Summary

Project Management: A Cowboy's Perspective on Today's Landscape

In this special 40th episode, Alexander Kagl and Mark Lehner, the Project Management Cowboys, share their seasoned perspectives on the ever-evolving world of project management. With over 300 years of combined experience, these two consultants, trainers, and former PMI chapter presidents dive deep into the current state of the industry, offering a constructive yet irreverent take on everything from agile methodologies to the future of PMOs.

The Evolution of Project Management

Reflecting on their early experiences, both Alexander and Mark highlight the significant shift in project management approaches. Alexander recalls his initial projects being heavily focused on documentation, Excel sheets, and rigid processes, with little emphasis on the human element. Mark's early experiences were similar, characterized by "project management by the seat of your pants."

"It was really about filling in Excel sheets and word files...no really taking care about humans, no really taking care about feelings about change." - Alexander Kagl

The Consulting Conundrum: Value or Vanity?

The discussion then turns to the role of consultants in project management. The cowboys explore whether companies hire consultants for genuine expertise or simply to obtain a stamp of approval. They acknowledge the potential for arrogance and a lack of transparency within some consulting firms, emphasizing the importance of consultants asking questions and facilitating rather than dictating.

Mark recounts his initial reluctance to become a consultant, driven by negative experiences with top-down approaches and a perceived lack of transparency. He highlights the importance of consultants being able to tell clients what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear.

"A consultant doesn't have to know everything and a consultant can't know everything. You don't know better than the client. Your job is not to know. Your job is to ask questions." - Mark Lehner

The discussion also touches on the changing mandate for consultants, noting the increasing complexity of issues facing leaders today, including ESG, data insurance, and AI. The cowboys suggest that consultants can serve as valuable sparring partners, helping leaders navigate these complex landscapes and translate technical jargon into actionable strategies.

Agile vs. Waterfall: The Religious Wars

Addressing the ongoing debate between agile and waterfall methodologies, Alexander and Mark express their frustration with the often dogmatic nature of the discussion. They emphasize the importance of focusing on successful implementation and delivering value, rather than getting bogged down in semantic arguments.

"At the end of the day, it's about putting things into practice, implementing projects...just get the things done." - Alexander Kagl

Mark acknowledges the value of agile principles in addressing weaknesses in traditional project management, particularly in fostering more dynamic communication between stakeholders. However, he criticizes the renaming of existing concepts, which he believes contributes to confusion and hinders valuable conversation.

The PMO: Evolution or Extinction?

The podcast delves into the role and future of Project Management Offices (PMOs). Alexander and Mark discuss the historical context of project offices, emphasizing their crucial role in providing administrative support and expertise to project managers. They explore the reasons why many PMOs struggle to maintain relevance, including a lack of sponsorship, interference with executive egos, and difficulties in integrating with existing organizational processes.

They highlight the importance of PMOs demonstrating clear value and adapting to the evolving needs of the organization. The cowboys praise America Pinto's work with the PMOGA, emphasizing his focus on delivering value and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

"The only thing that matters are do you know who your clients are? And are you delivering value? And is the value that you're being delivered, is it seen, is it acknowledged and appreciated?" - Mark Lehner

Defining Project Success

The discussion concludes with a critical examination of project success. Alexander and Mark emphasize the importance of aligning project outcomes with overall business impact and strategic organizational goals. They acknowledge the limitations of traditional metrics, such as on-time, on-budget, and on-scope, and advocate for a more holistic approach that considers long-term benefits and value creation.

Conclusion: A Call for Pragmatism and Value

The Project Management Cowboys' 40th podcast episode offers a refreshing and insightful perspective on the current state of project management. By emphasizing the importance of pragmatism, value creation, and a focus on the human element, Alexander and Mark provide valuable guidance for project management leaders navigating today's complex business landscape. Whether you're a seasoned PMO leader or a project manager just starting out, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to elevate their project management game.