Do you ever get requests from business managers that they need "a bit of" project help- typically " we just need someone to do the plan, we'll do all the rest" . I have always thought it looks like a recipe for disaster, with nobody being responsible for so many things. What is your experience, and how do you deal with them? My thinking is to try to sell them the benefits of professional management of the whole project, perhaps after an initial project audit/fact find. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
When I saw this type of situations it was because no value is perceived about project manager. Most of the times it happen because past experiences or because a misunderstanding about project management is. I am talking about the discimpline not the role of project manager. Both things value must be demonstrated. But unfortunately when you ask about what project management is or what project manager is you will find the same missunderstanding including it people that owns a PMI´s certification. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Sure, seen it before. Generally, it's a misunderstanding and I've had experiences where a dialogue was able to shed some light on the potential risks of that model. Other times, not. But it was my responsibility to call it out. And like Sergio mentions, this can be a signal of how the profession is viewed. Saving Changes...
Depends on the scale or complexity of the project. Small projects don't need a "titled" PM and can be run by a lead resource of some type. In such cases, a PM acting as an advisor is a good practice.
Beyond a certain complexity threshold, a true PM's value will become obvious...
never had that before, where someone asks help on a project plans and they will do the rest. No PM should create a plan they aren't managing or else where does the buck stop when and if the project has issues or fails? "He wrote the plan, ask him". So does accountability sit with the PM or the author of the plan? ;-) Saving Changes...
Janice GrierSenior Technical Vendor Manager| ATTShelby Township, Mi, United States
I have never been in that situation Saving Changes...
Never faced any such situation. However, mentoring and guidance to junior project managers with possible solution of problems is common. Saving Changes...
Karen RowsonSenior Project Management| Elevance HealthRichmond, Va, United States
I have had this experience before and interpreted it as a cry for help. With my boss' permission I attended one of their meetings to understand the scope. If it truly is a project, it is turned over to the PMO to assign a resource to work it. If it isn't, we offer assistance with building a task list or RACI to get them started. Saving Changes...
Drake SettsuProject Manager / BloggerHi, United States
I have never been asked to create a plan for someone else to run it. I would decline the request because the plan I create would need to be taken over by someone that could keep developing it properly. If the plan for some reason results in a failed project the fingers will all point to me. Saving Changes...
Drake SettsuProject Manager / BloggerHi, United States
It's all about accountability. Saving Changes...
Dinah YoungProject Manager / Software Asset Manager| Prince William CountySpringfield, Va, United States
I would probably ask who is going to manage the plan so that I can sit down with them and help them create the plan. It would give me the opportunity to coach a prospective manager and also make me available for them to ask questions if the plan is not going as planned. Of course, all of this is dependent on the size of the project. I am looking at it as if it is a smaller project. Saving Changes...
I see where one young boy has just passed 500 hours sitting in a treetop. There is a good deal of discussion as to what to do with a civilization that produces prodigies like that. Wouldn't it be a good idea to take his ladder away from him and leave him up there?
