Introduction

Counterintuitive ideas can change our careers and lives. We often feel like we are trapped in convention. Each time we have an idea that is contrary to “the way things are usually done” we immediately shut it down. We tell ourselves that if there was a better way it would have been discovered by now. So we stick to the status quo.

As project managers, we are no strangers to the allure of convention. We are taught to follow established processes, adhere to best practices, and avoid straying from the tried-and-true path. Yet, it is precisely in those moments of divergence from the norm that we find the greatest potential for growth and innovation.

Let’s entertain the possibility of a better way. This requires us to confront our own biases and preconceptions, to dare to dream beyond the confines of convention.

In this article I would like to encourage you to not allow your offbeat ideas to die. You might be thinking that you are too new and inexperienced. Or too old and that it is too late to change. Neither of these are true. There are new ways in which we can shape our careers. Let’s look at three truly career-changing ideas that you need to implement.

Why Revolutionary Ideas Change the World

Revolutionary ideas are the lifeblood of progress. They have the power to disrupt industries, redefine standards, and shape the course of history. But what is it about these ideas that makes them so potent? At their core, revolutionary ideas represent a departure from the status quo—a rejection of the notion that things must always be done a certain way simply because they always have been.

Throughout history, it has been the pioneers—the individuals willing to challenge the prevailing wisdom—who have propelled society forward. From the invention of the wheel to the advent of the internet, each leap forward has been driven by those who dared to question the established order and imagine a world beyond its constraints.

As project managers, we occupy a unique position at the intersection of strategy, execution, and innovation. We are tasked with guiding teams through complex challenges, navigating uncertainty, and delivering results in the face of adversity. In this role, the ability to embrace revolutionary ideas is not merely advantageous—it is essential.

By challenging the status quo, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, new ways of thinking, and new avenues for growth. We become agents of change, catalysts for innovation, and champions of progress. So, as we embark on this journey of exploration, let us remember the words of Robert F. Kennedy: "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly."

You don’t need to do everything yourself

As project managers, we often fall into the trap of believing that we must shoulder the burden of responsibility alone. We convince ourselves that asking for help is a sign of weakness, that delegating tasks is an admission of incompetence. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth.

In reality, effective delegation is not a sign of weakness—it is a strategic move that empowers both ourselves and our teams. By entrusting others with tasks that fall within their areas of expertise, we free ourselves to focus on high-level priorities, strategic initiatives, and overarching goals. We unlock the full potential of our teams, tapping into their diverse skills, perspectives, and talents to drive success.

But effective delegation is not simply a matter of assigning tasks and washing our hands of the responsibility. It requires clear communication, careful planning, and ongoing support and feedback. It requires us to relinquish control and trust in the abilities of our team members, empowering them to take ownership of their work and contribute to the collective success of the project.

In my own experience, I have found that embracing delegation has been transformative, both for myself and for my teams. By letting go of the need to control every aspect of the project, I have been able to focus my time and energy where it is needed most, driving strategic initiatives and fostering innovation. And by empowering my team members to take ownership of their work, I have seen them rise to the occasion, exceeding expectations and delivering results that surpass anything I could have achieved alone.

So, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your role, remember this: you don't need to do everything yourself. Trust in your team, empower them to succeed in their zone of genius, and together, you will achieve greatness beyond your wildest dreams.

Emphasise outputs not inputs

In a world obsessed with time and attendance, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters: results. As project managers, we are inundated with data—hours worked, emails sent, meetings attended—and it can be tempting to equate activity with progress. But the reality is that all the meetings in the world won't mean a thing if they don't lead to tangible outcomes.

That's why it's essential to shift our focus from inputs to outputs—to measure success not by how much time is spent on a task, but by the impact of the final deliverable. This requires a fundamental rethinking of our approach to project management, one that prioritizes outcomes over activities and results over time spent.

But how do we make this shift in mindset? It starts with setting clear, measurable goals and aligning our efforts with the desired outcomes. It means breaking free from the tyranny of busywork and focusing our time and energy on the activities that will move the needle and drive real value for our organizations.

In my own practice, I have found that placing the emphasis on outputs has been transformative, both for myself and for my teams.

By focusing on the end goal rather than getting bogged down in the minutiae of day-to-day tasks, we have been able to; work more efficiently, make better decisions, and ultimately, deliver better results. In less time. While living a life free to do the other things we love.

So, the next time you find yourself buried under a mountain of tasks, ask yourself this: are you focusing on inputs or outputs? Are you measuring success by how much you're doing, or by what you're achieving? By placing the emphasis on outputs, you'll not only drive greater value for your organization, but you'll also find greater satisfaction and fulfilment in your work.

Embrace a wide ranging knowledge

Range is key. No longer can we afford to be one-trick ponies, masters of a single domain. Instead, we must embrace a wide range of skills and perspectives, equipping ourselves to thrive in any environment and tackle any challenge that comes our way.

As project managers, this means being more than just planners or coordinators—we must be strategists, communicators, problem-solvers, and leaders. We must be able to adapt to shifting priorities, navigate uncertainty, and inspire our teams to greatness. And to do that, we must embrace range.

But what does it mean to embrace range? It means cultivating a diverse skill set that spans multiple disciplines and domains. It means being willing to step outside our comfort zones, take on new challenges, and learn new skills. It means recognizing that our value as project managers lies not in our expertise in any one area, but in our ability to bring together diverse perspectives and talents to achieve a common goal.

In my own journey as a project manager, I have found that embracing range has been instrumental to my success. By expanding my skill set beyond the traditional boundaries of project management, I have been able to adapt to a wide range of situations, navigate complex challenges, and drive innovation within my teams. And by encouraging my team members to do the same, I have fostered a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning that has propelled us to new heights of success.

So, as you embark on your own journey as a project manager, remember this: embrace range. Embrace the diversity of skills and perspectives that make you unique. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way. And above all, embrace the revolutionary idea that success lies not in specialization, but in adaptability.

Conclusion

Innovation thrives on unconventional thinking. As project managers, we have the power to revolutionize our careers—and by extension, our industries—by daring to think differently. By embracing the principles of delegation, outcome-oriented thinking, and adaptability, we can unlock new levels of success and fulfilment in our professional journeys. So, I encourage you to challenge the status quo, explore new possibilities, and embrace the revolutionary ideas that have the potential to change your career for the better. After all, the greatest achievements often arise from the most unexpected beginnings. So, let us dare to dream, dare to innovate, and dare to be the change we wish to see in the world.