How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner

Great read for anyone who is trying to achieve something big.

99.5% of big projects fail to deliver on time, on budget, AND with promised benefits. That's the brutal reality from analysing 16,000+ projects. But some consistently succeed. Spoiler: It's not bad luck.

Think Slow, Act Fast

Successful projects invest heavily in planning before execution, then move quickly once execution begins. This is the opposite of how most failed projects operate.

Modularity is Critical

Break large projects into smaller, independent modules that can be developed in parallel, tested separately, and failed safely.

Embrace the "Outside View"

Use reference class forecasting by studying the actual outcomes of similar past projects, rather than making predictions in isolation.

Value Experience Over Vision

Experienced project leaders consistently outperform visionary newcomers, particularly when they have relevant experience in similar contexts.

Plan for Fat-Tail Risks

Build buffers for the unlikely but catastrophic events that can destroy projects.

Iterative Planning Works

Start with rough concepts, build quick prototypes, test and refine repeatedly before committing fully.

Prefer Proven Solutions

The most successful projects use established approaches with minor variations rather than seeking revolutionary "unique" solutions.

Know When Not to Build

Sometimes the best decision is to walk away from a project entirely.

Boring Often Wins

The most "boring" projects (using standard materials, proven approaches) often deliver the most value and are more likely to succeed.

The 11 Heuristics

A practical framework for project leaders covering team composition, design approach, risk management, and decision-making.

Details

• Amazon
• Publisher: Crown Currency
• Published: February 7, 2023
• ISBN-13: 978-0593239520