So, what's a prusik?

The prusik is a simple but useful knot. It was invented by Dr. Karl Prusik. It is used in climbing, mountaineering, and rescue activities.

The prusik is easy and quick to tie. You start with a loop of cord and wrap it around the main rope 2 or three times going through the inside of the loop each time. When loose, the prusik knot will slide freely along the main rope. When pulled tight, it will grip the main rope. A pair of prusiks attached to a rope can be used to ascend the rope. An entertaining example of this is illustrated in the James Bond movie "For Your Eyes Only". Watch as Roger Moore (as Bond) struggles up a cliff in Greece while the bad guys are trying their best to do him in. See if you can spot the use of the two prusiks.

Prusiks are frequently used to safely raise and lower people by ropes. When John F. Kennedy made his famous speech in May of 1961 about sending a man to a moon, he actually said:

"I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth."

Notice the "returning him safely" part. That is core to the Prusik Innovations approach to project management. Many projects seek to make a change or develop a new system or procedure. How many succeed in ensuring that the change is securely embedded in the existing organizations? How many ensure that people of the organization (including customers) have the capacity to not just cope with the change but have the information, skills, tools and attitude required to take full advantage of the change?

Whether you call this organizational preparedness, change management or use some other term, understanding and planning for the impact of change delivered by a major project will be essential to ensuring the project achieves the business benefits that were expected at its initiation.

Prusik Innovations is also dedicated to helping individuals, teams and organizations recognize and strive for their full potential. Often the techniques and strategies we use seem as simple as the prusik but are amazingly effective in achieving their purpose.