Project Management adventures in cultural projects
Ah, the life of a Project Manager! I’ve spent many years managing various projects, but my heart is closer to the Cultural Projects that I performed back in Greece during the period between 2006 and 2016. It was a wild ride full of ups and downs, unexpected twists and turns, and plenty of lessons learned along the way.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a project manager was dealing with cultural differences. When working on a project with people worldwide, you quickly learn that only some approach things in the same way. For example, some cultures are direct and to the point, while others are more indirect and polite. Trying to navigate these different communication styles can be tricky, but keeping everyone on the same page is essential.
Another challenge I’ve faced is dealing with artists. Don’t get me wrong; I love working with creative types. They bring a certain energy and passion to a project that’s hard to match. But they can also be…unpredictable. I’ve had artists show up late to meetings, change their minds at the last minute, and even throw tantrums when things don’t go their way. But you learn to roll with the punches and appreciate their unique perspectives.
Of course, digitalisation projects come with their own set of challenges. Technology is constantly evolving, so you must stay on top of the latest trends and innovations. And then there’s the issue of security. I’ve spent many sleepless nights worrying about data breaches and cyber-attacks. When dealing with sensitive information, you need to ensure everything is locked down tight.
But despite all the challenges, there are also plenty of lessons learned. One of the most important is the value of communication. When everyone is on the same page, things go much smoother. And when there are misunderstandings, it’s crucial to address them head-on before they become more significant problems.
Another lesson I’ve learned is to be adaptable. In the world of project management, things can change at the drop of a hat. You need to be able to pivot quickly and develop new solutions on the fly. And sometimes, you have to roll with the punches and hope for the best.
And finally, I’ve learned that a sense of humour goes a long way. When you’re dealing with stressful situations and tight deadlines, sometimes all you can do is laugh. Whether making a silly joke to break the tension or poking fun at yourself for forgetting a crucial detail, some fun can make all the difference.
So there you have it, folks. Ten years of managing cultural, art, and digitalisation projects have taught me a lot. It’s been a wild ride of challenges, unique characteristics, and lessons learned. But at the end of the day, I wouldn’t have it any other way. After all, where else can you work with artists, navigate cultural differences, and stay on the cutting edge of technology simultaneously?