PMTip - PM Framework Training not for PMs

If project managers are only 1% of the team why don't we focus on training the other team members of our projects?  We live in a world of flatter org design, every team member is a valuable part.

CRITICAL:  A Framework acts as the common platform from which all project related communications, governance and workflow is delivered - and easily aligns across all industries and all departments.  Imagine if we all were on the same page.

At a minimum, the PM Framework should be fully understood by every single role (management, front line, analysts, officers, accounting, financials, audit, safety, sales, marketing, legal, maintenance, etc). 90% of all students within Framework focused training, conferences, seminars, etc. should be attended by non-PM type roles. Reminder:  they do not need the 5 day PMP training, but they do need the 4-8 hour Fundamentals that covers the ENTIRE framework and not just 1 or 2 knowledge areas.


The beautiful thing is that a best practice framework already exists and is proven for decades, and is now getting the publicity it deserves.  It is even going mainstream (outside the PM office and into the business and operations offices).  That framework is from the Project Management Institute (www.pmi.org).

It is critical to understand what a framework is, then you also can understand what Project Management Training is needed for the entire team.

A framework covers all the main aspects of project management, starting with the phases or stages of a typical project.  These phases/stages describe how you "flow" through a project.  The simplest would be to say "start - middle - end". However, our framework says " Initiate - Plan - Execute - Monitor & Control - Close".

These phases/stages help to understand how to move through a project lifecycle and be focused on different things during different stages.  E.g. early stages we focus on questions of "Why, Who Leads, What High Level and How Aligned", then in late stages we focus on the details of "What and then How to deliver on the What".

The second part of a framework are the iteratively occurring "knowledge areas" - always bouncing around in our heads, helping us focus in and out on a specific area of the project.  Essentially, each knowledge areas can be considered a Section of your Master Project Plan (all the headings of a great Project Plan). 

Always remember that acronym, S-T-C  Q-H-C  R-I-P-S   and be aware, if something changes on one area, then likely it has impacted almost all the other areas.  Each one of these knowledge areas should have a well-documented subsidiary plan which can be pulled out of the master plan and discussed, and thus enables the "Entire TEAM" to help monitor, control and manage it.

For details of the Knowledge Areas (left side) and the Phases/Stages/Process Groups (across the top) please see below:




EXTRA Sub-Plans:
In addition to the 10 Knowledge Areas above, don't forget the customized ones we have added but not on this grid, including:

S-C-E-F    R-R

Safety, Claims, Environment, Financials
Records, Relationships.

Note: for more details on the framework, see past blogs titled:
Tools - Project Plan Template with 16 KAs
Tools - Project Plan Template with 16 KAs


ACTION ITEMS :-)
Save/Copy the picture image above, print it out, have it handy at all times, give copies to your team during your kick off meetings, spread the word to your entire organization.  Identify custom training that can meet your needs and cover the framework for all team members (I can recommend many!!). We all will have a more structured approach, more consistent expectations and thus less stress and more success.


PMTip - Project Inspiration & Performance

Often we over analyze & complicate things, especially if a project is going side-ways.  Another approach is to own your accountabilities, dig deeper, get inspired, then simplify and get your job done.

See video which relates this to us doing it at the early ages, and still not learning as we become adults...



If we have a plan, then there should be less worry and anxiety to get the job done.  There will be slight deviations, but that is when we need to be clear on our role, responsibility, accountabilty and then use our best tool .... our brain and our heart..... and then get it done.  We need to find our own mini-battles and win every one of them.  Cumulatively, all mini-battles will deliver a successful project.

This does not mean when drastic change comes into play, that follows a strong Change Control or Change Management System.  This can be seen as configuration management, where there are always slight variances to the plan, of which good resources should be able to manage.

PS:  take a look at this link, find the ones that relate to you, for short periods of time when you need the  boost, use it as a screen saver, print if off.....

Inspirational Quotes & Images



Know your job - find inspiration - believe in yourself - dig deeper - get it done!