication.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Yamamoto Tsunetomo's book, "Hagakure," contains aphorisms and sayings from a retired samurai about the way of life and rituals of a samurai.

• The book emphasizes embracing the inevitable and confidently facing risks and challenges in project management.

• Tsunetomo highlights the importance of mindfulness, focus, and avoiding distractions in achieving success, drawing parallels to stoic philosophy.