Einstein Project Management Tip #3: Silence is Golden

Here's our next installment of project management tips from Albert Einstein, the ultimate "PMThinker."

Everyone knows Einstein's famous equation, E=MC2. But he had another one that was also enlightening...

"If A=Success, then the formula is A=X+Y+Z. X is work. Y is play. Z is keeping your mouth shut."

How true this is. Often, a project manager's natural tendency is to be vocal and forward. And sometimes, this is indeed warranted. But more often than not, it's a good idea to show restraint and wait to hear all sides before offering your views.

This should not be confused with the vital need to ask plenty of questions. Rather, this refers to the need to think through the issues and hear all sides before voicing definite opinions. Sometimes, silence is golden.