Project Management Rules vs Common Sense: A Lesson From a Taxi Driver

Are You Talkin' to Me?


I was riding in a taxi today, and the driver told me a funny story. He said that when they went to Taxi Driver Courtesy Class, it was conducted by a police officer. The officer discussed the need to pick up every potential rider and not to bypass anyone based on appearances or convenience. One driver rightfully raised the question, "What if the person looks dangerous?"

The officer covered his badge with his hand and mock-whispered, "Then don't pick them up." Then he took his hand off his badge and said, "You must pick up every fare, no matter what their appearance is." The class, of course, roared in laughter.

The lesson is that common sense must always prevail over rules, and the same thing applies to managing projects.

Now, put on your best Robert DeNiro face and repeat, "Are you talkin to me? Are you talkin' to me?"