CULTURE IS THE BASS

A bassist-cum–business consultant employs a music analogy to explain project portfolio management.

In presenting a complex business topic, some analogies can be exceedingly effective while others can wear thin. Leonard’s debut compares the culture of an organization to the bass in an orchestra. More broadly, he views an orchestra and its musicians akin to a business organization and its employees. Because of the author’s in-depth knowledge of both music and project management, the analogy is sustainable: “If an orchestra cannot play a versatile range of music, after a while, their performance will become predictable and stale….There has to be a framework in place that allows new pieces to be practiced and performed. Companies must design a framework for standardizing project management techniques within their strategic portfolio management environment.” While the music analogy appropriately recurs throughout the book, the material generally follows more traditional and expected topic areas. The content is divided into seven “steps,” including vision, values, best practices, and execution. These steps are described in separate chapters. For each step, Leonard recounts his own musical, personal, and business experiences; cites examples of successful organizations; includes specific implementation strategies; raises key questions; and provides additional resources. Especially helpful are the numerous lists the author presents to make the text more engaging. For example, he lists five areas to consider in preparing for organizational change, eight steps to developing best practices, 10 steps to strategic execution, and 11 common mistakes in the development of project portfolio management. Like many consultants, Leonard has devised his own methodology, and he generously shares it: He outlines and discusses a systematic process he calls “the ADeXI Framework” (which stands for Assess, Design, Execute, and Improve). He closes the volume by urging the reader to “turn up the bass on your favorite music device and in your organization, and enjoy those low tones that move your heart and that rattle your soul.” The author is obviously passionate about both music and project portfolio management, and his enthusiasm shines through the text. He deftly strikes the right balance between orchestral and project management nomenclature.

Nicely orchestrated and well-executed business advice.