From Support to Leadership: Lessons from a Maturing PMO

Presentation Description

The Challenge – Our PMO is in a critical phase of existence.  Although a strong team, the organization’s perception of Project Management as an administrative support role has meant little involvement in the strategic process.  Most project involvement has consisted of documenting notes and scheduling meetings rather than adding true value.  If this persists, there could be an end to the PMO.

Group Brainstorming – What would you do given the challenge? 

The Changes – First, simplify the methodology.  Second, identify new value.  Third, develop the short-term plan.  Repeat, repeat, repeat.  Some of our change has included:

• Contract management as a flagship
• Portfolio management as a practice
• Becoming a part of the strategy process
• Seminar delivery to create organizational awareness
• Program management simplified
• A PM system to display value
• Active learning as a discipline

The People – Change is a people game.  To be successful, you must know your audience and keep your objective in mind.  In doing this, we have learned from both our successes and failures.  The only way to break down walls is to get help from the entire organization, Senior Management first. 

The Future – What’s next?  Although not documented in a methodology, we are implementing ideas on how to continue to develop our services and value to the organization.

• Energy – “we’re full of it”
• Execution – “we do it”
• Communication is key
• Expanding our influence

About the Presenter

Brandon has been delivering business development and information technology programs over the past 10 years.  In that time he has compiled an impressive list of “alphabet soup” credentials including MBA, PMP and SCPM. 

Over the past three years he has led a young, maturing PMO in the financial services industry. Brandon has developed a deeper appreciation for the people process and role of strategy in an organization.  Prior to this, Brandon worked as an IT Project Manager for a fast paced, growing software company where he learned to appreciate everything he didn’t know.   

Brandon serves as President of the PMI Charleston Chapter and a Community Investment Review Team member for Trident United Way.  He enjoys traveling, SCUBA diving, Clemson Tigers football, Atlanta Braves baseball and spending time with his family.   Brandon has a BA from the University of South Carolina and an MBA from The Citadel. 

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