Five PM Competencies to Successfully Drive Strategic Initiatives | Episode 296

About this Video

• Video Title: Five PM Competencies to Successfully Drive Strategic Initiatives | Episode 296
• Channel: CorneliusFichtner
• Speakers: Cornelius Fichtner, Jack Ferraro
• Duration: 00:30:25

Introduction

This podcast episode discusses five key competencies project managers need to successfully drive strategic initiatives within their organizations. The speakers explore the changing landscape of project management, particularly the impact of Agile methodologies, and propose a shift towards a "strategic project leader" role.

Key Takeaways

• Five Competencies for Strategic Initiatives: The podcast outlines five competencies crucial for driving strategic initiatives: project management knowledge, skills, and experience; subject matter expertise; trust-based relationships; consultative leadership; and courage. These are presented as a pyramid, with foundational knowledge at the base and courage at the apex.
• Agile's Impact on Project Management: The discussion acknowledges the rise of Agile methodologies and its effect on the traditional project manager role. The speakers argue that Agile has, in some ways, sidelined the project manager, leading to a need for redefinition.
• The Strategic Project Leader: The podcast advocates for a shift from the traditional project manager to a "strategic project leader" who initiates and sustains transformational change within the organization. This role focuses on higher-level strategic initiatives rather than operational tasks.
• Three Levels of Change Management: The speakers describe three levels of change management: process/tool changes (level 1), skill/attitude/behavior changes (level 2), and value/business model changes (level 3). They emphasize the importance of focusing on levels 2 and 3 for true organizational transformation.
• Leadership as a Service: The strategic project leader is positioned as offering leadership as a service to all stakeholders, including team members, customers, and sponsors, focusing on building trust and resolving ambiguity.