You can legitimately say that “My project management has absolutely nothing in common with anything in the PMBOK(r), Guide.” Many companies use project management to organize their work. They don’t understand the benefits of project management. However, there are many projects that are successfully managed there. [iStock/flyparade]So, is it a dead end of your career? Do you really want to waste your time managing such projects? Or is there a way for you to learn skills and knowledge that are comparable to international standards in project management in such an environment? Most of what I talk and write at PM Basics is not applicable there. However, I was able integrate many crucial processes that have changed the way I manage. At least, on my projects.
Is there a way to improve and grow as a project manager in such an environment?
There is a way. Here are some pieces of advice based on my personal experience.
Should You Do It Here?
Before you start, ask yourself one question. What are you really looking for?
Do you want to work for a company that values project management? You can put all of your knowledge to good work. You should also be aware of where your efforts are appreciated. If you are looking for a new job, then I recommend that you do so. Particularly if you are currently at a junior position. You should plan your efforts to gain the minimum amount of experience necessary to move to another organization.
If you care deeply about your company, and are determined to grow and improve it together, then get your hands dirty. It is not easy work.
Understanding the Environment
It is hard to believe that an organisation wouldn’t invest in project management if it works with projects. There is always a story.
Take a look around. Ask about the development and implementation of project management within the organisation. Identify the reasons it is implemented in this manner.
It is important to understand how the organisational environment was created. Then, you can find out why it stopped at the point it is now.
There are many outstanding cases you can see in the company.
Your organization is heavy on policies and only a few people are committed to them. It is likely that there was a turning point in the organization’s development. Many prominent experts left or were replaced with less qualified ones.
Your organisation is managed like a project. This means that the company grew too quickly at one point. People who did not have the experience to manage at a higher management level took the key positions. Executives and CEOs now work the same way they did when they were PMs or Team Leads.
The Project Management Office (or any body that acts as a PMO), is staffed by people from other industries and operational management. There are many processes, documents, meetings. They are however very inefficient.
Creative people are the greatest asset of an organisation. The same applies to sponsors, business owners, and sponsors who directly influence project management. In this instance, “Plan before you do” is completely disregarded.
It is possible, however, to use the current approach for the type of projects your organization performs. It was a result of extensive experience that the company developed and customized it.
Get Things Done
First, you need to demonstrate that you are able to manage projects in a “conventional” manner. This means that you can manage projects in a way that is consistent with the organization’s norms. Even though it requires a lot of effort and nerves. This is your credibility display.
Moreover, you do need performance data. You must show tangible benefits before you can improve something. You can also prove inefficiency.
In any case, you will need a baseline to compare with.
Local Improvements First
You must also prove that the new improvement has benefits. It is also import