Book Review: How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors That Determine Success in Mega Projects by Bent Flyvbjerg
Isn’t it fascinating how we often jump headfirst into projects with a “just do it” mentality, only to find ourselves tangled in endless delays and budget overruns? That’s exactly why Bent Flyvbjerg’s How Big Things Get Done caught my attention. The moment I read “Think slow, act fast,” I knew I was in for a practical yet thought-provoking journey through the often turbulent waters of project management.
Flyvbjerg, the world’s leading expert on megaprojects, unpacks this seemingly simple but profound philosophy in a way that resonates not just with seasoned project managers, but anyone who has ever attempted to orchestrate a significant endeavor. From the ambitious plans behind nuclear power plants to the meticulous choreography of Pixar films, the author illustrates how a carefully measured approach can spell the difference between success and failure in projects of every scale.
What I loved most about this book is its structured approach. Flyvbjerg organizes complex concepts like risk management, reference-class forecasting, and “Hofstadter’s Law” into clear, digestible sections. I found myself nodding along as I read about “strategic misrepresentation” and the common pitfalls—like the commitment fallacy—that often lead even the best-laid plans astray. It’s a refreshing reminder that projects should never be seen as standalone goals; rather, they are essential steps toward achieving our larger objectives, a sentiment that Flyvbjerg conveys beautifully with his “thinking from right to left” ethos.
The writing style is engaging and straightforward, making a potentially dry subject come alive with real-world examples. I was particularly captivated by the concise chapters that encourage reflection without overwhelming the reader. In just over 250 pages, Flyvbjerg delivers actionable insights while keeping the narrative focused and flowing. The book culminates in a well-crafted conclusion on heuristics that tie all the essential tools together, leaving you not just enlightened, but eager to implement these strategies.
One memorable quote that stuck with me was Flyvbjerg’s assertion that “haste makes not only waste but tragedy.” It served as a crucial reminder that we often underestimate the planning phase, jumping into execution without a solid foundation. With insights that encourage not only critical thinking but also the importance of experience—what he calls experiri—Flyvbjerg invites us to treat our projects with the depth and diligence they deserve.
This book is a must-read for anyone involved in project management, be it in architecture, IT, or even game development. Flyvbjerg’s insights can equally benefit entrepreneurs, strategists, and anyone who dreams big but needs help navigating the complexities of execution. Personally, it’s a book that shifted my perspective on how I approach my projects—teaching me the crucial value of taking the time to think strategically before diving in.
In short, How Big Things Get Done offers not just tools for managing complexity, but also a refreshing outlook on the art of project execution. If you’re ready to break free from the daunting cycle of rushed deliveries and constant disruptions, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this book a read. It might just change the way you think—and act—when it comes to achieving your goals.
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