Discover how project management and change management 'fit' together

If you have worked on projects as a Change or Project Manager, you know this happens. Tensions run high when a Project Manager doesn't understand the role of a Change Manager and vice versa. In fact while recruiting Project Managers I ask whether they have worked with Change Managers before to assess the ability of the Project Manager in understanding what their role is. If tension does arise and if the Sponsor isn't sure who should do what, it doesn't help much either. Recently I wrote an article about the need for the PMO to also advocate for the Change discipline, as often the PMO may be asked for clarity by the Sponsor. So if the PMO doesn't know then everyone is flying blind.

Many stakeholders don't understand how Change management and Project management compliment and actually rely on each other. When both are employed well, the results you achieve are significant. The quality of project or program delivery is exceptional. However when tensions are high from a lack of understanding as to roles and responsibilities, or a project manager doesn't know what to ask of a change manager or when, then this can spell D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R. To avoid this, project and change managers require a shared understanding of who does what and when, and always take a team based approach.

To assist both Project Sponsors, Project Managers and Change Managers who are new to their discipline when we have put together a quick skill session to answer that very question. So if you want to solve the puzzle, then just download this video and see for yourself. It will be a great convo starter with your respective team members, and be a constructive one at that!

 Ultimately just remember that communication is critical for everyone involved!

If you find this download handy, feel free to share the link to this article to others to share this level of understanding. If you are a member this is in your skills sessions section.