Project saying #22 – the Highlander Rule:
There can be only one.
The name of this saying is from the cult classic, The Highlander.
I use it when assigning action items on a project. Some people like to avoid action items, or responsibility, or work of any kind. One way they do it is by getting multiple people assigned to a task. If it’s Bob and Suzy on a task, that gives Bob an excuse not to do it. Similarly I don’t assign action items to groups such as IT or Accounting. I want to know exactly who is responsible for the work being done. It does not have to be the person doing the work. It is simply the person I am going to ask for status.
So when someone wants more people added to an action item, sorry ” there can be only one!”