How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors That Determine Success in Mega Projects by Bent Flyvbjerg: A Must-Read for Every Aspiring Project Manager
I stumbled upon Bent Flyvbjerg’s How Big Things Get Done while searching for something that would elevate my understanding of project management, and let me tell you—I was not disappointed. Flyvbjerg, often dubbed "the world’s leading megaproject expert," seamlessly combines rigorous research with real-world examples to guide readers through the maze of project management pitfalls and successes. His central tenet, "Think slow, act fast," serves not just as a catchy mantra but as a lifebuoy in a sea of project chaos.
In this compelling read, Flyvbjerg dissects the critical phases of any project—planning and delivery—with clarity that feels almost refreshing. He argues that taking time in the planning stages is essential to ensure effective and timely execution. I found this particularly resonant in today’s fast-paced environment where the pressure to deliver often outweighs the necessity of thorough groundwork. Flyvbjerg’s exploration of various planning tools—like reference-class forecasting and the concept of “thinking from right to left”—encourages us to regard projects not as mere goals but as stepping stones to achieving our ultimate aims.
What stood out most to me was Flyvbjerg’s insightful use of factual data in his exploration of project management failures and successes. With a database that has evolved from 258 to over 16,000 projects worldwide, his findings are anything but anecdotal. The statistics he shares—such as only 8.5% of projects hitting the mark on both cost and time—are staggering and likely to make any project manager’s heart race. The examples he offers, like Pixar’s exceptional planning approach, serve as brilliant illustrations of effective strategies in action.
Flyvbjerg’s writing style is clear and engaging. The chapters are short and digestible, making this 250-page book an easy read. I particularly appreciated the well-crafted conclusion that summarizes essential heuristics important for any project’s success. His focus on experiential learning—the notion of experiri, or testing one’s ideas—was a key takeaway that I plan to incorporate into my own work philosophy.
Moreover, the concept of “fast followers,” learned from the likes of Apple, emphasizes the beauty of learning from historical precedents rather than being a first mover—a much-needed reminder in our era of incessant innovation.
This isn’t just a book for project managers; it’s a call to anyone involved in planning and executing large-scale projects—from business leaders to engineers. Flyvbjerg’s insights encourage us to take a step back and reflect on our methods, ensuring that we incorporate experience and strategic foresight into our plans.
In short, How Big Things Get Done is both enlightening and practically applicable. Flyvbjerg’s wisdom offers us the toolkit necessary to not just navigate but to thrive in the often tumultuous waters of project management. It’s a gem I’ll be revisiting, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a better way to guide their projects to success.
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