Networks and Alliances

Engagement Alliance Network

As a member of the boutique consultancy Engagement Alliance Network (EAN), Linda Lee provides customized Project Management Office (PMO) solutions to clients that are tailored to their specific needs.

Read about Linda Lee’s PMO solutions below, visit the EAN website to learn more about the consultancy, or review Linda Lee’s full consulting offer.

Project Management Office (PMO) Solutions

Specializing in Project Management Office (PMO) solutions, I value measurable results and enduring success. Expertly navigating your business through PMO setup, portfolio prioritization, delivery methodology enhancement, core competency definition, governance, reporting, and risk management, I will create a PMO solution for you that is specific to your needs. 

What to Expect

The PMO You Need, Not What Tradition Dictates

  • Sure, there are experts out there that can help you with a typical PMO enablement, myself included, but I will ensure your PMO is setup in a way that is integrated within your entire delivery process, from strategy to intake, and all the way to benefits realization.

PMO Enablement Activities

  • Project selection and prioritization
  • Setting up a governance system
  • Managing Resources
  • Developing Reporting
  • Risk Management
  • Enhancing your methodology and processes
  • Developing tools and templates
  • Building career paths for members of the PMO
  • Hiring, onboarding, and developing training plans

Traditional PMOs and Best Practices

I’ve worked with small companies of 25 people, companies that I’ve seen grow from small to medium, and large international organizations. What I’ve come find is when a “best practice” is deemed worthy by the discipline, many organizations strive to attain it. This, however, can cause a lot spin for businesses. That’s because what you’re trying to do when you adopt an industry best practice, is you’re trying to fit your unique business into a mold.

But you’re unique. You don’t fit into every “industry best” mold that’s ever been created.

I understand that.

Instead of merely applying industry best’s to your business, I will help you drive successful projects by looking at your company as the unique business that it is, and by providing consultative services in an integrated fashion.

My PMO Enablement Process

Step 1: Analyze Value

I start by assessing every touch point of your delivery process – not just those that the Project Management team is involved in. By doing this, I am able to:

  • create value stream maps
  • understand areas of waste/delay
  • identify tension relationships
  • and see where your processes are veering off course from your strategic goals.

Step 2: Define the future state

Once we are aware of the issues, we’ll collaborate with all departments to build out new processes.

We’ll insert clearly defined roles and responsibilities as well as definitions of done. This includes PMO roles, as well as those from other departments to ensure we are utilizing your resources efficiently, and keeping them aligned to your strategy at all touchpoints.

Step 3: Plan the Implementation

This is where a solid Change Management strategy comes into place. Without building the right awareness, garnering support, developing appropriate and sufficient training, and planning for sustainment, the new processes and behaviors we will have developed will fall by the wayside.

It’s not easy, and it’s difficult to spend the extra time and money on this part – but without it, it’ll all be for naught.

Step 4: Execute the Implementation

I will help you execute on the communications and training plans while ensuring things stay on track through constant feedback and updates to the change strategy – but that isn’t my main goal during this phase.

My main target is to train your managers and directors to be the coaches that the PM team needs. To support not only them throughout the change by becoming experts in the new process, but supporting integrated teams too. This will enable them to carry on with the work we’ve done after I’m gone.

Implementing a PMO affects an entire organization, not just the Project Management team. 

Step 5: Transition off

It’s time to say goodbye.

During this final stage, I will ensure each member of your team is trained in the areas required of them as it relates to the implementation of the Project Management Office.

We will also ensure there is a solid reporting process/tool/system that will help drive the team towards the metrics of success we’ll have defined earlier in the process.

This step is all about sustainment and reinforcement, as well as celebrating the launch of your new PMO.

What Not to Expect

This isn’t your cookie-cutter PMO enablement, that’s for sure.

  • I will not implement a Project Management Office in a silo.

  • I will not believe anyone who tells me that the PMO doesn’t need to know how something works. A Project Manager’s role is to support all activities on a project, and if they don’t understand the activities, you are opening the door to failure. I’m not saying they need to be experts, but if they can’t explain what an activity is, who’s involved, and potential risks in 2-3 sentences, then that’s a gap we need to fill.
  • I will not push Change Management aside. In an integrated implementation such as a PMO enablement, ensuring your stakeholders are on board is pivotal to the success of the initiative. Engaged sponsorship is key, and I will work with you, your business’ leaders, to understand what that entails for you, and support you in executing on it.

Pricing

Depending on the service requested, hourly rates vary. Please reach out to discuss your business’ need, and I will provide a custom quote.

Factors such as duration and location may impact rates.

Contact me today to discuss your initiative and my availability.