The same applies to project management. There are lots of sophisticated project management techniques which will 'loosen' the top of a tricky project. But sometimes it just takes brute force to get it going. Of course, for most of us at work, brute force doesn't mean physical strength. It means focus, determination and self-discipline. Most projects get to a point where the 'donkey work' just needs to happen and someone needs to push through it. This may not be high-level but it is essential. And make no mistake, it's hard. It requires hours of detailed activity in implementing the plan.
This is where many projects falter. No-one has the strength to open the jam jar. To knuckle down and make it happen. Lots of people can suggest running it under the tap, using pliers, finding a tea towel. But they just can't get the damn thing open themselves.
No-one is born with an innate ability to focus and power through tasks, just as we're not born with vice-like grips. It needs to be learned, and the muscles of focus need regular exercise for them to grow.
It may not be glamorous but brute force can be instrumental to a project's success. It's worth building up those focus muscles, you never know when someone might hand you the jam jar project no-one else can open.
(And once it's open, everyone will say they loosened it for you, but you'll know the truth...)
