Comments on: Two different approaches to running a PMO http://www.pm4girls.elizabeth-harrin.com/2008/02/two-different-approaches-to-running-a-pmo/ Project Management musings for one and all Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:04:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Paul Ritchie http://www.pm4girls.elizabeth-harrin.com/2008/02/two-different-approaches-to-running-a-pmo/comment-page-1/#comment-122402 Paul Ritchie Tue, 26 Feb 2008 02:59:24 +0000 http://www.pm4girls.elizabeth-harrin.com/?p=230#comment-122402 Hi Elizabeth, I'm dubious about the "sneaking a project office in" approach, at least if you want to have a lasting impact on project management practices. With the substantial caveat that I have to read the Sanders article, there are at least four pitfalls I have seen with this approach: 1.) These shadow PMOs attract the people most interested in PM, but not necessarily the right people to lead mission-critical internal initiatives. 2.) Self-organized PMOs and PM communities end up talking to each other a lot, in other words they're preaching to the converted. PMs can appear a bit fanatical about the topic to "outsiders." 3.) Most stealth PMOs want to become legitimate and expand its span of control. Unfortunately, their insular nature -- and uneven talent -- end up making them ineffective in pitching a more formal PM structure to the powers that be. 4.) Sadly, the failure of even an informal PMO can further entrench opposition to PM initiatives. Anyway, I'll have to blog on the specifics when the site is updated. Best, Paul Hi Elizabeth,
I’m dubious about the “sneaking a project office in” approach, at least if you want to have a lasting impact on project management practices. With the substantial caveat that I have to read the Sanders article, there are at least four pitfalls I have seen with this approach:
1.) These shadow PMOs attract the people most interested in PM, but not necessarily the right people to lead mission-critical internal initiatives.
2.) Self-organized PMOs and PM communities end up talking to each other a lot, in other words they’re preaching to the converted. PMs can appear a bit fanatical about the topic to “outsiders.”
3.) Most stealth PMOs want to become legitimate and expand its span of control. Unfortunately, their insular nature — and uneven talent — end up making them ineffective in pitching a more formal PM structure to the powers that be.
4.) Sadly, the failure of even an informal PMO can further entrench opposition to PM initiatives.

Anyway, I’ll have to blog on the specifics when the site is updated.

Best,
Paul

]]>