The end of the world as we know it?

2012. There’s a rumour going around that we’re about to enter the first stages of Armageddon, according to misinterpreted predictions attributed to the Mayans, Nostradamus and crackpot astrophysicists. The magic number has come up.

Of course there are a lot of myths about 2012 which have been busted by reputable sources, but there’s no denying that next year, the world as we know it will change. How could it not? As project managers you are agents of change and therefore—provided you are all doing your jobs—change will occur.

Whether restoring order in post-disaster projects or building new pieces of working business-as-usual, from physical and conceptual infrastructure to buildings, systems and software, project managers are the enablers. You are the clarity in confusion, the organiser of chaos.

With Europe on the brink of financial collapse and the USA nervous about double-dipping, it’s up to the good people of the Asia-Pacific to restore confidence (and, dare I say, order) to the world. The answer? You guessed it, better project management.

There is evidence to suggest that the world is waking up to project management as a solution to a lot of business problems. Skills shortages? Project-based employment. Budget cuts? Project-based operations. Resource constraints? Project optimisation. Will project managers finally attain a profile in the public conscience? Is 2012 the year of the project manager? That’s up to you!

This is my last editorial for the year, so I’d like to wish you all a safe and happy holiday. I hope you will schedule at least a few days’ break to prevent burnout and, most importantly, take time to rest and reflect on 2011.

I think I’ve cracked the Santa Claus puzzle as well. This mythical figure has all the hallmarks of a project manager: delivering quality gifts to believers on time and on budget. My verdict? An excellent case of delegation to parents and guardians of said believers and an impeccable stakeholder management system that keeps track of who has been naughty and nice. Enjoy the break!