This podcast episode features an interview with Mark Perry, author of "Business-Driven PMO Setup." The discussion centers on implementing a PMO using a business-driven approach, challenging traditional methods, and providing a practical roadmap adaptable to various organizations. The episode also includes a book giveaway.
The book, "Business-Driven PMO Setup," offers numerous practical insights organized across 13 chapters. These insights challenge traditional PMO approaches and emphasize a business-driven focus. Specific examples include:
The book is filled with case studies and examples to illustrate these points. The overall theme is that a successful PMO must be driven by business needs and avoid distractions from theoretical models or internal priorities.
Mark Perry highlights two key techniques in his book:
Business-Driven versus Theory-Driven PMO: This technique emphasizes aligning the PMO's strategies and tactics with the specific needs of the business, rather than adhering to theoretical models or industry standards. The "MUSIC" model (MOpic, Ubiquitous, Size, Intervals of Time, Chance) is presented as a framework for achieving this business-driven focus. It challenges traditional, "inside-the-box" thinking about project management.
Constituent-Oriented versus Inwardly Focused PMO: This technique stresses focusing on the needs of those the PMO serves (its constituents) rather than prioritizing the concerns of the PMO itself. The interview uses the analogy of not needing to "sell" a PMO, as one would not need to sell a sales or marketing department, but rather to have the constituents define their needs, allowing the PMO to strategically meet those needs. This ensures buy-in and support from the constituents.
MBWA 2.0, or Management by Walking Around 2.0, is an updated version of the traditional MBWA leadership technique. While the original MBWA involved physically walking around to interact with team members, MBWA 2.0 adapts this concept for today's dispersed and remote work environments. It incorporates modern Web 2.0 tools and techniques, such as wikis, social software, blogs, social networks, podcasting, and RSS feeds, to foster pmo leadership and maintain connection and engagement with team members who may not be located in a central physical location. Essentially, it's about leveraging technology to achieve the same goals as the original MBWA—improving communication, understanding team challenges, and fostering a sense of connection—in a modern context.
Mark Perry's passion for PMOs stems from his practical experience, not theoretical study. His early experience leading a departmental PMO at IBM in 1982 profoundly shaped his perspective. This PMO was explicitly created to support a business-driven revenue transformation, exceeding its financial goals significantly. This success solidified his belief in the power of a business-driven PMO, where the focus is squarely on achieving organizational objectives, rather than internal process improvement or adhering to theoretical standards. He contrasts this successful experience with the often-misguided advice from the formal project management community on PMO structures and models, leading to his strong conviction that a PMO's success hinges entirely on its alignment with the business's needs.
