The Future of PMOs and How to Support Informal PMs
May 7, 2024
auto_awesome
Bruno Morgante, VP Global Head of PMO at The Adecco Group, discusses the evolving role of project managers and the rise of informal project managers. Topics include paths to project management, the role of PMOs in supporting informal project managers, empowering them with AI tools, navigating organizational cultures in project-based work, and mentorship opportunities for new PMO leaders.
Informal project managers face challenges due to lack of formal training and clear project structures.
AI tools and technologies support informal project managers but require organizational mindset shifts for successful implementation.
Deep dives
Defining Informal Project Managers
Informal project managers are individuals who have not received formal training in project management but find themselves managing projects. This category includes people who may not have sought out to become project managers but have taken on project management roles. They could be individuals who were assigned project management responsibilities without a background in the field, such as an engineer transitioning to project management.
Challenges Faced by Informal Project Managers
Informal project managers face various challenges, from lacking formal project management training to managing projects without clear plans or structures. Examples include a scenario where a program manager had no plan for a multi-million dollar program or individuals not managing project budgets effectively. Lack of project management knowledge and skills can lead to project failures and the need for external intervention by other organizational stakeholders.
Impact of AI and Emerging Technologies on Project Management
Generative AI and emerging technologies offer support for informal project managers through tools like chatbots for project-related queries and lessons learned databases for knowledge sharing. AI aids in portfolio prioritization, project success prediction, and automating routine project management tasks. However, the organizational mindset shift towards embracing AI recommendations and utilizing data-driven insights is crucial for successful implementation.
Evolution of Project Management Offices (PMOs)
The trend towards the project economy is driving the increased need for project managers and PMOs. Organizations are shifting towards project-focused structures, leading to the establishment of PMOs where none existed before. PMO leaders face the responsibility of defining the PMO's role and services based on the organization's project management needs and goals, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and alignment with organizational objectives.
In the dynamic world of digital project management, the role of the project manager is continually evolving, adapting to the ebbs and flows of the industry's needs. Amidst this evolution, the emergence of informal project managers is a trend that cannot be overlooked.
Galen Low is joined by Bruno Morgante, VP Global Head of PMO at The Adecco Group, to delve deeper into this phenomenon and its implications for the Project Management Office (PMO).
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode