You'll see the science and art of project management mentioned quite a bit within PM Guidance. And for good reason, it's not just marketing blurb. To manage projects to successful delivery, PMs need to master both the science and the art and understand what to apply when.

Let me start by shortly sharing what is meant by both. The science of project management is the clinical application of formal PM practices. Simply stated: apply what is taught in certified PM programs like PMP, Agile frameworks, and Prince2. The art is the people side of software project management: the tailored application of human skills—influencing, negotiation, creating clarity, applying care, and building project-appropriate relationships—to deliver project results with people for people. In short:

The science provides the project management techniques. The art provides the people skills that make those techniques work.

Why do we make this distinction?

The answer to that is fairly simple. Both are needed to create lasting project success. Typically within the PM industry there is awareness, attention, and evolution within the science of projects. The art as a dimension is hardly recognized, let alone understood, nourished, and applied.

What is the result?

The lack of an integrated approach for applying the science and art of projects leads to poor project results. The industry has reacted by further fine-tuning and developing the PM techniques, ironically making the matter worse. The science focus leads to an overly clinical project approach with diminishing focus on the people within projects.

This is harmful because it is ultimately the people who create project success. Getting the results from their talents is what makes projects stand out. Motivated, involved people are also the best safeguard for handling the tougher times within a project life cycle. Recognizing and integrating these people leads to a project delivery which makes them proud, providing results they happily take ownership of.

Why does it matter to me?

After 25 years in managing change and projects, it's tough to observe that still so many fail. And unnecessarily so. It results in waste, which comes down to lacking organizational success, but more importantly it negatively affects people involved in projects and their outcomes. I care about people, I care about change and projects. They are our vehicle to achieve improvement and personal development. Lacking success therefore ultimately hurts people, organizations, and society at large.

Why should it matter to you?

Understanding the art of project management and the integration of the science and art of projects could be the differentiator for success in your career in project management. I observe the science providing PMs with a toolbox only half full. It's no wonder your job at times is as tough as it is, you're missing essential tools. At PM Guidance we strive to provide you with those additional tools, allowing you to become more effective.

In a series of follow-up articles we share more about the science and art of projects and how to apply and integrate both to accomplish lasting project success.