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Are the walls of your PMO too high to see the business?

Project management offices are growing in popularity, but are some also growing apart from the industries they serve? PMOs can become mired in process and too far removed from the core business, says Judy Hallstrom, business development coordinator for a global investment management company.

"There is really no good reason why an internal PMO doesn't stay up to date on its industry," Hallstrom says. For internal project managers, she suggests these eight highly effective habits for staying up-to-date on a company's business:

1. Ask to cross train and then ask questions.

2. Read the annual reports and other public documents.

3. Read all internal communications.

4. Eat in the lunchroom and ask people about the work they do.

5. Develop a network of experts who will tell you when news happens.

6. Read industry publications and join industry associations.

7. Listen more than you talk.

8. If necessary, relocate out of the PMO into a business unit.

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