LEADING WITH POWER IN A PROJECT BASED ORGANIZATION

Abstract

Leading with power in a project based organization is about earning legitimacy in complex organizational settings. Years of experience, including having fun and applying passion, persistence, and patience, enabled us to get better results from project-based work. This paper guides PMs and their managers to discover and create a more project-friendly environment. Examples and insights illustrate how to create win-win political victories. Project management is about getting results, and that requires power. Projects are the means to create value, so a project based organization consists of people and attitudes that supports its project managers. Becoming a more effective project manager means develop the ability to: • Articulate the value of projects to the organization • Enthusiastically embrace the tenets of a PBO • Articulate the value of projects to the organization • Enthusiastically embrace the tenets of a PBO • Assess your environment and sources of inspiration • Create an environment for successful projects • Discover and lead a change process • Design an effective project office (even if it’s a Project Office of One) • Achieve excellence in project sponsorship Keywords: Project Based Organization, Power