In our globalized world, it is natural that the philosophies of our many world cultures will begin to influence how all of us work together. Here is an interesting interview in Projects at Work (login required) with George Pitagorsky, PMP, author of The Zen Approach to Project Management: Working from Your Center to Balance Expectations and Performance.

Pitagorsky, a project management veteran of some 40 years and a long-time practitioner of meditation and yoga, uses his personal and professional experiences to illustrate how Zen — a distinct school of Buddhism that de-emphasizes theoretical knowledge — can cut through complex issues to arrive at practical solutions.

Pitagorsky applies his experience to project management by suggesting methods for conflict resolution and avoidance, better planning, big-picture thinking, and "taking a breath and coming back to a reality check"–all excellent skills for better management of people and projects.

The first comment below this article on the Projects at Work site led us to discover Bob Tarne’s blog on Zen, Project Management, and Life. This is a well written blog with helpful information and a soothing, meditative tone. (Quite a contrast to the Angry Aussie, whom we blogged about the other day.)

As the world becomes more global, and as more of projects from Western-based companies are offshored to parts of the world where Eastern philosophies have a greater influence, will we arrive at a more balanced work culture? Or are these philosophies not ultimately compatible? Time will tell. Looking forward to your comments.