Why do so many big projects fail and what can you do differently?

You’ve seen it before: massive projects with huge budgets and bold visions… fall flat.

Budgets explode. Deadlines dissolve. And leadership blames “unforeseen challenges.”

Layered modular abstract towers rising methodically into mist, symbolizing the structured achievement of monumental projects.
Big Success Is Built One Structured Step at a Time.

But according to Bent Flyvbjerg, the Oxford professor and megaproject expert behind the bestselling book How Big Things Get Done, those failures aren’t flukes. They’re predictable.

And they’re preventable.

In this powerful, research-backed book, Flyvbjerg lays out exactly why big projects fail and more importantly, how to beat the odds and make your next big thing a success.

What You’ll Learn from How Big Things Get Done

Let’s break it down. Whether you’re launching a startup, building infrastructure, or managing enterprise-scale transformation, this book delivers practical insights on:

Why Big Projects Fail

Flyvbjerg’s global database of 16,000+ projects reveals a startling truth: most large initiatives fail for the same reasons:

  • Overconfidence in timelines and budgets
  • Poor upfront planning
  • Ignoring statistical patterns and historical data
  • Leadership bias and blind spots

📌 Key takeaway: Big project success isn’t about hustle or vision. It’s about planning against probability and learning from failure patterns.

How to Actually Get Big Things Done

Here’s the good news: Flyvbjerg doesn’t just diagnose the problems, he gives you a toolkit for success.

1. Plan Slow, Finish Fast

The best projects don’t start with a bang. They start with careful, strategic planning. Then they accelerate into efficient execution.

| “Think of it like a slingshot. The longer you pull back, the farther you’ll go.”

2. Understand the Odds

Don’t rely on gut feel. Use data. Flyvbjerg’s approach pushes you to:

  • Benchmark against similar projects
  • Calculate risk and success rates
  • Plan based on real probabilities, not wishful thinking

3. Break It Into Steps

Success doesn’t come from grand plans, it comes from small, smart actions stacked together.

Break your project into bite-sized pieces and track real progress – not just intentions.

These steps may sound simple, but they’re game-changers in a world obsessed with moving fast and breaking things.

Teamwork, Bias, and the Reality of Uncertainty

Flyvbjerg also goes deep on two often-overlooked drivers of success:

  1. Team composition and collaboration
  2. Leadership psychology

Build a Dream Team

Big things get done when the right people work together with clear alignment. Ego-free collaboration, trust, and diverse perspectives are essential.

Confront Your Biases

Leaders who recognize their own cognitive blind spots are better at adjusting to change. This is critical when navigating:

  • Shifting requirements
  • Stakeholder friction
  • Sudden external risks

📌 How Big Things Get Done emphasizes humility, data-driven thinking, and adaptive leadership – all must-haves for today’s PMs.

Want to Avoid Project Failure? Start Here.

Whether you’re a certified PMP or a startup founder building your first product, this book is packed with hard-earned wisdom that helps you:

  • Plan with precision
  • Avoid scope creep and cost explosions
  • Deliver on-time, under budget, and with impact

If you’re tired of project chaos, How Big Things Get Done might be the mindset shift you didn’t know you needed.

Grab your copy of How Big Things Get Done here.

Why You Should Read How Big Things Get Done

Here’s why this book deserves a spot on your desk:

  • It’s grounded in real-world data (not just theory)
  • It teaches you to think like a strategist, not a firefighter
  • It applies to any kind of big project – tech, infrastructure, creative, or personal
  • It helps you avoid the traps that derail most large initiatives

If you’re serious about delivering big wins, this is the book.

Your Next Step: Learn from the Pros, Lead Like One

Don’t leave your next project to chance.

What’s the Biggest Project You’ve Ever Managed?

Drop your story in the comments.

Or tag someone you know who’s leading a major initiative. They’ll thank you later.

    You might also like…