“If one lady can make a baby in nine months, can nine ladies make a baby in one month?” — Fred Brooks, The Mythical Man-Month

At the time I read this book, I was working as a project manager. I was splitting people across multiple tasks with the expectation they would spend 20% on this, 40% on that, and what’s left of their time on something else.

“Adding people to a late project will only make it later.” — Fred Brooks, The Mythical Man-Month

I have some experiences with trying to add people to an already late project. Let’s say I’m thankful for having not been fired with how bad that one turned out.

Stop plugging in the people

You cannot treat people like objects and expect a good outcome. Let’s stop throwing people at problems. It’s inhumane to treat people this way. Besides, it doesn’t work.

Instead of throwing people at a problem, ask the team what would help them succeed. Challenge them to find solutions to their problems and ask how you can help.

Just stop trying to plug people in to solve a problem. That’s what we do with computers. Treat people like people, and they will succeed beyond your wildest dreams.

You’ve got this.