Strategies to Empower and Build Trust in Your PMO
Ensuring a Project Management Office (PMO) is empowered and trusted within an organisation is crucial for its success. Here are nine in-depth strategies to empower and build trust in your PMO:
Leadership Support
Secure strong backing from top management. The PMO needs visible and consistent support from the highest levels of the organisation. This backing provides the PMO with the authority it needs to enforce project management standards and practices. Leadership support also signals to the rest of the organisation that the PMO is a critical component of the company’s strategic framework.
Actionable Steps:
- Regularly update top management on PMO activities and successes.
- Involve senior leaders in key PMO decisions and milestones.
- Publicly acknowledge the support of top management in PMO communications.
Build Trust in PMO Through Competence
Deliver high-quality work consistently. The PMO must demonstrate its expertise in project management by consistently delivering successful projects. This builds credibility and trust among stakeholders, showing that the PMO is capable of managing complex initiatives effectively.
Actionable Steps:
- Implement rigorous quality assurance processes.
- Showcase case studies of successful projects managed by the PMO.
- Collect and act on feedback from stakeholders to continually improve.
Align with Organisational Goals
Understand and align with the company’s strategic objectives. The PMO should ensure that its activities are directly contributing to the organisation’s goals. This alignment makes the PMO a valuable asset, driving the company’s success, and empowering the PMO team.
Actionable Steps:
- Regularly review and update the PMO’s objectives to align with organisational goals.
- Communicate how PMO initiatives support the company’s strategy.
- Involve the PMO in strategic planning sessions.
Effective Communication
Establish clear, open, and regular communication channels. Transparent communication helps in building trust in PMO and ensures that everyone is on the same page. It also allows the PMO to effectively manage stakeholder expectations.
Actionable Steps:
- Develop a communication plan that includes regular updates and meetings.
- Use multiple channels (e.g., email, intranet, meetings) to reach different stakeholders.
- Encourage feedback and open dialogue.
Empower PMO Decision-Making
Give the PMO the authority to make decisions within its domain. Empowerment should come with clear guidelines and accountability measures. This enables the PMO to act swiftly and effectively, without unnecessary delays.
Actionable Steps:
- Define the decision-making authority of the PMO in policy documents.
- Provide training on decision-making processes and accountability.
- Support the PMO in making tough decisions and stand by their choices.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Stay updated with the latest project management trends and technologies. A commitment to continuous learning demonstrates the PMO’s dedication to improvement and relevance, which builds trust and competence.
Actionable Steps:
- Invest in ongoing training and professional development for PMO staff.
- Encourage attendance at industry conferences and seminars.
- Implement a knowledge-sharing platform within the PMO.
Demonstrate Value
Showcase the PMO’s contributions to project success and organisational goals. Regularly highlighting the PMO’s achievements through metrics and success stories reinforces its value to the organisation. Ultimately this builds trust in the PMO to deliver.
Actionable Steps:
- Develop a dashboard of key performance indicators (KPIs) to track PMO performance.
- Share success stories and KPI reports with Senior Stakeholders
- Present PMO achievements at company meetings and events.
Foster Collaboration
Encourage the PMO to work closely with other departments. Promoting a culture of teamwork and shared success helps in breaking down silos and ensures that the PMO is integrated into the broader organisational fabric.
Actionable Steps:
- Organise cross-functional workshops and team-building activities.
- Establish joint objectives and projects with other departments.
- Recognise and reward collaborative efforts.
Invest in Skills Development
Provide ongoing training and development opportunities. Enhancing the capabilities and credibility of PMO staff ensures that they are well-equipped to handle their responsibilities and adapt to changing demands. Training builds confidence which in turn empowers the PMO team to act with purpose.
Actionable Steps:
- Create a skills development plan for PMO staff.
- Offer access to certifications and advanced training programs.
- Encourage mentorship and coaching within the PMO.
By implementing these strategies, organisations can create an environment where the PMO is both empowered to perform its duties effectively and trusted by stakeholders across the organisation. This, in turn, enhances the PMO’s ability to drive successful project outcomes and contribute to the overall success of the organisation.
Of course, this only tells part of the story to what makes a PMO a success and how a trusted and empowered PMO can positively impact your business outputs. Get in touch today to find out the whole story and make your PMO a success!
