Contents

Our playbook is organized into the following sections:

1. Introduction: Sets the stage for the PMO journey, explains the intention behind this resource and the problems it aims to solve, and provides suggestions on how to navigate and employ the information, tools, and templates in this toolkit.
2. Understanding Project Management Offices: Provides a comprehensive understanding of Project Management Offices (PMOs) – what they are, the different types, and the critical role they play in organizational success.
3. Setting Up a PMO: Explores how to articulate and justify the business case for establishing a PMO. This step is crucial in gaining the necessary buy-in and support from your organization’s leadership and other stakeholders.
4. PMO Governance Structure: Delves into the various aspects of PMO governance, providing insights and practical guidance on creating a robust governance structure. It defines what PMO governance is and why it is critical for a PMO’s success; discusses the role of the PMO steering committee; and explores how to set up effective reporting processes and structures, enabling the PMO to monitor and communicate its performance effectively.
5. Designing the PMO: Guides you through the key aspects of designing a PMO. Starting with understanding the different types of PMOs and choosing the right one for your organization. It includes creating an optimal PMO structure; defining roles and responsibilities within the PMO; designing PMO processes and methodologies; and selecting the right tools and systems to support PMO operations.
6. Running the PMO: Delves into the key aspects of running a PMO, including operational processes, continuous improvement efforts to enhance the PMO’s effectiveness, and handling PMO transitions and change management.
7. PMO Tools and Techniques: The essential tools and techniques for a PMO, including different types of project management software, techniques for effective project management, and the use of data and analytics in project management.
8. Software Tools for PMOs: An exploration of some of the key dedicated project management tools that can help streamline project planning and tracking.
9. PMO Templates and Checklists: Delves into the essential templates and checklists that every Project Management Office (PMO) should consider using in order to equip you with practical tools that can be easily adapted to your unique context and needs.
10. PMO Performance Metrics: Delves into the importance of identifying the right performance metrics and demonstrates how they can guide your PMO toward better project outcomes, increased efficiency, and enhanced alignment with strategic goals.
11. Staffing the PMO: Delves into the key aspects of staffing a PMO, including the roles typically found from the PMO Director to Project Managers and support staff, and their responsibilities and required skills. This section also examines best practices in hiring and developing your PMO team, including the importance of ongoing training and professional development.
12. Building a PMO Culture: Explores the importance of building a positive, collaborative, and learning-centered culture within the PMO. Delves into strategies to foster team collaboration, the importance of creating a learning environment that encourages continuous growth, and essential traits for the dynamic and evolving nature of project management.
13. PMO Communication Strategies: Explores the role of communication in a PMO context. We’ll start by highlighting the importance of effective communication, focusing on its role in enhancing collaboration, managing expectations, reducing ambiguity, and promoting a culture of transparency and openness.
14. PMO Evolution and Maturity: Explores the concept of PMO evolution and maturity in depth, delving into the different stages of PMO maturity, the key indicators of each stage, and the factors that influence the transition from one level of maturity to the next. This section also discusses the concept of continuous improvement, providing you with practical tips to help your PMO enhance its practices and grow its capabilities over time.
15. PMO Closure: Guides you through the process of PMO Closure, exploring the steps to wind down a PMO in a structured and controlled manner, ensuring that all knowledge and assets are suitably captured, all obligations and responsibilities are appropriately transferred, and all stakeholders are adequately informed.
16. Appendix: Provides appendices including PMO-related Acronyms and Abbreviations, Email Templates, and Sample Job Postings.