I help project professionals get more done with less stress. Having been a project manager for over 20 years, I share tried-and-tested tips that work in the real world, every Tuesday. Join our community of over 15,000 project professionals (and accidental project managers too!).
How does your PMO actually work?
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Hello Reader, How does your PMO actually work? I don't mean what it does day to day. I mean where it sits in the organization, how it's set up, and how much say it has over projects. That's your operating model. And it's not the same as your staffing model (full-time, part-time or fractional) or your maturity level. A centralized PMO can be immature. A federated PMO can be highly capable. When you're choosing an operating model, you're really answering two questions, not one: Where does the PMO sit? Centralized, decentralized or federated (a hybrid where the central team sets standards and local PMOs handle delivery support). How much authority does it have? Supportive, controlling or directive. This second question might matter more than the first. Most new PMOs start out supportive, because you haven't earned the right to mandate anything yet. Most established PMOs end up somewhere around controlling. The good news is there's no right or wrong model. Pick one, try it, and shift later if the business needs something different. It's a lot easier to change when people come to you asking for help than when you're trying to force it on them. I've broken down each model, with strengths, weaknesses and real-world examples, here: PMO operating models (and how to choose). Have a lovely week! Elizabeth P.S. Lots of articles still talk about the "three types of PMO". Even PMI has moved on from that, and the article explains why. Also, our community's RebelsGuideToPM team for PM Master Quest placed in the top 10! Thanks to everyone who participated, whether you were part of our team, another team or just played by yourself. (The PM Rebels team in the screenshot below is our membership community, who placed 3rd.) |
Calling all Rebel Project Managers!
I help project professionals get more done with less stress. Having been a project manager for over 20 years, I share tried-and-tested tips that work in the real world, every Tuesday. Join our community of over 15,000 project professionals (and accidental project managers too!).
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