The tailor

One of the essential feautures of a project is its uniqueness. Uniqueness, which corresponds to unrepeatability, depends on a number of factors. Although a project may be based on patterns or models derived from similar projects in the past, the starting conditions are always different, in terms of economic and financial constraints, supply characteristics, market competitiveness and adequacy of human resources. In addition, during the implementation phase, situations and working environments are created that are only partly similar to those of similar projects in the past. All events, even the most similar ones, are different from each other. Every single step, every single area, has to be imagined and studied from scratch.

I like to think at Colloi Plus as an atelier that makes quality clothes. Have the ability to study the customers, their tastes, their desires in order to satisfy them; try to guess what they need before even telling you. The customers expect to be able to trust us and we have a duty not to disappoint them: it is essential to do our best to make them happy. 

When organising an event, you have to turn yourself into a tailor and adapt a suit to customers’ specifications; success depends on many small attentions and cares reserved at the right moment, studied with meticulous precision. This involves care and hospitality but also extemporary solutions to solve the difficulties that may arise from time to time. The unexpected is always just around the corner and to face it you need discipline, talent, determination, but also creativity and courage. Rationality accompanied by instinct.  

That’s the reason why problem solving is one of the project manager’s behavioural skills. I frequently find myself in the situation of having to identify and solve problems of a different nature (technical, relational, contractual, etc.), which affect the achievement of project objectives and can jeopardise the expected results.

A typical standard problem-solving cycle includes the following stages:

– analyse of the state of discomfort and try to define it as a rational problem, i.e. as something that can be solved with the people, means and time available to us;

– identify, evaluate, choose possible solutions

– implement the solutions;

– verify that the problem has been overcome.

We cannot afford panic, anxiety, feeling powerless or constrained, the fear that something might happen. It takes method, intuition and a touch of boldness because luck is on the side of those who dare. 

The event often takes place in just a few hours; it is like a show with no repetition, which must be remembered forever, without fail. There is no chance to redo the scene: ‘good first!’. 

It takes passion for detail and maniacal attention, because the whole is made up of variables, nothing and no one must be out of place. I often say to my staff: ‘Details make perfection and perfection is not a detail’ (Leonardo Da Vinci).

When we visit locations, we try to be absorbed by their atmosphere, thinking and imagining how to make it magic in order to create something that does not exist. Customized environments, discreet and attentive service, small attentions at the right time, tailored to tastes and expectations, with absolute precision.

In conclusion, this is a job in which you must put your head and heart: it must be carried out with determination and simplicity, boldness and foresight. Our reward comes from happy and satisfied guests.