Hi,
I was asked by the company I work for to introduce and implement a project procedure (project frame work) (this is something that came out of a strategy meeting earlier in the year, bought about by the PM’s saying they had no clear definition of how things should be done), this I have done.
However as anticipated actually getting the other PM’s to use it is become a long and painful process; so thought I would put it out there and see if anyone has some pearls of wisdom for me, as to how to get the PM’s on board???
Saving Changes...
Firstly, "other PM's saying they had no clear definition of how things should be done" implies to me either 1) they are not actually trained PMs or 2) they don't want to be held accountable for either responsibility or results.
So, each instance actually offers opportunity for you:
1) if the other PMs lack training (have experience only) they also lack baseline knowledge of PM standards. Thus, your framework offers a standard which is a guide for all PMs in your organization. Try selling the concept and some may buy-in and use the new tools. For those who don't buy-in, request your company sponsor (senior leadership) endorse (in writing / email) this as the new company standard and ask for an organization-wide email stating this new standard and requiring adherence to the standard. Then, report to your sponsor the numbers of compliant / non-compliant PMs and ask for support. This is playing hardball, but sometimes being a PM requires thick skin.
2) PMs who don't want to be held accountable for results will face challenges in being a successful PM and will loose the confidence of Leadership, thus rendering them in-effective. Sometimes, well-documented PM standards, with full-support from Senior Leadership, can be used to "transfer the responsibility load" from the PM's back to Senior Leadership. In example, one's peer co-workers may often push-back or reject requests for information, schedule projections, cost, labor hours, etc... if the request is seen as coming from their peer (the PM). But, when the requests for information come as part of published organizational standards, the request carries more weight, is actually a requirement from Senior Leadership and non-compliance carries more potiential for consequences. The information will pe provided. Saving Changes...
