Kevin ColemanSubject Matter Expert, Author, Speaker and Strategic Advisor| - InsightsPa, United States
Why is it that many Program and Project Managers feel it is NOT necessary to keep up-to-date on new and emerging technologies that are likely to be involved in programs and projects they will manage in the near future? Saving Changes...
Kevin ColemanSubject Matter Expert, Author, Speaker and Strategic Advisor| - InsightsPa, United States
Thank you all. I just had this conversation with a project business sponsor that would not consider ANY project manager that did not have (GET THIS) 3 years of experience in an emerging technology. I brought up every point you all did plus I asked about their competition and pointed out that they could leap ahead while the business sponsor waited for the PM with 3 years in the new technology. She had me thinking I was the one that was being unreasonable. If there are any other ideas PLEASE post them. This is one that I just can't stop thinking about! Saving Changes...
Kevin ColemanSubject Matter Expert, Author, Speaker and Strategic Advisor| - InsightsPa, United States
QUESTION - Do I take this to the CEO given this is an important part of the organization's strategic plan?
...
1 reply by Thomas Walenta
Jun 28, 2016 3:10 PM
Thomas Walenta
...
It depends on why the CEO would listen to you.
If he trusts you he might be willing to decide against his management, but then I would not trust him much.
If the organization has a good track record of project success, he will not change the setup, if not so good in projects, he might follow.
If he already has a burning house he probably is willing to go for 'innovative paths'.
You could offer to bring in a team instead of one PM, that's what the big consulting firms do.
Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
I continue to have the same discussion, most often when they do feel not enough pain. If they have a burning house, they will ask for the fire brigade, for sure.
This view of having a combination of PM and technical skills in one person is for me the main reason why we as a profession do not make progress in project successes. It is driven by undervaluing project management, greed (why should I pay for 2 if 1 can do), overvaluing own business maturity - but also our in-consequence of not selling our core capabilities well and still accepting doomed engagements. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Jun 28, 2016 2:55 PM
Replying to Kevin Coleman
...
QUESTION - Do I take this to the CEO given this is an important part of the organization's strategic plan?
It depends on why the CEO would listen to you.
If he trusts you he might be willing to decide against his management, but then I would not trust him much.
If the organization has a good track record of project success, he will not change the setup, if not so good in projects, he might follow.
If he already has a burning house he probably is willing to go for 'innovative paths'.
You could offer to bring in a team instead of one PM, that's what the big consulting firms do.
...
1 reply by Kevin Coleman
Jun 28, 2016 3:35 PM
Kevin Coleman
...
@ Thomas I am a strategic advisor to the executives and brief the C-levels and Board regularly. The project came out of the near term strategy that I participated in.
Saving Changes...
Kevin ColemanSubject Matter Expert, Author, Speaker and Strategic Advisor| - InsightsPa, United States
Jun 28, 2016 3:10 PM
Replying to Thomas Walenta
...
It depends on why the CEO would listen to you.
If he trusts you he might be willing to decide against his management, but then I would not trust him much.
If the organization has a good track record of project success, he will not change the setup, if not so good in projects, he might follow.
If he already has a burning house he probably is willing to go for 'innovative paths'.
You could offer to bring in a team instead of one PM, that's what the big consulting firms do.
@ Thomas I am a strategic advisor to the executives and brief the C-levels and Board regularly. The project came out of the near term strategy that I participated in. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Kevin, then you might be entitled to offer a risk assessment of the project and one risk you can look at is that PM is not done well. Which is a general root cause of failed projects. One mitigation would be to employ a professional PM. Another risk might be that you do not get the best technology expert if you look at resources that should be good in both PM and Technology. Saving Changes...
Kevin ColemanSubject Matter Expert, Author, Speaker and Strategic Advisor| - InsightsPa, United States
UPDATE - I had dinner with the CEO and explained the situation impartially. After about a ten-minute discussion the problem was resolved. The CEO asked me personally to work with the Project Office and act as the technology thought partner with the PMs on ALL of the strategic initiatives. Now I have to find 2 days a week for the next 3 years to support those initiatives. One problem solved and one BIG one created. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Kevin, congrats for the new task.
...
1 reply by Kevin Coleman
Jun 29, 2016 8:13 AM
Kevin Coleman
...
Thanks Thomas and thanks to the group for the role playing that went on.
Although it looks like working Saturdays for about 6 months they have been a client for over a decade. You have to treat them right. If this was just another client I would not have accepted the assignment.
Saving Changes...
Kevin ColemanSubject Matter Expert, Author, Speaker and Strategic Advisor| - InsightsPa, United States
Jun 29, 2016 8:06 AM
Replying to Thomas Walenta
...
Kevin, congrats for the new task.
Thanks Thomas and thanks to the group for the role playing that went on.
Although it looks like working Saturdays for about 6 months they have been a client for over a decade. You have to treat them right. If this was just another client I would not have accepted the assignment. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Absolutely great conversation and completely agree with the sentiments expressed. Great insights. Thank you. Saving Changes...
