I attended my local PMI chapter dinner, last night. One of the speakers was from PMI. He spoke about M.O.R.E. - what it is and what Project Managers should do about it. While I don't think that individual project managers can do everything he talked about on their own (he didn't say Organizational Change Management, Value Realization, or Portfolio Management, but he described them while discussing M.O.R.E.) and there are aspects of it you'll need to go outside of PMI to learn (business acumen, not just soft skills), the concept did resonate with me. Part of the journey that brought me to where I am today was realizing that I am more than a Project Manager. The things the speaker described are things I've been influencing when I couldn't drive them. I've been working, with some success, to position myself as more than a Project Manager and build trust so that I can influence more of the things that will enable success. Some efforts have been successful, some are still in progress.
Success as a Project Manager and on the projects we manage comes from more than just following the PMBOK Guide. What makes you more than a Project Manager? Saving Changes...
That’s a powerful reflection — being more than a Project Manager means stepping beyond process to shape outcomes. For me, it’s about influencing strategy, nurturing teams, and driving value realization beyond delivery.
Product Operations Program ManagerBarcelona, Cataluña, Spain
We should start seeing ourselves as business partners. Yes, we manage projects — and those projects are essential for driving business growth. The success of any company’s strategy ultimately depends on realizing the benefits of its projects. Routine operations keep the organization afloat, but the projects we deliver enable its growth and long-term success. In that sense, we are true business partners.
From my perspective, what makes me more than a project manager is focusing on the bigger picture, not just delivering tasks, but enabling value. I try to act as a bridge between strategy and execution, guiding teams toward outcomes that truly support organizational goals. Building trust, influencing beyond my authority, and helping teams grow are what elevate the role beyond project delivery.
Being “M.O.R.E.” is about expanding beyond process to purpose. For me, it’s Mentorship, Outcomes, Relationships, and Empathy — helping teams grow, aligning outcomes with strategy, building trust across silos, and leading with empathy. That’s where project management evolves into true leadership and long-term value creation.
When old customers reach out to share how the work my team did is still adding value to their business, it truly makes me proud. Moments like that remind me that project management isn’t just about managing scope, cost, and schedule — it’s about solving real problems that make a lasting impact.
When fellow project managers or consultants come to me for help, and my ideas or guidance actually make a difference, it feels great — like I’m doing something beyond just project management.
Community Champion
