In this detailed guide, Ben Kuhn breaks down his personal playbook for managing major projects efficiently, particularly in high-stakes, time-sensitive situations. Drawing from experience at Anthropic, Ben shares practical strategies like focusing intensely on the project, maintaining a detailed "plan for victory," running a rapid OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act), and encouraging overcommunication. He emphasizes the importance of breaking projects into manageable subprojects, choosing the right people to delegate leadership to, and keeping the process enjoyable despite the challenges. His hands-on approach, including weekly meetings, clear documentation, and consistent retrospective evaluations, ensures that projects not only stay on track but also evolve effectively. As he puts it, “One of the most common megaproject failure modes is to not freak out soon enough, and having a concrete plan is the best antidote.”

Key Takeaways:

• Focus Intently – During crisis projects, clearing your schedule and dedicating 6+ hours a day can make a huge impact.
• Maintain a "Plan for Victory" – A step-by-step roadmap helps spot delays early and prompts decisive action.
• Run a Fast OODA Loop – Speed in gathering and acting on information is often the biggest determinant of success.
• Overcommunicate – Regular, clear updates help the entire team make autonomous, smart decisions.
• Divide and Delegate – Breaking projects into clear, goal-oriented subprojects improves overall efficiency.
• Set Slack and Meeting Norms – Keep documentation easy to access and meetings structured to maximize impact.
• Enjoy the Process – The intensity of a project can be stressful but also highly rewarding and fun.

Ben also includes a Project DRI Starter Kit, outlining best practices for weekly meetings, tracking goals, and improving workflows progressively. If you're managing a high-stakes project, adopting even a few of these strategies can drastically improve execution. 🚀
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