If your PMO isn't talking Change, then it's only doing half the job!

I am a big fan of coaching and resource based Program and Project Management Offices who also provide consultative Quality Assurance  services on programs. Project management is such a great discipline and complimented well by Change Management. Mix that with the Business Analysis function and you have a well rounded discipline that would serve any organisation well. So does your PMO currently have any Change expertise or include Business Analysis support?

Following are just some of the benefits of including Change functions in a PMO:

1) Prioritisation

If you have a PMO that isn't assessing the Program of work based on benefits and impact to stakeholders, to assist with advising on strategic prioritisation then its not offering the right level of support.

After all if you are prioritising based on simple ROI calculations but aren't discussing as a management team the timing of initiatives which ultimately impacts the resource used to deliver the projects as well as realised benefits, then a shift in conversation is necessary. 

2) Staff morale

Any organisation needs to reconcile the need to deliver with ensuring all staff and client indicators aren't compromised as a result. It is a well rounded conversation especially for small to medium sized businesses where the lack of discussion about these links will result in burn out and 'change fatigue'.

3) Improved ROI on projects

Many projects sadly don't evaluate their programs to review whether initial ROI indicators have been met. It is a sign of an organisation that thrives on continual improvement whether benefits are focused on and brutally honest conversations are had. That being said when Change management functions are given as much credence as delivery functions, then the conversation is had regarding embedding the change, and performance indicators to show that the change has been embedded are a measure of success. Ultimately this should result in a constantly improving ROI on any programs that are given priority.

Time for a review?

So get the best from your PMO function and insist that Change expertise as well as Business analysis functions are viewed as a partner function or one that needs to standardised and supported by the PMO. That way you will be making the most of a critical function in your organisation.