Project Management Lessons From FIFA World Cup

After all the Soccer excitement from the FIFA World Cup passed and things were returning to normal again in South Africa, I came across this very interesting article by Romin Irani where he shared his views about what the FIFA World Cup 2010 teaches us about Project Management.

For those of you who are soccer supporters and who can appreciate the art of project management, will certainly enjoy his interesting perspectives and comparisons.  Here are some highlights:

  • do not depend on a star performer in your team
  • an effective technical person does not necessarily make a great (project) manager
  • there is no substitute for planning
  • to err is human
  • address the root cause of the problems and not the symptoms
  • every-one needs to perform and know their role
  • past performance is no guarantee of future performance
  • you need to have luck on your side sometimes
  • early setbacks can be a blessing in disguise
  • respect your opponent (competitors)
  • you need support from all levels
  • play to your strengths

When I started the series of project management posts relating to the Soccer World Cup in South Africa, I didn’t realise that there would be so many lessons to learn from one of the biggest sport tournaments in existence.

Click here to read the full article on What the FIFA World Cup 2010 teaches us about project management.

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