Go on bang your head against a wall! Or embrace uniqueness to be more successful in projects and business. – Rule 2. Every project is different.

In a world that celebrates individuality and innovation, it's time to shift our perspective on projects and business operations. Gone are the days of uniformity and strict adherence to traditional methods. Instead, we must wholeheartedly embrace the uniqueness that defines each project. This is Rule 2: Every project is different.
 
The Frustration of Uniqueness
Uniqueness is a frustrating thing.  It’s a one off, it’s not containable, it’s not conformable, its tiring.  If everything was the same, you’d know where you were, have more time and you’d be able to go do the things that make you unique!
 
Yet, in this very uniqueness lies the opportunity for growth and success.
 
As the world has evolved over the past few decades, it has become increasingly diverse. People crave distinctiveness, they yearn to stand out in a crowd. In a society that values individual expression and diversity, there are more opportunities than ever to shine uniquely.
 
The Rise of Projects
Simultaneously, our approach to work has evolved. More and more of our work is structured as projects. But what is a project? It's an individual or collaborative enterprise carefully planned to achieve a particular aim. Projects, by their very nature, are unique. Otherwise, it would simply be business as usual, with a focus on repeatability and efficiency.
 
The Clash of Old and New
However, there's a disconnect in the way we approach these unique projects, especially among influential older generations who are still rooted in the "business-as-usual" mindset. They may resist the shift towards embracing uniqueness, opting instead for familiar, repeatable methods.
 
Spotting the Conflict
The conflict becomes evident when you try to standardize a unique project. One side is striving to escape the confines of conformity, while the other is desperately trying to contain it. In this tug-of-war, one side will inevitably lose out, and this isn't beneficial for either the project or the business as a whole.
 
A Path to Success
To achieve the best results for both projects and businesses, we must bridge this gap and find shared value. The solution lies in listening, understanding, and identifying the unique qualities of each project and its stakeholders.
 
Embrace Uniqueness in Every Project
So, when embarking on a new project, don't fall into the trap of applying the same old strategies, process and templates. Recognize that the people involved are different, with distinct schedules, communication preferences, and personalities.
 
Instead, take a moment to reflect, ask questions, and truly get to know the individuals and dynamics at play in this particular project. Embrace their uniqueness and tailor your approach accordingly. Communicate what you need and how you'd like it delivered, taking into account the project's unique characteristics. This approach offers the best chance of achieving success, benefiting both the project and the broader business.
 
Conclusion
In a world that increasingly values uniqueness and individuality, it's time to let go of the one-size-fits-all mentality. By embracing the distinct nature of each project, understanding the people involved, and adapting our approach accordingly, we can unlock the full potential of every endeavour. In doing so, we pave the way for both our projects and our businesses to thrive in this era of diversity and innovation. Embrace uniqueness, and success will surely follow.
 
If you want to try standardising a project, fine, go bang your head against the brick wall that’s holding you back.

If you want advice or help with improving area of concern with your project management.  Reach out, CS projects is here to help, in a sustainable, manageable way.
 
Thanks for reading
 
Simon