Happily looking stupid

Being able to look stupid has many advantages in project management

I’ve recently been thinking about one of my biggest strengths: willingness to look stupid in front of people. I think I first realized this power when I first started to play the harmonica with local bands at bars (some of which were actually ok as long as I was outside the bar)…

Being comfortable with looking stupid has allowed me to:

• Ask the stupid question that everyone think everyone else knows, but no one really does
• Question why the go-live dates are being pulled in, when all indications show that the project delivery dates should be moved out
• Ask a top developer why the suggested confusing/mind-boggling approach is the best
• Not show up for mandatory meetings, when the meeting agenda is about setting up other meetings or when no agenda is present
• Not stay late when there’s no other reason than to look good in front of the boss
• Ask HR why such wonderful company policy about safe/happy work environments and balanced work/family time is never really inforced
• Question why cost cutting is the focus instead of opportunity taking
• Keep trying to promote change based on issues and not symptoms
• Ask why exceptions that happen all of the time are considered exceptions

Looking stupid has not always been easy, but as time goes on and I feel more confident in myself the more looking stupid seems to be the right thing to do