In the ever-evolving game of project management, there's a new star player on the field (besides scrum master Retshegofaditswe “Ox” Nche) - the Culture and Values Competence Element, according to IPMA's ICB4 (International Competence Baseline 4). While it might sound like the latest try-scoring tactic, this competence element is anything but superficial. Let's embark on a journey to explore the significance of Culture and Values competence from an IPMA ICB4 perspective, all while drawing inspiration from the Rugby World Cup, particularly the Springboks' legendary Bomb Squad.
Our playbook will rely on the following Key Competence Indicators (KCI’s):
Assess the culture and values of the society and their implications for the project
Align the project with the formal culture and corporate values of the organisation
Assess the informal culture and values of the organisation and their implications for the project
The Rugby Pitch Metaphor
Imagine project management as a high-stakes Rugby World Cup match, with diverse teams representing various project stakeholders, team members, and organisations. In this arena, the Culture and Values competence serves as your strategic playbook, helping you navigate through the toughest scrums.
Scrumming Against Societal Culture
Your first task, much like a seasoned rugby captain (Siya Kolisi), is to assess the culture and values of the society where your project kicks off. This is your equivalent of scouting the opposing team's style of play. Understanding the broader cultural context and its implications for your project is like anticipating the moves of your rival on the field.
Executing the Set-Piece Play
As the referee blows the whistle, you'll execute the second KCI - aligning your project with the formal culture and corporate values of your organisation. This is akin to the perfectly executed set-piece play. You must ensure that your project strategy follows the playbook provided by your organisation, just like a well-orchestrated line-out.
Navigating the Informal Rucks and Mauls
In the heat of the game, you'll need to navigate the informal rucks and mauls within your organisation, as per the third KCI - assess the informal culture and values of the organisation and their implications for the project. These hidden moves can either disrupt your game plan or offer opportunities. Recognising these informal dynamics and understanding their implications for your project is like reading the game-changing moments in a rugby match - challenging but necessary.
Creating a Winning Team Culture: Inspired by the Bomb Squad
Drawing inspiration from the Springboks' legendary Bomb Squad tactic, you aim to create a winning team culture within your project squad. Much like how the Bomb Squad provided fresh energy and firepower, fostering an environment where the project's values align with both societal and organisational cultures is like ensuring that your team plays with explosive synergy, ready to tackle every challenge head-on.
The Scrum of Team Cohesion
Much like the Springboks' tight scrums, your project team must be tightly knit, pushing together toward a common goal. The Culture and Values competence, particularly the KCI related to informal organisational culture, helps you identify and nurture these shared values, forming a scrum that can win even the toughest battles.
Balancing Culture and Strategy
Lastly, you must strike a balance between organisational strategies and cultural considerations, as guided by the second KCI - align the project with the formal culture and corporate values of the organisation. A competent manager knows when to adapt strategies to fit the project's cultural context while staying true to the organisation's game plan, much like the Spingboks defending their tryline.
Conclusion
In the challenging game of project management, mastering the Culture and Values competence element from an IPMA ICB4 perspective is like crafting a championship-winning rugby team, inspired by the Springboks' Bomb Squad. It helps you understand the intricate plays and tactics within your team and within the wider society and organisation. With the right playbook and teamwork, you can lead your projects to victory while making your journey through the Rugby World Cup of project management a thrilling and successful endeavour.
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