22: The Paradox of Letting Go
July 24, 2010 @ The Tao of Project Management from P M Blogger
One of the interesting observations about project management is that when we try too hard we seem to achieve nothing. Yet when we stop trying, things seem to fall into place by themselves.
The Way
The poor project manager tries too hard to impress the team and his superiors, but they will see right through him. The wise project manager adopts the Yin or feminine approach. By giving up trying and going with the flow they can overcome obstacles and achieve the objectives. An empty space allows itself to be filled.
When we give of ourselves we become more. When we feel exhausted we will grow strong again. But most importantly, when we desire little a great deal will come to us. Let go in order to achieve, this is the wisdom of the feminine. I know this for this is the way of the project manager.
The Tao
Lao Tsu tells us:
Yield and overcome;
Bend and be straight;
Empty and be full;
Wear out and be new;
Have little and gain;
Have much and be confused.
Therefore wise men embrace the one
And set an example to all.
Not putting on a display,
They shine forth.
Not justifying themselves,
They are distinguished.
Not boasting,
They receive recognition.
Not bragging,
They never falter.
They do not quarrel,
So no one quarrels with them.
Therefore the ancients say “Yield and overcome.”
Is that an empty saying?
Be really whole,
And all things will come to you.
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