Project Management

We have three cats.  The responsibility to care for them has increased over the past several years.  It’s time to outsource Project Cats.

A few years ago the vet told me that wet food was better than dry food.  Wet food takes more time to serve and clean up.  We have one cat that sheds like crazy.  We have learned by experience that cats with claws shred furniture.  Yet they need their claws for protection and maneuverability when they go outside.  And since we have already cut off the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth in them, going outside to explore and hunt are some of the only activities left to obtain excitement and satisfaction in their kitty-cat lives. 

Furthermore we recently moved into the city of Aurora that has an ordinance that states, “CAT AT LARGE: Cats must remain on the owner’s property or be physically restrained when off the premises.” 

 All of these “laws” increase the workload to own a cat.   I’m okay with seeking alternative homes for at least two of the cats.  They would be much happier living on a farm.  But my kids also have a law:  “You can’t get rid of the cats Mom!” (tears rolling down cheeks)

My resolution process is to teach my kids Project Management.  Up until now, I have been the manager of Project Cats.  The kids help when I ask them.  I have to tell them to feed the cats, to clean their litter boxes, to vacuum up the cat hair, to take them outside and watch them, to sweep out the garage, clean their enclosure, etc.

But a Project Manager (PM) takes the name of the project and runs it.  Maybe we have an initial meeting where the main tasks are discussed but the ability to Evaluate with Accuracy the needs of the cats is the highly prized skill I’m looking for in a good PM.  Does she recognize when the cats are hungry?  Does she know the schedule?  Cats can come in sometimes but not all the time, they need to be put in the garage at night, their water fountain needs to be monitored so it doesn’t run out of water, they need to be pet and brushed.  All of these expanded details are learned through experience.  It is difficult to teach every little thing.

I believe that teaching my kids to be Project Managers is one of the most important responsibilities of my job as a mother.  I don’t want them to grow up, go to their first job, and basically time out after every specific instruction his/her boss gives.  I don’t want them to have to be micromanaged.  I want them to be able to take an entire project as their own and run with it.

About a year ago I ran into a professional study on this concept entitled, “Professional Development” by Christopher W. Blackwell,Ph.D., ARNP-C who bases his thoughts on Patricia Benner’s book “From Novice to Expert.”