Why I Didn't Start Projects With A Gantt Chart – People Matter More Than Any Plan

Authored By Enintsoa Randrianirina

At the beginning of every project, most people expect to see a Gantt chart. But I’ve learned that’s not where the real work begins.

When I began managing projects, especially in the public sector and consulting, I thought planning meant structure, and structure meant tools—Gantt charts, timelines, and work breakdown structures. I’d start by building the perfect plan, outlining every milestone and deadline.

The Reality Check: Projects Are Human First

But over time, I learned something important: a project is not just a list of tasks. It’s not just a chart. It’s not even just a plan. It’s a human endeavor, an intention to make something happen, to fulfill a need, to solve a problem. And that always starts with people, not templates.

A Lesson the Hard Way

One of my early experiences taught me this lesson the hard way. I was managing a digital rollout across multiple departments. I did what I thought was right, built a Gantt chart with all the timelines, deliverables, and dependencies. It looked beautiful. Precise. Clean.

But when I presented it to the team, I got blank stares. Some nodded, but no one connected with it. Within a few weeks, the plan began to slip. Delays crept in. Team members didn’t feel engaged. Stakeholders didn’t feel heard.

The Shift: From Control to Connection

That’s when I realized: I had skipped a step. I had rushed into the 'how' without deeply exploring the 'why' and the 'who.'

So I went back. I began sitting down with team members and stakeholders, one by one. I asked questions. Why does this matter to you? What’s your biggest concern? What does success look like from your point of view?

Slowly, the energy changed. The project wasn’t just mine anymore; it became ours. People started contributing ideas, anticipating risks, and volunteering solutions. The Gantt chart I eventually created was much better because it reflected not just tasks but a shared vision.

How I Start Projects Now

Now, whenever I start a project, I begin with people. I ask about goals, fears, history, and hopes. I create space to understand intention before I structure execution.

Because project management isn’t just about managing time, it’s about managing meaning. And meaning can’t be scheduled.

What have I learned since this day?

• Start with purpose, not process. Understand the 'why' before jumping into the 'how'.
• People engage with purpose, not just plans. Co-creation builds ownership.
• Planning tools are only as good as the conversations that precede them.
• A Gantt chart doesn’t lead a project; people do.
• Begin with empathy. Projects live and die by human energy, not just deadlines.

Contributor Bio

Enintsoa is a certified PMP, TOGAF, and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt project leader with a strong background in IT and public sector transformation. As founder of Luminea Consulting, she leads a PMO agency focused on delivering impact-driven execution and strategic alignment. With a passion for clarity, collaboration, and value creation, Enintsoa helps organizations navigate uncertainty with confidence and purpose. When she’s not solving delivery challenges, she’s likely exploring new frameworks, mentoring emerging PMs, or finding structure in everyday chaos.

Connect on LinkedIn: Enintsoa Randrianirina