Dear Matthew,
Sure, setting up a Project Management Council at Mathematica, that's a solid move, especially given how much your PMO has grown over the years. I've been around the block a few times with similar initiatives, and there are a couple of things that come to mind that could help you out.
Firstly, getting people from all over the company to join the council can really make a difference. It's like having a mini representation of your entire organization. You get all these different viewpoints and ideas, which can be super helpful. But here's the catch – these folks usually have their day jobs, right? So, it's super important to be clear about what you expect from them. They're there to give advice and share insights from their corners of the company, not to call the shots on specific projects.
Communication is another biggie. You’ve got to keep everyone in the loop, not just the council members but the whole company. Maybe send out a regular newsletter or have quick catch-up meetings to share what the council is up to. It helps people feel connected to what you're doing.
Now, aligning what the council does with the big-picture goals of Mathematica is crucial. You want to make sure that any improvements or changes you guys are cooking up actually help move the company forward, not just make project management easier.
Training and resources for the council members can go a long way, too. It’s all well and good to have a diverse group, but if they’re not up to speed on the latest in project management, you might not get as much out of it as you could. Think about workshops, seminars, that sort of thing.
And don't forget to check if what you're doing is actually working. Set up some ways to measure how the council's impacting things. Are projects running smoother? Are people collaborating better? Having some solid numbers to look at can really help.
Encouraging everyone to share their wins and challenges can turn the council into this cool knowledge-sharing hub. It’s about learning from each other and continuously getting better.
So, what do you think? These are just some ideas based on what I've seen work. The key is to find the right balance that works for Mathematica’s vibe. Setting up a council like this can be a bit of trial and error, but it can make a difference when it clicks.
BR,
Markus
