“In 1972, a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn’t commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire… The A-Team.”
The leader of the A-Team is Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith. Hannibal has a very unorthodox but effective style of management. As a leader, Hannibal displayed a number of distinct qualities:
Dedicated to the Cause:
Sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn’t commit, the A-Team, strive to clear their names. Project Managers can learn many lessons from this. Despite dealing with a different challenge each week, the A-Team always remain focused on the end goal.
Become a Master of Disguise:
Hannibal styles himself a “master of disguise“, though his skill lay not so much in how convincing his disguise was, but in his ability to assume any role and convince others that his role is genuine. This applies to the best Project Managers. Project Managers must often play many roles: Negotiator, Mediator, Judge, Juror and sometimes even Executioner.
Remain in Total Control:
Thriving on the adrenaline rush of life-threatening situations, Hannibal seems to enjoy every challenge they encounter. Hannibal is renowned by both allies and enemies for being cool-headed. It is rare that he is not able to smile in the face of adversity. He will usually light up a cigar when he needs to do some thinking — often when coming up with a plan, and in the heat of a dangerous or exciting moment. These are the traits of a fantastic Project Manager.
Kill them with Kindness (Not Bullets):
The A-Team never killed their enemies. Nor did their enemies bleed or bruise when hit (though they might develop a limp or require a sling). In almost every car crash there is a short take showing the occupants of the vehicle climbing out of the mangled/burning wreck (even in helicopter crashes). An unnecessary over-the-top explosion was proven to be a much more effective means of dealing with adversaries. All Project Managers should develop a similar trademark.
Understand the Challenge:
The A-Teams prospective clients are usually led through a series of off-beat and comedic tests, after which a member of the team, most frequently Hannibal, will reveal himself and tell the clients they’ve “just hired the A-Team.” Likewise, all Project Managers should understand the challenge before agreeing to take on the project.
Think Outside the Box:
The A-Team are often captured. In order to escape, the A-Team will usually construct a weapon – often in the form of a vehicle from their available resources. This is detailed in a musical montage focussing on the team’s hands and the tools used. The escape will be successful and the antagonist will be defeated with use of the new weapon. (This is a metaphor for project challenges!!)
And finally…
Strive to be a Master Tactician:
Hannibal is a master tactician (although his plans rarely turn out as they are supposed to) and seems to have a plan for getting the team out of any situation. As with all Project Managers, his favourite catch phrase is, “I love it when a plan comes together”.
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