The 10 fatal flaws that can derail a project

The Harvard Business Review provides a list of 10 fatal flaws that can derail a project. Mike Lombardi interprets these flaws through the behavior and actions of Paulie Walnuts in the Pine Barrens episode of the Sopranos:

1. Lack energy and enthusiasm: Paulie had planned to take his mother to the social security office, so this job was an inconvenience.

2. Accept own mediocre performance: Paulie had a bad attitude before doing the job; he felt the job was beneath his stature in the family.

3. Lack clear vision and direction: Had no clear understanding of the task at hand, or how he would perform the task. (“What the f*ck is your plan? Mustard packs.” ) Decided to just “wing it.”

4. Have poor judgment: Dropped the Russian’s universal remote control on the floor, which started all the problems.

5. Don’t collaborate: Ignored Chrissie’s request to behave when first dealing with the Russian.

6. Don’t walk the talk: Walked in a circle in the Pine Barrens, which resulted in not being able to find his way out.

7. Resist new ideas: Paulie would not listen to Chrissie’s idea to stop in the Roy Rogers for a bite to eat.

8. Don’t learn from mistakes: The Russian was tougher than they first thought.

9. Lack interpersonal skills: Four years in the Army didn’t help Paulie develop a plan that would work.

10. Fail to develop others: “This guy can never come back to tell this story” were the words of wisdom Paulie received from Tony as this bad plan kept unfolding and unraveling.