Unless you have been living under a rock, you know we are officially in a recession - this is great news. 

For those of us who have been fighting to get project management recognized by business leaders, this is OUR time.  This is our opportunity to capture the attention of senior executives everywhere and use the current state of economic turmoil to our advantage.   Act now—before it’s too late!

Organizations are faced with looming challenges in today’s shaky economy. Status quo is no longer an option for organizational survival. In fact, as I observe what is going on in today’s business world, it is a déjà vu experience for me.  As a core member of the turnaround team for an organization that was placed in state receivership in 1999 to being named the #1 Health Plan in America on the U.S. News & World Report four years in a row, I know what it takes for organizations to survive when facing insurmountable challenges. 

I also know a great time to capture executive attention is when there is a burning platform.  As I see it, most organizations are currently on fire-whether they realize it or not.  Project management can douse the flames and prevent further damage. 

Consider what your organization must do in 2009 to stay in business.  Many companies will be forced to reduce headcount, which will suggest space consolidation.  As companies downsize, more staff will be required to learn new skills in order to fulfill new job responsibilities.  Many organizations will delay capital projects, requiring staff to maintain manual processes – so instead of implementing new technology, perhaps it’s about redesigning workflow.  Outsourcing may look more attractive to organizations as they seek ways to reduce administrative expenses.   Companies will be forced to redesign their business model, realizing that growth and bigness are not enough to sustain success during tough times.

All project opportunities.

How can an organization get better at delivering on its goals and objectives?  One way is to introduce a strategic, enterprise-wide Project Management Office (PMO) model.  Project management puts processes and tools in place that allow companies to get work done efficiently.  It allows business to communicate priority projects, apply consistent project management practices, and monitor project progress. The PMO is the conduit for making this happen – up, down and across the organization.

Establishing a PMO does not require large investments; the power of a successful PMO does not come from its size.  It comes from its ability to bring calm during chaos and to choreograph all the moving parts so senior leaders maintain a pulse on how things are going during difficult times.  The key is to keep it all simple-this is no time to add more complexity.

Start your campaign today.  Spend some time with senior executives to discuss the current state of business and present examples of where project management and PMOs have supported other organizations when dealing with similar business challenges.  Don’t talk in terms of projects- talk in terms of business.  Here are just a few examples of where I have seen project management support organizations in crisis:

·         Support organizational consolidation with define points of accountability

·         Embrace cross-functional teamwork

·         Leverage enterprise-wide changes in a short time-frame, using limited resources efficiently

·         Appreciate the value of planning

·         Adopt simplicity

·         Improve decision-making

Start now, while the fire it hot.

Related Links
If your project managers would like access to a support website, check out this company's list of website requirements and priorities. It's all about the money, so here's one proposed budget for a PM support group. Execs will be more receptive if you demonstrate you're looking to get value from your PMO, instead of just "helping out."