Willie Tucker

                                                                                                                                           
11.2.2020
Module 3: The Personal and Professional 
Every project can be approached differently as each project has a unique scope and
expected deliverable. Yves Behar takes what he describes as the design driven approach
to his projects, placing his focus and value on the design of the deliverable. In this paper,
I will discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages I believe Behar has used this
approach. Projects I have been involved with that did not align with my values and
interest. Finally my values and interest and how they have played a role in projects I have
managed.
When analyzing Behar’s approach there are many things that one can learn. I believe
innovation can be learned from this approach to project management and can yield great
cutting edges and futuristic deliverables. For instance, the leaf lamp Behar mentions that
changes brightness and softness, and the light fixture that changes shape. I also think we
can learn how simplicity can go a long way from Behar, many of his projects although
technically complicated produce a simple user-friendly product. I also believe we learn
how projects should incorporate all aspects of the business. Behar mentions several times
how he runs the team in a way that all parties are in one room feeding off ideas, so that
product, matches the website, marketing, etc.  Behar’s values have a deep influence on
the team and the clients he works with and how he works with them. I believe the team
he develops are all outside the box thinkers and leaders in their fields. I believe in the
early stages of projects and designs the team gives ideas that are the opposite of what is
expected or against the norm. Behar expects this as he values innovation and eccentric
design. Behar’s clients also are impacted by his values as they must be an open-minded
person who looks for innovation. This person must also be somewhat of a risk-taker as
working with Behar will lead to a design that may not be the industry standard. The
people who work with Behar must free thinkers and I believe share his values. If a person
does not value the design, their ideas may not be in line with the rest of the group. If this
is the client the project could fail as the deliverable will not be what was expected. I
believe the design-driven approach can make it difficult for Behar to avoid scope creep.
Behar’s focus on design can cause many changes along the way or even having to
recreate the entire design. For instance, the leaf lamp that Behar designed, he mentioned
that it took them over four years to design. Further, they had to design the lamp and the
light bulb. It is possible that Behar set out to design the lamp based on the lighting
concept he had, the scope begins to creep when he figured out he would also have to
design the light bulb as well. When focusing on innovation in design I believe Behar’s
scope will almost always creep, as being the first means you must use trial and error, and
unknown tools or resources may be necessary.  
When looking at my own experiences there have many several occasions I have sought
out projects because the project aligned with my values or interests. The first being with a
community outreach foundation, I managed a project that set out to deliver hygiene packs
to the homeless. I have also managed professional projects due to my personal interest,
for instance, I recently took a renovation project own solely because the owner wanted a
Raiders themed room in the home. I have yet to be a part of a project where my values
did not match the project. I do believe this is because I early in my career and have been
able to be selective in projects I have taken on. My values shape has shaped the way I
have managed projects in the past and will shape the way I manage projects in the
project. Two values I have and always will be incorporated into my projects are quality
and simplicity. I have always valued quality not just in the work but in the materials
being used. This can have a huge effect on the projects  I manage, especially in the cost
category. When completing renovations, my project bids are generally the most
expensive among the team, but my projects also get selected most often.  Aside from
using the highest quality materials, I also want to use the best team, and vendors for
projects, even if it means bringing in a specialist. My value for quality can also make me
a very demanding manager at times as inspect every detail for perfection. This is often
well worth it as the client is happy with the deliverable and it exceeds expectations. I also
value simplicity, in art, music, life, and most of all my projects. Currently working with
renovation projects, I often go for a modern design with an open layout. I often offer the
client neutral colors and tech within the home that with simplify the client's life. I try to
simplify the project as much as possible, this can be seen in my planning and
preparations. I often look for ways to avoid demolition and rather repurpose which can be
a much easy task. When selecting vendors I often used vendors who can perform multiple
tasks as this creates less confusion and errors in communication.       
Overall every person has their own individual values, I believe every manager
incorporates these values into their projects. In order for the project to be successful, the
manager must realize when their values benefit the team or the project and when they do
not. I believe if the manager does not have a balance of their values the project is at a
high risk for scope creep. When a manager can incorporate their values and find team
members with alike values, there can a recipe for success.