ABSTRACT
The leaders of many sensitive projects could learn much from the strategies derived from the humble herdsman. In the case of a sensitive project the milestone might only be the state of mind of the players. In many countries, dockers have enjoyed special benefits and the project to reform their status has led to bitter and long drawn out strikes. Experience shows that sometimes it is difficult to formulate a single lateral project which suits all players. It can be easier to launch many lateral projects which, when combined, guarantee a successful outcome for the original project. To create a group dynamic around a lateral project, the third party must respect some general principles that apply to group dynamics. However, within the herdsman strategy there is an inborn respect for many of the principles that should be adopted for sensitive projects. The intervention of a third party is needed to bring about a change in behaviour.
