How tackle a situation in which work environment and management is not supportive to PM?
Anonymous
Hi,
I am being working in an engineering office where functional / technical teams have dominance. But at times not following systematic leads to failures, which then framed as PM failure. How to tackle such situations? Saving Changes...
Tough situation but not unique - there are still many companies which don't value project management.
Try to find a sympathetic leader with the political capital and vision to support an improvement in organizational project management capability.
Gather hard data on what the cost of undisciplined delivery has been and create a case for change.
As with all change, if you can't generate a sense of urgency among key stakeholders, you won't succeed.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Amany NuseibehSpeaker, Global Leader | Optimal ConsultingSydney, Nsw, Australia
This is a tough situation indeed. The challenge is usually coming from the top - Management understanding of Sponsorship influencing a culture that respects and appreciates project management. A quick google search would point you to a number of white papers, research and stories of project management contributing to organisational success, transformation and achieving strategic objectives. Having said that, it takes time for organisations to adopt project management. in the lack of a disciplined approach, take baby steps achieving small wins to generate momentum. Saving Changes...
Drake SettsuProject Manager / BloggerHi, United States
I agree with Kiron.
Attempt to educate the influential leaders on how you can improve the process with project management. Put together a MS PowerPoint presentation on a proposed approach that you feel will deliver results.
I would like to add that project management practices will yield results if you are working with open minds to find that win win approach. If you keep getting pushback on your ideas that the team will reject it then you are doomed.
One way to look at your situation is using the rowboat example. Everyone needs to row to get to the destination on time. If you are not rowing you are just dead weight. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Look for small wins, then slowly increase as confidence increases. Guidance and recommendations. Show the worth through realized value and metrics, such as time/cost savings or quicker TTM Saving Changes...
Build rapport with the functional managers. Find out what makes them tick. Find something you have a common as a starting point for a conversation and go form there. Understanding human motivation is a good step. Saving Changes...
