03 10 2025 at 08:30
October: Cycles of Completion and Renewal
October is a month of paradox and transition. Its name, derived from the Latin octo meaning “eight,” recalls its place in the ancient Roman calendar. Yet today, it is the tenth month, symbolizing completion and renewal. Ten closes one cycle and opens the next, reminding us that every ending is also a beginning.
In the Northern Hemisphere, October marks the start of autumn, a time of harvest and reflection. In the South, it signals spring’s arrival, bringing renewal and growth. In both, October embodies transition, a bridge between cycles of life and work.
This reminds us that projects, like seasons, follow rhythms of completion and preparation for what comes next.
The Ten Keys of the Great Project
Long ago, the Council of Builders spoke of Ten Keys guiding every project from dream to delivery. After a storm, a young leader, Mira, set out to recover them:
- Vision (Scope): a crystal scroll, clarity of purpose.
- Stakeholders: a hall of mirrors, every voice matters.
- Time (Schedule): a golden sundial, milestones give direction.
- Resources (Budget): scales of balance, allocate wisely.
- Risk: a shard of lightning, anticipate storms before they strike.
- Quality: a polished diamond, endure and serve, not just finish.
- Communication: a silver bell, clarity and connection for all.
- Change: a flowing river, plans must adapt.
- Leadership: a lantern of fire, guidance is light, not command.
- Closure & Celebration: a circle of lessons, share knowledge and honour success.
Mira returned with the Ten Keys, and the city grew stronger. From then on, projects were seen not just as tasks but as cycles of wholeness.
Reflection on the Ten Keys
In project management, this resonates deeply. Every initiative benefit from reflection and closure. Just as October bridges one season to the next, the end of a project bridges past effort with future success.
The Ten Knowledge Areas
The PMBOK® Guide identifies Ten Knowledge Areas: scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, resources, procurement, communications, stakeholder management, and integration. Each is like a key. Together, they form a framework for guiding teams, balancing constraints, and ensuring lasting outcomes.
Just as the number 10 symbolizes wholeness, these ten areas remind us that projects are more than deliverables. They are cycles of vision, effort, and renewal. Mastering them allows project leaders to deliver results while carrying wisdom forward into the next endeavour.
Anja Vandenbergh, PMP
President, PMI Belgium Chapter
president@pmi-belgium.be
