How “Grown Up” Is Your PMO? By Gus Sanchez, MBA, PMP, ITIL March 8, 2007

Outline  PMO Common Components  Life Stages  Conclusions  References

PMO Common Components  Vision and Strategy Organization’s identity  Operations PM Methodology Standardized tools  People Have a mix of backgrounds, experience  Metrics Success criteria (qualitative & quantitative)

Life Stages  Baby A “corral around PMs” Can last 6-12 months  Adolescent Blending in with rest of organization Can last months  Early Adulthood PMO awareness throughout organization PMO culture in place  Adult Measuring key performance factors (budgets, schedules, resources, RFCs, lessons learned)

VisionOperationsPeopleMetrics BabyDevelopingTrial and error NewNot used AdolescentAligned somewhat with business Some planned activities Mix of core and new resources Minimal Early Adulthood Aligned with business strategy Planned activities Cohesive team Consistent, repeatable methodology AdultFully integrated at the senior level Well-defined processes High- performing team Focused on improvement and growth

Conclusions  PMO culture must be blended into organization. Need good leaders.  Invest in training, especially when creating grass-roots organization  Mature or Die. Continuous improvement is key.  Practice makes perfect

References  “Growing Pains” by Janet Liao, PM Network Magazine, February 2007