![\"blog-check-list\"](\"https:\/\/svapm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/blog-check-list1-150x150.jpg\")
I rarely make resolutions for the New Year.\u00a0 I broke the practice of listing too many lofty goals with unrealistic deadlines and little moral support years ago.\u00a0 Now, I maintain a continuous checklist of What to Know, Do, and Think About in support of my success.\u00a0 You can do the same when launching a Project Management Office.<\/p>\n
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Here\u2019s a list of things to consider when starting a PMO:<\/p>\n
Power:<\/em>\u00a0 Understand the power\/organizational structure\/decision-making ways and means.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 To understand who the PMO is serving and to develop an infrastructure that works.<\/p>\n Problem Solving:<\/em>\u00a0 Be clear about the problem(s) to be tackled through project management; be clear about what it is not.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 To develop the appropriate tools and methods and to understand the PMO\u2019s focus and deliverables.<\/p>\n Launch:<\/em>\u00a0 Take advantage of the power of a new approach and the new organizational structure of the PMO.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 To make it clear that it really matters and to creates \u201cmagic star dust\u201d of Executive support for the PMO.<\/p>\n Infrastructure:<\/em>\u00a0 Build the basic PMO infrastructure.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 It\u2019s all about smart infrastructure.\u00a0 Clear executive support, great staff, sensible approach and the mountains will move\u2026<\/p>\n Roles & Responsibilities:<\/em>\u00a0 Understand the different roles and responsibilities of all involved in project management.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0\u00a0While individual stars can pull off a project, it takes a village to move an entire project agenda.<\/p>\n Tools:<\/em>\u00a0 Provide both Executive reporting tools and tools\/methods to manage projects.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 Simple, effective reporting and meaningful review of the report almost by itself creates the incentive for behavioral\/cultural change to move the entire agenda.<\/p>\n Project Start-up:<\/em>\u00a0 Provide direction, support, education, and tools on successful project start-up.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 This is one of the base core value-adds of a PMO.<\/p>\n Priorities:<\/em>\u00a0 Require Executive decision-making to prioritize the project agenda.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 Less is more.\u00a0 Focus means success.\u00a0 Moving a few key projects hard and fast will create momentum and results.<\/p>\n Post-Launch:<\/em>\u00a0 Provide post-PMO launch services and activities that add value.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 Be creative with building the common understanding of the project agenda and the work involved.\u00a0 Communicate, communicate, communicate \u2013 you just can\u2019t do it enough.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll talk about a few of these in more detail over the next few days.\u00a0 In the meantime, keep your goals focused, your requirements simple and your activities methodical.\u00a0 Shout out each and every accomplishment \u2013 with volume and pride.\u00a0<\/p>\n