People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast

PPP 436 | Breaking the PMO Failure Cycle: Strategies to Thrive, with Laura Barnard

Sep 18, 2024

In this engaging discussion, Laura Barnard, an author and PMO expert, shares her insights on transforming project management practices. She introduces her Impact Engine framework, emphasizing strategic problem-solving and the importance of effective communication. Laura highlights common pitfalls in PMO setups and advocates for a mindset shift to better navigate change. With memorable quotes like "Knowledge alone is not power," she inspires project managers to apply their knowledge practically for real impact, fostering collaboration and improving value delivery within organizations.

50:06

Creator website

Episode guests

Laura Barnard

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Establishing a successful PMO requires a tailored approach that prioritizes solving specific organizational problems over rigid adherence to conventional processes.

The Impact Engine framework emphasizes that effective project management involves a mindset shift towards being a strategy navigator who delivers measurable value.

Successful change management in PMOs hinges on engaging stakeholders collaboratively to address their concerns rather than imposing changes on them.

Deep dives

The Accidental Project Manager

Many individuals find themselves becoming project managers inadvertently, often due to their exceptional skills as individual contributors. When tasked with leading initiatives, they can feel excitement but also intimidation, especially when facing the challenge of establishing a Project Management Office (PMO) amid missed deadlines and budget overspending. This situation emphasizes the lack of formal training in project management, often leading to anxiety and frustration. A structured roadmap or guidance, such as Laura Barnard's 'The Impact Engine', can provide essential direction for those navigating such challenges.

Intro

2min

Reflections on Building a PMO

7min

Navigating Change through Impact Engine

21min

From Knowledge to Action: Practical Project Management

14min

Exploring Project Management Strategies and AI Learning Opportunities

2min

Lessons from Life: Family Influence and Community Impact

3min

Summary

In this episode, Andy interviews Laura Barnard about her book, The Impact Engine: Accelerating Strategy Delivery for PMO and Transformation Leaders. They discuss Laura's journey in setting up PMOs, the common mistakes and resistance faced, and the importance of change management and mindset in driving success. Laura introduces the Impact Engine system, a framework she developed to help organizations deliver sustainable value. The conversation also covers how project managers can become strategy navigators and effectively communicate with stakeholders.

It's a fun, practical discussion that will help improve your ability to lead teams and deliver projects.

Sound Bites

"People are not actually resistant to change. They are resistant to having change done to them."
"A lot of what we teach first is that you have to shift the way you think about the work you do... and really become what we call the strategy navigator for the organization."
"Give them what they want before you give them what they need"
"It’s not just about the templates, tools, and process that you’re creating. It’s about the business problems you’re solving."
"I wish I had me when I was you. I wish I had somebody who would say don’t do this, do this instead... I needed to help them so that they can have an easier path than I had."
"Knowledge alone is not power. It’s the application of that knowledge where you make a real impact. If you do the work, you will see the results."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:00 Start of Interview
02:27 Laura's Journey in Building Her First PMO
04:40 Common Mistakes in Setting Up a PMO
09:29 The Impact Engine System
15:21 Myths About Change Management
20:50 Give Them What They Want, Not What They Need
27:57 Understanding Transparency and Impact
29:34 Measuring Success and Stakeholder Engagement
34:46 How Laura Seeks Continual Learning and Personal Growth
39:44 End of Interview
40:15 Andy Comments After the Interview
46:47 Outtakes

Learn More

You can learn more about Laura and her book at IMPACTEngineBook.com.

Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam

We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Project Management, PMO, Change Management, Leadership, Business Transformation, Strategy Delivery, Continuous Learning, Organizational Change

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Brooklyn Nights by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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