Sometimes, a Project Manager (PM)
gets an opportunity to work on a new technology project, while other times it
may be a project that has a straight line to a strategic initiative in the
organization. Most times, there will not be a choice; the PM either works on
technology projects or the PM works on strategically aligned projects. However,
if a PM is torn between which of the two the PM should work on, a dilemma may
present itself. Traditionally, when a PM works in an organization, there is an
assumption that the PM would be working on technology projects. However, it
should be noted that the Project Management Institute (PMI) began with mostly
construction or engineering PMs, not technology PMs. So, there is no reason why
a PM cannot handle a strategically aligned project. That said, which type of
project would a PM be more comfortable with? Or a better question, which is
more exciting for a PM to work on?
Technology
vs. Strategic
Sometimes we do not see the forest
for the trees. What I mean by that is the fact that a technology project can be
a strategically aligned project. I have stated this in previous blogs and I will
say it again: if the project cannot be traced to a organizational strategy,
then you are not working on a project, that even when completed successfully,
will have an impact on the organization. We PMs who work in technology get
mired in the weeds and sometimes have a professional convulsion if our project not a technology project, especially a new
technology project. We PMs have to move beyond our belief systems regarding
project management and think like executive management. Maybe not so much like the CEO or President
of the organization. However thinking like that would benefit us. Why not like
the COO or the CFO? With security strikes like the hacking of Target, we definitely
should be thinking like the CSO for our projects. If we cross that gap, we then
can, as they say, think outside the box, and think like leaders, not just
managers. Thinking strategically, whether we are on a technology project or
not, means that we have to go beyond the “four walls” of our comfort zone, and
begin thinking like the leaders and managers of the organization. This can be
scary because we may see that the project we are working on does not fit the
strategic future of the organization. That is a risk we all must take.
Which
Project Provides Greater Visibility?
The answer is both, depending on
the strategic importance of the project.
If we take a good hard look at the direction of our organization and
read the organizational philosophy, as well as any related strategic statements,
then we will see whether we are working on projects that align with those
philosophies. I know that most of us PMs are over-worked as it is now. I know
that we are “doing more with less.” I get all of that. However, if we PMs truly
want to stay in the organization we are currently in, then we have to make the
time to do that research. By the way, doing that research would not take a
great deal of effort. I know that it may impact personal time, which we already
have less of. But the fact remains that it is up to us to make that effort.
Should
a PM Try To Point His/Her Career Towards One Type Of Project?
Yes. However, you have to sell to
senior management that you can take on one of these projects and complete it
successfully. That may take some time, but you will have to chart a course that
reflects that. We all believe we can be the best PM on any project we start. We
have to convey that confidence with visible results to senior management. If we
just drop our chins and believe that we do not get the best pick of the
projects because the odds are stacked against us, then we will convey an aura
of defeatism that will be picked up by senior management and they will not
award you with one of these projects. A
colleague of mine told me that you must always be positive,a although even when
it is very difficult to be positive. I am asking you to do so and convey that
positive aura about yourself.
In conclusion, strategic and
technical projects should not be separated because of any pre-conceived notions.
These projects can and should be strategic and aligned with the corporate
philosophy. And yours should be too.
I am open to discussion at any time on these blogs or anything else related to project management you would like to explore. If you would like to comment about this blog, please do so by posting on this blog or by responding in an email at Benny A. Recine. You may inspire a blog article. I look forward to your comments.
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