Parenting Pointers - Managing Unpredictable Projects

 Unpredictability is one of the hardest element to manage in any project—any kind of work where humans are involved inherently has high levels of unpredictability. So what is the key to managing a project when you know there may be surprises that emerge along the way?

Business coach Anton Skornyakov has made a career out of helping organizations managing unpredictability. Passionate about Agile methodologies, Anton holds the esteemed Certified Scrum Trainer certification, a distinction shared by only 250 individuals globally, awarded by the Scrum Alliance®. Anton's dedication to organizational collaboration and Agile principles in the public and nonprofit sectors led him to his current role as co-founder and managing director of Agile.Coach. In this capacity, he has coached nearly a hundred organizations and thousands of individuals in the art of slicing work and managing unpredictable projects.

Anton's upcoming book The Art of Slicing Work: How to Navigate Unpredictable Projects encapsulates the culmination of numerous stories, lessons, and principles gathered throughout his coaching journey. In his book, Anton demonstrates how to navigate unpredictability and stay focused on delivering results that matter—allowing for steady and controllable progress, creating a sense of shared ownership and responsibility, and maximizing the value of the work produced.  

Anton has outlined the three ingredients required to manage unpredictable projects:

1. Transparency - In organizations, transparency refers to the visibility of a project’s overall progress, which can be achieved via feedback loops and built-in checks on vertical slices of a project. Without such transparency, it would be difficult to notice the project going offtrack.
    
2. Inspection - Inspection means investing time and resources in continuously checking a situation. In organizations, we need to set aside time and resources to check projects’ overall progress.
    
3. Adaption - When managing work, adaptation means adjusting what you plan to work on in the future. Adding new items to your plan, removing obsolete ones, or changing how you thought something should be done.

I had a chance to interview Anton, who wrote this piece in response.

Embracing the Unpredictable: Practical Wisdom for Moms

Life, especially with a family, is full of unpredictability. From planning a large dinner to reimagining our living spaces, the unexpected is often just around the corner. Here's how embracing a plan for the unpredictable can empower us, develop adaptability in the workplace, and enhance our home life.

1. The Importance of Planning for the Unpredictable

When we venture into unfamiliar territory, such as inviting more guests into our homes than ever before, the likelihood of facing surprises increases. 

You cannot plan surprises; it's their nature to surprise

Yet how we prepare can make all the difference. For instance, we may think we have 4-5 hours to prepare dinner, but a sudden emergency might cut that time short. Or perhaps, we expect 12 guests, only to find they've brought extra company. Preparing a comprehensive list of dishes and drinks can swiftly accommodate unexpected dietary preferences, showing that while surprises are inevitable, a flexible plan can significantly ease our ability to manage them.

2. Developing Skills for Adaptability in the Workplace

Adaptability is key, not just at home but also in the workplace. The core:

Focus on the final result and break up work into chunks that are useful to your clients.

Identifying unfamiliar tasks and determining small, verifiable outcomes can mitigate risks without the need to complete an entire project at once. This approach ensures that we're prepared for unforeseen changes, enhancing both our efficiency and ability to navigate workplace challenges with grace.

3. Managing Unpredictable Projects for Home Life Benefits

The concept of managing unpredictable projects extends beautifully into home life. Take, for example, the redesign of a garden. Instead of committing to a grand plan immediately, consider an iterative approach. Start with installing a simple swing and observe if it encourages play. This method not only saves money but also allows for adjustments based on real use and enjoyment. 

The iterative approach has already saved many families a lot of money.

In embracing the unpredictable with a well-thought-out plan, we not only navigate the challenges of motherhood and work with more ease but also teach our families the value of adaptability. Life's surprises, whether at a dinner party or during a home renovation project, offer opportunities to learn, grow, and ultimately, thrive in the beautiful chaos of family life.

Author: Anton Skornyakov is a Certified Scrum Trainer with Scrum Alliance and the managing director of Agile.Coach based in Berlin, Germany. Anton's book "The Art of Slicing Work" is a real-world, low-jargon guide that will teach you the main skill of a successful manager in the 21st century – the ability to master unpredictability.