CHAPTER TWO The Importance of Project Planning The project manager alone cannot bring about the changes your project is intended to provide. Those changes require your active participation. You must be willing to partner with your project man- ager and understand enough about project management to add value to the project plan. You and the project manager must align your personal aspirations and leadership, not only to satisfy the overall objectives of the project, but also to leave behind permanent benefits to the organization Although projects are temporary and unique, the results are meant to be lasting; this is especially true of the larger, strategic proj- ects that are so critical to today's organizations. Your provider/cus- tomer relationship must be focused on achieving lasting benefits.