Tim ArthurRetired| SelfPalm City, Nc, United States
What are some of the things you have heard Project Management skeptics say, and what have you responded with? For instance, one of the myths I hear is that Pmgt will cause the project more time because more paperwork has to be done.
The intent of this discussion topic is to create a mini-knowledge base so that other PMgrs can benefit, and use it to handle skeptics they face.
Myth: Project Managers are just simply an elevated, highly paid, and empowered 'Project Administrators', or 'Project Coordinators'.
Traditional or large bureaucratic organizations still for even projects, like to hold all the authority and decision making by the Department Manager. But all the blame and responsibility gets conveniently shifted to the PM.
Such companies tend to misinterpret the project manager role as administration and coordination and blaming all the problems. Did they ever study the PMBOK? I have been a PM for 10 years and still face this problem. I get worried when people start mixing Project Manager with Project coordinator. I need a PMBOK way of educating the company what a Project Manager is really supposed to do, so I am getting PMP certified soon. Saving Changes...
Anonymous
View of Architects in the traditional building construction industry- PM's are just another consultant to be paid by the client, which increases the overall project cost and time of the project since everything has to go through the PM before being approved by the client. This view stems form a feeling of insecurity, of being challenged from thier(Architects) traditional position of power which is fast eroding with newer forms of contarcting. Saving Changes...
Tim ArthurRetired| SelfPalm City, Nc, United States
Those are two other good examples of myths, thanks for posting.
For the record and for newcomers to these postings, here's the article that inspired this discussion board.
At this link also you can find additional feedback about the article and project myths.
Project Management = Takes Longer and More Paper Work? I'd say sometimes, it depends on the project manager. I think that whatever paradigm or system you are applying then you have to be prepared to cut down or ramp up the amount of 'Project Management' you do. I've seen projects where the project brief has been literally written on the back of a cigarette packet, but then others where it has been several sides of A4, and needed it. But then I've seen project managers produce the several pages of A4 when all they needed was the back of a cigarette packet. I think part of what makes a good project manager is know which is appropriate for the current project. Stephen Saving Changes...
The idea that a high-level of expertise in MS Project qualifies you as a project manager. Saving Changes...
Tim ArthurRetired| SelfPalm City, Nc, United States
Good stuff, thanks for posting!
Tom, I hereby award you with the Gantthead Gold Star of Excellence in Ideas on the Project Management Myths Discussion Board.
Be sure to frame and display it nicely on your office wall. ;-) Your only obligation in receiving this is to either hoard it for life, or to pass it on to the next lucky winner.
Unfortunately Tim, there's a lot of companies that believe that a 4th rate scheduling tool like MS Project is PROJECT MANAGEMENT. You simply need to do a job search on Monster or DICE to verify.
I've been humbled by this award. Can I add this to my resume. Saving Changes...
Tim ArthurRetired| SelfPalm City, Nc, United States
When you list it on your resume, be sure to use a font size of something visible, like 40 or so.
Also, use red, and put at the top.
Just kidding!
Keep those good ideas coming in, Tim Saving Changes...
