Jayson ReadProject ManagerEden Prairie, Mn, United States
I work in an IT department with somewhat disparate project managers. There's no PMO and no real governing body that regulates or enforces standards across projects and teams. We all pretty much work within siloed teams that are aligned with the different modes of the business.
In February of this year, I started a Project Manager Roundtable to start bringing the PM's in the IT department together so we can start buiding a community of sorts rather than everyone running and doing separate things. We have started meeting once every other month and there seems to be a high level of interest from those involved.
The last thing I want is this to trail off and start losing its steam. I'm looking to my fellow ganttheads to give me advice on how to structure this and tips to keep this moving so we all keep getting benefit from it. Saving Changes...
This is something which is obvious by human nature since we are dealing with people here so little tweak to the ongoing process of meetings is necessary as to sustain it on a continuous basis with full enthuse which I personally feel need action items as follow:
1. Have a human touch to individuals need.
2. Have a Short period of time.
3. Understand personal objective and motives of the individuals(connect with fun filled activities).
4. Take everyone in to the context by pre-discussion.
5. Align meetings to a common CSR(social cause).
6. Start a forums wherein members can post their views, thoughts about improving of the same.
And agree with Williams about having a toastmasters club initiative to have fun and meeting at the same time.
The round table sounds like a great initiative. I have been part of small informal groups and larger company internal communities. What always is a hit (interests people) is new techniques, something they can apply to their job and is fun to show at a meeting. I personally am always interested in things not directly known in our field. (e.g. from facilitation, change management, etc). Having people present topics is always nice, but I recommend to keep the TED format, like around 15 mins. Or pecha kucha is good for fun and improving presentation skills.
Cheers
Bas Saving Changes...
Jeff ArmstrongAgile Programme & Portfolio Consultant| business-docs.co.ukLondon, United Kingdom
Hi Jayson,
Your roundtable is a great idea for the PMs to get together.
Do the project teams have any overlap? i.e. in their business areas?
All large organisations experience "silo-ing" (if there is such a word)
One approach I found helpful in a siloed organisation was to hold a short, low-tech "trade fair".
Previously, I was in a scenario where there was a collection of ~14 independent projects, some of which could help each other.
We got together in a room for 2 hours, each with a small table, and shared roadmaps, screenshots, and short demos.
It was quick and dirty, but therefore quite cost effective. No huge prep overhead.
Everyone was really proud of their project, and the project teams all got to know each other's plans, and products etc.
Well worth a try if you want to build outwards from PMs, towards getting the wider teams to mix a bit more. Saving Changes...
Jayson ReadProject ManagerEden Prairie, Mn, United States
I've had a couple successes since my last update and thanks again to everyone for their ideas! I've managed to get agreement from the CIO to foot the bill for lunches and he's communicated the importance of this group and his strong support of it to his direct reports. Hooray for visibility!
Right now, we're going to focus on us all getting on the same page with processes and methodologies (i.e. 'speak the same speak'). I have a portal set up to capture templates we can work from.
Matt, I like your idea of the 'trade fair'; I might put that in my back pocket and use that down the road.
Bas, I agree with your sentiments about learning about the new techniques. I think once we get more grounded in understanding what we all do and our common ground we'll start getting into looking at the new things in our 'world'.
Again, thanks for all your help and suggestions. I really, really appreciate them all and keep 'em rolling! Thanks. Saving Changes...
Congratulations, you got the CIO approval, endorsement and support, this is what really counts! you are on your way, well done.
Regards
Vasoula Saving Changes...
Elizabeth HarrinDirector| RebelsGuideToPM.comLondon, England, United Kingdom
Jayson, that's great to have senior support - this is exactly what's needed to get the thing of the ground and keep it moving! Well done and good luck with the initiative. Saving Changes...
Jeff ArmstrongAgile Programme & Portfolio Consultant| business-docs.co.ukLondon, United Kingdom
Yep - I echo Elizabeth - congrats Jayson! Saving Changes...
I think this is an excellent idea - have been part of these in the past and find they are really useful. The suggestion so far such as round table updates, sharing of best practice, bringing in guest speakers are all excellent. Although I would be wary of round table updates occurring too often if they have little meaning to others in the group. Perhaps focus more on key successes or key challenges being faced by others to prompt group discussion rather than just obtaining a view of the types of projects others are working on.
In some ways, I would almost treat this like a mini project and utilise the group's project management skills to make the most out of it.
For example, have the group created a shared vision and brainstormed some key objectives? To keep momentum, it would be great to focus on what you ideally would like the group to achieve, find some tangible deliverables (e.g. as you have already suggested, a central repository for best practice etc) and put some milestone dates in place, ensuring that each member of the group has a chance to contribute.
Not only can you then focus on progress towards these targets within the meetings, you will also have something that can provide evidence to the senior management teams of the value of continuing with the forum (e.g. showing them that it isn't just a free lunch and a bit of a natter!).
Create a chair and note-taker rota so that everyone in the group has the opportunity to run a meeting to make them feel more engaged and make sure actions are tracked.
November is a great month to promote a great project management event for your group.
The 2010 International Project Management Day will be on November 4th all around the world. For more information, visit the International Project Management Day website at www.internationalpmday.org.
Enjoy!
Saving Changes...
Rakesh TrivediSenior Project Manager| IT CompanyIndore, Mp, India
Great Start Jayson , keep the momentum going. Saving Changes...
"Life is but a walking shadow,
a poor player that struts and
frets his hour upon the stage
and then is heard of no more.
It is a tale told by an idiot,
full of sound and fury,
signifying nothing."
