It Always Takes Longer: Hofstadter’s Law and the Human Side of Leadership

"It always takes longer than you expect, even when you take into account Hofstadter's Law."
– Douglas Hofstadter

I have a love-hate relationship with Hofstadter's Law.

On one hand, it feels like an annoying little joke at the expense of every leader, project manager, and optimistic planner who has ever uttered the words, "We'll have this wrapped up by Friday." On the other hand, the more years I spend leading organizations, facilitating change, and working alongside leaders and communities, the more I think Hofstadter's Law is less about poor planning and more about a profound truth regarding people. (Read more)