Managing the Mess: A flexible project management approach
From Rigid to Flexible: A Creative Approach to Project Management
Two years ago, my past self wouldn’t believe I’m writing this. I came from a A few years ago, the idea of letting go of structured workflows and standardized tools would’ve felt unthinkable. Many of us at Against came from traditional agency environments where project management was defined by rigid processes, tight frameworks, and a one-size-fits-all approach. At Against, a creative consultancy, we’ve embraced a different model—one that prioritizes adaptability over rigidity, and responsiveness over process for process’s sake.
Letting Go of the One-Size-Fits-All Process
No single tool can do it all. We've learned that success doesn't come from committing to one platform but from building a tool bank we can pull from depending on the need. Sometimes that’s a detailed Airtable database; sometimes it's a scribble in Miro, a checklist in Google Tasks, or a real-time Google Spaces thread.
Here are some tools we rely on—and why:
Google Tasks – Great for lightweight personal to-dos.
Airtable – Ideal for complex, database-driven projects.
Miro – Our go-to for visual collaboration, brainstorming, and mapping.
Flowmapp – Perfect for tracking user journeys and UX flows.
Google Spaces – Effective for ongoing, informal team collaboration and quick file sharing.
The Myth of the Perfect Project Management Tool
What I’ve learned is that success isn’t about finding the best tool—it’s about having a tool bank and choosing the right one for each project. Some projects need structured databases like Airtable. Others require visual collaboration in Miro. Sometimes, a simple checklist in Google Tasks or a quick conversation is all it takes to move things forward.
Why Flexibility in Project Management Matters
A rigid approach to project management might work for predictable, repeatable tasks, but the reality is that most projects—especially in creative and fast-moving environments—don’t fit into a perfect mold. According to Forbes, businesses are increasingly shifting toward hybrid project management methodologies—blending structured and adaptive approaches to keep up with rapid changes in today’s work environment (Forbes). Here’s what I’ve learned about why adaptability is key:
Avoiding Overprocessing: Overly complex workflows slow teams down. Adapting processes as needed keeps things moving.
Accommodating Different Work Styles: Teams work differently, and having flexible tools means everyone can operate in the way that suits them best. With a smaller team at Against, I have learned that each person has a different way that works best for them.
Responding to Change Faster: When unexpected challenges arise, a flexible approach makes it easier to pivot instead of forcing a process that no longer works.
Process Should Serve the Project—Not the Other Way Around
At Against, we believe project management is a creative act. It’s about designing the right scaffolding around each project, not applying a single rigid system to all. Our approach allows us to stay creative, work faster, and deliver better outcomes—without sacrificing clarity or accountability.
We haven’t abandoned structure. We still love a color-coded Asana board when it’s the right fit. But we’ve learned not to force a system when it’s not adding value.
Final Takeaway
The best project management isn't about sticking to a script—it’s about reading the moment, evaluating the needs, and flexing the approach. We’ve built our tool bank, iterated our methods, and leaned into the messy middle where creative work thrives.
At Against, we’re proud to be flexible by design—because in our experience, the right process is the one that fits the project, not the other way around.
