The Project Manager's Life 24

We have explored issues regarding project challenges and trust. When the status of a project, however, becomes chaotic or reaches a crisis, the behavior of all involved can become quite unpredictable and unpleasant. The first resort that is taken by many is the attempt to exonerate themselves and to put the blame on others. We may not be able to depend on other people to stand by us. Sudarshan Fakir paints a grim picture of such situations.

Oh, friend, why is there such a scene at this time?
Why is every head wounded and why is there a stone in every hand?
— Sudarshan Fakir —

आज के दौर में ऐ दोस्त ये मंज़र क्यों है
ज़ख़्म हर सर पे हर हाथ में पत्थर क्यों है
— सुदर्शन फ़ाकिर —

آج کے دور میں اے دوست یہ منظر کیوں ہے
زخم ہر سر پہ ہر ہاتھـ میں پتھر کیوں ہے
— سدرشن فاکر—

The project manager, of course, must attempt to control such situations. They may indeed be his greatest challenge. They may even be beyond his control, especially if he becomes the principal target for the blame. Kashif Indori has described how the project manager might feel.

The sorrows of the all the world are before us and here we are alone.
Hundreds of stones and one mirror, for how long, for how long?
— Kashif Indori —

सामने दुनिया भर के ग़म हैं और इधर इक तन्हा हम हैं
सैकड़ों पत्थर और इक आईना कब तक आखिर आखिर कब तक
— काशिफ़ इन्दोरी —

سامنے دنیا بھر کے غم ہیں اور ادھراک تنہا ہم ہیں
سیکڑوں پتھر اور اک ائنہ کب تک آخر کب تک آخر
— کاشف اندوری —

All of this reminds me of the English expression that people who live in glass houses should not throw stones.