An article in the New York Times today took a look at the fact and fiction surrounding the proper foods to eat before, during and after an athletic event for optimal performance.  The prevailing wisdom is that there is a specific methodology to the types and quantities of food and supplements which will enhance endurance and support the body's recovery.

The author interviewed a researcher and physician in Canada and his associate, both of whom are or have been competitive athletes.  Their dietary regime consists of drinking water and eating fruit.  They believe that unless you are working out at very high intensity twice a day, eating and drinking real food works just fine.

This concept got me thinking about project management and the industry that's grown up around it.  Does how we do something matter as much as what we do?  Or, has the industry created the promise and expectation that project's are better because of it? 

It's been my experience that the very best and most successful projects are those that have a good strong leader in charge, clear expectations, and enough team players to overcome the naysayers.  Then, just get out of their way. Now, this is not to say that a project doesn't require documentation, process, and communication points.   But, case in points, one of the very best project leaders I ever knew used a pencil and a pad of paper. 

Consider trying a small experiment in your shop.  Pick a project that has a relatively short duration and clear the deck.  Take out the single purpose tools and leave only a framework in place - requirements document, project timelines, milestones, and escalation procedure for example.  Then see if it works.  Better yet, try it and let me know if it works.  Real process for real projects - think about it.