The cornerstones of Effective Project Management, according to APM research

According to research by the Association for Project Management (APM), four key elements underpin successful project management, all centred on the critical aspects of communication and stakeholder engagement.

1. Stakeholder Analysis and Expectations Management:

• Project managers must meticulously analyse stakeholder profiles, their expectations, and the deliverables required to achieve a positive outcome. This initial step ensures everyone involved is on the same page from the outset.

2. Collaborative Goal Setting and Open Communication:

• Clear goals and expectations are paramount for project success. Collaborative efforts and open communication are instrumental in establishing these parameters.

3. Setting and Managing Expectations:

• Effective communication extends beyond initial goal setting. Project managers must actively manage expectations throughout the project lifecycle for those involved and interested parties.

4. Stakeholder Partnerships:

• Building strong partnerships with stakeholders is essential to achieve project success. Effective communication and collaboration foster trust and a sense of shared purpose.

The underestimation of stakeholder management’s importance has highlighted the need for a heightened focus on these critical elements.

The Role of the PMO in Supporting Project Managers:

The Project Management Office (PMO) plays a vital role in enabling successful project delivery by supporting project managers in honing their stakeholder management skills. Here are some ways a PMO can achieve this:

• Community Learning and Sharing: Foster opportunities for project teams to share best practices, identify areas for improvement, and refine their stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Standardised Stakeholder Engagement Tools: Develop toolkits with resources such as templates and online tools to ensure a consistent and positive experience for all project stakeholders.
• Communication and Engagement Guidance: Provide clear and concise guidance on best practices for stakeholder engagement and communication. This empowers project teams to effectively manage stakeholder expectations.
• Stakeholder Education: Educate both stakeholders and project teams to ensure a shared understanding of project communication protocols and interaction channels.
• PMO as a Communication Hub: Utilise the developed toolkits to define and streamline communication from the PMO. Foster a collaborative community through an online PMO hub, offering support, news, and even self-service resources.

Conclusion:

The core skills required for successful project management are equally essential for the PMO. By treating its customer base – stakeholders and project teams – collaboratively and applying these key elements, the PMO can cultivate positive and productive relationships with all parties involved in leading change.