Know when to quit...

I've just read a very interesting Wired article about the death of Duke Nuke Forever. A video game project that lasted an incredible 12 years when most games take 3 to 4 years to complete. The end results were that 3D Reals went bankrupt and the game was never released. This is a cautionary tale about keeping objectives real and not letting "the latest thing" drive your project. Other lessons that I would add are:

1. Strategy - you have to have one (and stick to it)
   
2. Know what success looks like.
   
3. If your team can't talk to you, you are doing something wrong.
4. You should know when to pull the plug on a project.
5. See the evolution of your industry and adapt to it - but follow your strategy.

On a personal leadership level I have to ask: Where were Broussard's advisors? What about other stakeholders voices (other employees, mentors, partners)? Do you have anybody that can tell you that you are off track? Would you listen?