Diageo

Project Context

Diageo recognised the need to elevate the maturity of their central Project Management Office (PMO) function and incorporate a scaled agile approach to enhance its value. The company aimed to overcome the challenges of a distributed model across various countries and foster a more collaborative and efficient environment. To help achieve these aims Diageo brought in the help of Nine Feet Tall to drive the change and ensure a smooth maturity process.

Project Delivery

Nine Feet Tall implemented a ‘Just Enough Governance’ approach, thereby enabling the Diageo team to remain involved, engaged and empowered throughout the change journey. It was important to first understand the current PMO’s maturity in order to chart a forward roadmap, outlining the necessary steps and initiatives that could be used to elevate the PMO’s capabilities and embrace a scaled agile approach.

An initial focus was placed on the organisational design to establish the Strategic Portfolio Management Office (sPMO). This would strategically align stakeholder teams to enhance strategic portfolio management and project/program support. This structural shift aimed to break down silos and encourage collaboration across different teams and locations.

Diageo collaborated with Nine Feet Tall to then develop and implement standard charters. These charters provided a common understanding of expectations and established a foundation for effective communication and collaboration within the PMO.

The final piece of the puzzle focused on defining, piloting, and implementing common PMO processes. A core focus was placed on governance frameworks, plan management, and resource management. By establishing consistent and efficient processes, the new PMO approach would promote a culture of standardised practices, eliminating ambiguity and reducing miscommunication. This allowed team members to work cohesively towards shared objectives.