Schools of fish are a better analogy for executing tech initiatives within a traditional 20th-century PMO. This model works well in a structured, disciplined environment where individual contributors don’t need to overthink their roles. However, digital transformation initiatives are far more fluid and uncertain—meaning a school of fish would quickly become disoriented. Instead, the goal should be to elevate fish to operate more like dolphins. Dolphin pods exhibit flexible group dynamics, relying on social learning and communication rather than rigid synchronization. They can plan and execute complex hunting strategies, break off for solo actions and rejoin later, and even form alliances. The real challenge is figuring out how to transform fish into dolphins. Ironically, sophisticated tools can make this process harder by overwhelming the group. The best approach is to start with basic coaching from an experienced "dolphin" and rely on the simplest tools—think a proverbial napkin sketch—until the group builds confidence and adaptability.
Schools of fish are a better analogy for executing tech initiatives within a traditional 20th-century PMO. This model works well in a structured, disciplined environment where individual contributors don’t need to overthink their roles. However, digital transformation initiatives are far more fluid and uncertain—meaning a school of fish would quickly become disoriented. Instead, the goal should be to elevate fish to operate more like dolphins. Dolphin pods exhibit flexible group dynamics, relying on social learning and communication rather than rigid synchronization. They can plan and execute complex hunting strategies, break off for solo actions and rejoin later, and even form alliances. The real challenge is figuring out how to transform fish into dolphins. Ironically, sophisticated tools can make this process harder by overwhelming the group. The best approach is to start with basic coaching from an experienced "dolphin" and rely on the simplest tools—think a proverbial napkin sketch—until the group builds confidence and adaptability.