Kristin PenrodSenior Project Manager| PolarisIndependence, Mn, United States
I recently started a position at a smaller company as their first project manager. The company is growing and if I use my entrepreneurial skills there is opportunity to establish a PMO. Does anyone have any recommended resources or advice to give on starting a PMO? I have a lot of ideas, but I'm not sure where to start. Saving Changes...
I'd recommend starting out by demonstrating the value of a disciplined approach to project management through a few successful projects. Once that has been done, you might be in a better position to create the business case for establishing a PMO.
Also, with a small company, you really want to make sure that a PMO will add sufficient value to compensate for the one-time and ongoing costs. Hiring or developing qualified project leaders might suffice without establishing a staffed PMO.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Kristin
Check the PMO Global Alliance (PMOGA) - They have a methodology called PMO Value Ring for creating and establishing PMOs in a detailed step by step process.
However, like Kiron mentioned, before you invest the resources, you need to make sure it will add value long term to the organization and/or if this is the only option you have.
RK
RK Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Starting a PMO is the same than starting any other business unit (BU) inside the company. Company has to decide if project management functions/procedure deserve to be part of the company strategy. If yes, after defining them, it is time to decide if those funcitions/procedures will be located into existing BUs or to create a new BU (call it PMO) deserves to be created. Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
I find it perturbing that people and companies consider starting a PMO when they have a single project manager.
If you are the only project manager, you are the PMO, for better or for worse.
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2 replies by Kristin Penrod and Mayte Mata Sivera
Dec 13, 2022 8:58 AM
Kristin Penrod
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I am anticipating for the future and trying to put myself in the position to be a leader in the area of project management at my company if the need arises.
Dec 13, 2022 3:54 PM
Mayte Mata Sivera
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Being the only project manager, program, portolio and PMO director doesn't sound fun... at least for me...
I agree with Kiron. First, prove that what PMO can bring is important and effective for the company. Meanwhile, you should develop a framework for PM as well. PMO can be the driving force for the correct implementation of the new system/framework. Saving Changes...
Kristin PenrodSenior Project Manager| PolarisIndependence, Mn, United States
Dec 13, 2022 8:12 AM
Replying to Stéphane Parent
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I find it perturbing that people and companies consider starting a PMO when they have a single project manager.
If you are the only project manager, you are the PMO, for better or for worse.
I am anticipating for the future and trying to put myself in the position to be a leader in the area of project management at my company if the need arises. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Kristin
for starting any PMO you need a sponsor and their problem to solve.
I once were asked to start a PMO by a CEO and his need was that he spent much time in project escalations. Or, in another example, the CIO wanted to create one source of truth about the status of his key projects.
Once you solved this initial problem, the PMO can be dissolved (and many do). If you want to continue, you have to find another burning problem and maybe from a different sponsor.
While you solve the problem of one person (the sponsor) you will influence others, with the power borrowed from the sponsor. Maybe these others do not appreciate this, so a PMO needs change management.
Evaluating Project Management Maturity is a good first step to do since the results of this evaluation will help you to define the best type of PMO for your organization.
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1 reply by Stéphane Parent
Dec 13, 2022 5:35 PM
Stéphane Parent
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Considering Kristin is their first project manager, I’m guessing they have a long way to go.
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