Principled

The PMBoK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) is being revised.  I don’t use it directly much, but I’m glad to know the next edition will incorporate a principles-based format. 

Basing wide-ranging applications, like project management or standards development, on principles makes sense. 

A strategy, or document, or even goals, based on principles, rather than on targets or rules, allows a better framework for when the unexpected occurs. 

A principle is more over-arching and all-encompassing.  Rules can’t cover every eventuality.

The twelve PMBoK principles are solid:  stewardship, team, stakeholders, value, holistic thinking, leadership, tailoring, quality, complexity, opportunities/threats, adaptability/resilience, and change management.