I am now managing project managers. I am also setting up a PMO, which will report to me. I want the PMO to help with project controlling. I am a little unsure about how to slice and dice all the activities - who does what? I know this is a big topic! Saving Changes...
How about naming yourself as a "Project Director" instead of the "one who manages project managers"? :-) Basically, managing a PMO can easily help you manage all those project managers IF you succeed in deploying a PMO team on each of your assignment or location. Saving Changes...
Bipin Lekshmanan PMPProject Manager| Wipro TechnologiesEdison, Nj, United States
The original questions looks hazy. Depending your project portfolio and where you want to go with methodology, you'll have to devise a road map. It depends on how many projects you'll have and also the business model- I mean, vendor projects, your own projects...etc. Saving Changes...
Bipin Lekshmanan PMPProject Manager| Wipro TechnologiesEdison, Nj, United States
Will you be directly responsible only for results and the PMO has to worry about process compliance? Saving Changes...
If you are managing project managers, thats what the PMO does. I would think you would want to start with a list of things you are currently doing right now and add the things you would like to do. That would be the what part of your answer.
As far as who, it depends on the size of projects and the number you have. The larger the workload, the more people you would want in your PMO. Also, I would believe you would want to include members from other functions like HR, Business, Marketing, Sales and so on available on the panel to ensure projects are done in a way to maximize benefit.
Overall, it seems like you are delegating your own tasks to a team.
...
1 reply by Patrick Dicey
Mar 15, 2016 12:56 PM
Patrick Dicey
...
I think this is a good idea: having functional representatives/champions to help develop/refine the PMO suggested/mandated processes. Could help garner buy in from within the organization.
Saving Changes...
Bipin Lekshmanan PMPProject Manager| Wipro TechnologiesEdison, Nj, United States
If you can do what KK recommends by incorporating representatives from all functions, that would be the best. Saving Changes...
Managing Managers is not about managing their day to day work. This becomes easier when you give each manager enough room to handle their tasks and deliver results using their personal skills, experience and know-how.
Your main focus should be the correctness of the project deliverables against the set targets. Saving Changes...
At the end of the day, a PMO is simply people, processes and technology. Just remember that they are listed in order of priority. Saving Changes...
Steven ZacharyDirector| Alberta Health ServicesCalgary, Alberta, Canada
Be careful here. Project managers are typically very competent people and I've seen the director role or the lead PMO role go through vicious cycles. It's mainly being the political champion in the organization and formalizing the PM Standards of Excellence (Center of Practice).
Ultimately, working with motivated and talented individuals requires you to be apt in your soft skills and humility.
...
1 reply by Patrick Dicey
Mar 15, 2016 12:55 PM
Patrick Dicey
...
I think this is an important point Steven!
Saving Changes...
PANKAJ KUMAR JOSHIGeneral Manager| Transrail Lighting LimitedNainital, Uttrakhand, India
Which kind of project this PMO is going to manage?
Generally, there can be a team of project coordinators, Project planning & cost controllers, design/engineering, administration persons who can guide/control/manage multiple projects. Saving Changes...
Patrick DiceyManager, Customer Project Management| CentralSquare TechnologiesOrlando, Fl, United States
Dec 27, 2015 9:17 PM
Replying to Steven Zachary
...
Be careful here. Project managers are typically very competent people and I've seen the director role or the lead PMO role go through vicious cycles. It's mainly being the political champion in the organization and formalizing the PM Standards of Excellence (Center of Practice).
Ultimately, working with motivated and talented individuals requires you to be apt in your soft skills and humility.
I think this is an important point Steven! Saving Changes...
"Anyone can become angry - that is easy, but to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way - that is not easy."
