Project Management: how to plan & adapt with agility | Ryan Zhang | TEDxYouth@WAB

Summary

In this video, Ryan, an eighth grader, shares his journey of learning Chinese and developing an agile approach to his project. He discusses the process of understanding the evolution of Chinese characters, such as the symbol for water, and how learning about the adaptability of these symbols helped him embrace agility in his work. Through the concept of agility, Ryan explains how one can be flexible in achieving goals, adapting to changes, and overcoming obstacles. He highlights the importance of curiosity, feedback, and avoiding perfectionism, ultimately emphasizing the value of progress over perfection in any project.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Chinese character for water (水) has evolved over 3600 years, from its fluid and curvaceous form in Oracle bone script to its modern simplified version.
• 😀 Agility is a key theme in the speaker's project, where it refers to the ability to adapt plans and goals in response to changing circumstances, not just physical agility.
• 😀 The 'spark' in any project or learning endeavor is the initial interest or curiosity that keeps one engaged and motivated.
• 😀 Chinese characters have rich meanings, and their evolution often reflects changes in culture, environment, and the human experience. For example, the character for 'water' has adapted over time to different interpretations.
• 😀 The 'project DNA' is a guiding principle that keeps a project on track, similar to how gravity guides the flow of water from mountains to the sea.
• 😀 Adaptation is necessary for success, both in life and in projects. The character 'e' (雨) symbolizes the importance of being flexible and responding to change, as weather can shift unpredictably.
• 😀 In a project, feedback is vital. The speaker learned that feedback helps to improve direction, making small but impactful changes as the project evolves.
• 😀 Perfectionism can be a hindrance to progress, leading to stagnation and stress. Focusing on forward momentum and making incremental improvements is key to success.
• 😀 The analogy of a jump illustrates that to achieve success (the 'jump'), one must first 'squat down,' representing the tough, low moments of a project that eventually propel you to new heights.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of overcoming anxiety and perfectionism, staying focused on the task at hand to avoid unnecessary emotional distractions.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Chinese character 'shui' and its connection to water?

The character 'shui' represents water, but initially, it may not seem to resemble water. Over time, the character has evolved, and in ancient Oracle bone script, it depicted the fluidity and curvature of water. This transformation symbolizes how water is agile and adaptable, reflecting how agility is key to achieving success.

Why did the speaker find the character for water, 'shui,' surprising when first encountered?

The speaker found 'shui' surprising because it did not seem to resemble water. This sparked curiosity about the character’s origin, leading the speaker to explore its history and how it evolved over time.

What does the speaker mean by agility in the context of project work?

Agility, in the speaker’s context, refers to the ability to adapt, change plans, and adjust goals to fit evolving circumstances, enabling one to progress toward a goal in an efficient and flexible manner.

What are the three pieces of the 'agile project' puzzle?

The three pieces of the 'agile project' puzzle are: 1) the spark (initial curiosity and interest), 2) the project DNA (the guiding concept or purpose of the project), and 3) adaptation (the ability to adjust and respond to changes during the project).

What is meant by 'project DNA'?

Project DNA refers to the core concept or purpose that guides every decision and action throughout the project. It's an essential and unchangeable principle that helps to maintain focus and direction.

How did the speaker use the example of water and birds migrating to explain project DNA?

The speaker compares water flowing down a mountain, guided by gravity, to a project following its core DNA. Similarly, birds migrate based on an instinctive pattern, much like a project adhering to its guiding principle or DNA.

How did the character 'e' evolve over time in Chinese script?

The character 'e' originally symbolized a sun shower, which was more common in ancient China. However, as the climate changed, sun showers became less frequent, and the character adapted to represent concepts of balance, simplicity, and change, with a focus on the idea of responding to change.

What lesson about adaptability did the speaker learn from the character 'e'?

The speaker learned that just as the character 'e' evolved to reflect change, we must also adapt to changing circumstances in our lives and projects, responding with agility and flexibility rather than resisting change.

What was the speaker's original approach to the project, and how did they change it?

Initially, the speaker was rigid and focused on perfection, which caused delays and frustration. After seeking feedback and revising the approach, the speaker learned that making progress, even if imperfect, was more important than waiting for perfection. They started prioritizing momentum over perfection.

What analogy did the speaker use to explain how to overcome challenges in projects?

The speaker used the analogy of jumping high, explaining that to reach new heights, one must first squat down low, representing the challenging and difficult moments in a project. From this low point, progress can be made by using the momentum gained from previous efforts.