How Big Things Get Done

“How Big Things Get Done” offers a fascinating look into the world of project management, where Flyvbjerg and Gardner reveal unexpected – yet critical – factors that determine whether a project succeeds or fails. This book goes beyond traditional project management manuals and is relevant to a much broader audience.

Why you should read this book

Flyvbjerg and Gardner demonstrate that successful projects don’t rely on massive budgets or brute force, but on smart planning and a clear sense of direction. Their approach is practical, people-focused and directly applicable to real-world challenges – whether you’re managing a kitchen remodel or a multi-billion space mission.

Deconstructing complexity

One of the book’s major strengths is how it breaks down complex undertakings without reducing them to one-size-fits-all methods. It shows that success lies in understanding the uniqueness of each project – and managing it accordingly.

Applicable to every scale

The authors emphasize that the principles they share can be used across all types of projects. Whether you’re leading a startup or redesigning a logistics platform, the logic applies. The question remains the same: how do you make big things happen without getting lost in the chaos?

Real-life stories

The book is filled with captivating case studies and stories that illustrate the principles in action. This makes it a rich and engaging read that inspires as much as it teaches.

Challenging conventional thinking

Rather than endorsing traditional project approaches, the book advocates a smarter path: start slow, plan thoroughly, and only then accelerate. This mindset aligns with modern software development practices, where discovery and clarity come before execution.

Key lessons from How Big Things Get Done

The authors make a compelling case: 99.5% of failed projects go wrong because of poor planning, not bad execution. The biggest trap is starting too soon. Instead, they advocate for “Think slow, act fast” – a principle that resonates strongly in the digital space.

At GlobalOrange, we follow this philosophy in every engagement. By taking the time to validate before building, we avoid costly missteps later. And that leads to smarter, faster delivery – a core principle in our product development approach.

Relevance to digital projects and software

Digital projects often suffer from shifting scopes, unrealistic deadlines and fragile launches. “How Big Things Get Done” delivers powerful insights on how to avoid these traps. It promotes iteration, strategic planning, and tight alignment with the end goal.

That’s also why our teams at GlobalOrange never start coding right away. We invest in discovery, define success, and create an action-oriented roadmap that’s built for learning and delivery. It’s not about launching big, it’s about launching smart.

How this relates to Minimum Loveable Product thinking

Perhaps the most natural link between this book and digital product development lies in the idea of the Minimum Loveable Product (MLP). Rather than building everything at once, we focus on releasing what users truly love – and build from there.

Our perspective on MLP development aligns perfectly with Flyvbjerg and Gardner’s approach. It’s about reducing risk while maximizing value. And that’s how big things actually get done.