1 managing projects as a consultant how to quickly succeed in a new and unknown environment!...
TRANSCRIPT
1
Managing Projects Managing Projects as a Consultantas a Consultant
How to quickly succeed in a new and
unknown environment!
©Copyright 2002 Casey Worthington & Bruce Robertson
2
Agenda Introduction PM Consulting Defined The Psychology of Consulting Adapting to the Customer Politics and Culture Customer Business Practices Survival Techniques – What not to do ! Summary Questions and Answers
3
What you will learn Understand the differences between in-house, vendor,
and independent based project management
How to quickly assess and understand a new customer environment
How to establish and build political alliances to ensure the viability of the project – and your success
Discover and diffuse hidden landmines, which could potentially de-rail your project
Quickly adapt to both formal and informal environments
4
Introduction Casey Worthington, PMP Bruce Robertson, PMP
“PM” is defined as Project Management, Project Managers
Presentation examples are drawn from experience in the IT Industry
The presentation is primarily geared for In-House Project Managers interested in pursuing a career as a PM Consultant
PM Consulting is here to stay
5
Agenda Introduction PM Consulting Defined The Psychology of Consulting Adapting to the Customer Politics and Culture Customer Business Practices Survival Techniques – What not to do ! Summary Questions and Answers
6
PM Consulting vs. Other types of Consulting
PM Practitioner, not Management Consulting for PMO’s etc.
Always a Project! Projects come with a Team Customer Expectations Framework, Standards, Methodology Extension of Management
7
PM Consulting: With a Vendor or as an Independent
Branding Support Network Compensation Training Career Path Market Variance Susceptibility Is “Bench Time” Unemployment?
8
PM Consultingas an Independent
The World of Head Hunters!– Who Owns the Relationship?– Marketing and Sales– Value Proposition– Loyalty and Self Interest– Restrictions on Future Business– Payment Pro’s & Con’s– Levels of Professionalism
9
PM: In-House Vs Consulting
Compensation Packages
Professional Credentials
Support and Allegiances
Higher Risk Projects
Inherently Temporary
Sales Hat
10
PM Role Matrix
Pro Con Common
In-House Stability, Comfort, Work Friendships, Career Path, Long Term Alliances
Compensation, New Challenges, Stagnation, Becoming Labeled
Vendor Consultant
Training Funds, Career Path, Support, Team, Compensation
Work Friendships, Stability and Comfort, more politics w/Vendor and Customer, potential for Scapegoating
Sales Role, Temporary Postings, High Risk Projects
Independent Consultant
Revenue, Write Offs, Business Ownership, Schedule Flexibility
Training Costs, Career Path, Market Swings, Bench Time as Unemployment, Stability and Comfort, Work Friendships, Scapegoating
Head Hunters, Sales Role, Temporary Postings, High Risk Projects
11
PM Consultant Must Haves
Social Skills Professional Credentials Appearance and Wardrobe Confidence and Self Assurance Language Skills Ability to Interact at Multiple Levels Is Consulting Right for You?
12
Agenda Introduction PM Consulting Defined The Psychology of Consulting Adapting to the Customer Politics and Culture Customer Business Practices Survival Techniques – What not to do ! Summary Questions and Answers
13
The Psychology of Consulting
Foot always Half out the Door
No sense of Home or Stability
Feeling Alone
Acceptance of Customer Limitations
Can not Rest on Laurels
Weariness from Always Moving
Tough Role
14
Agenda Introduction PM Consulting Defined The Psychology of Consulting Adapting to the Customer Politics and Culture Customer Business Practices Survival Techniques – What not to do ! Summary Questions and Answers
15
Know your Customer
Consultants must Continuously Adapt to the Customer
Don’t expect the Customer to Change
Learn official Policies, Procedures and Practices quickly
Potential Contradiction in PM Consulting Mission
16
Adapting to the CustomerLevels of adapting required:
Turn Key Vendor Body Shop Vendor Independent
Higher
Lower
17
What not to Comprise or Change
Core Values
PM Principles
Assertiveness & Leadership
Don’t be afraid to say No …
… but with Options !
18
Agenda Introduction PM Consulting Defined The Psychology of Consulting Adapting to the Customer Politics and Culture Customer Business Practices Survival Techniques – What not to do ! Summary Questions and Answers
19
The Political Environment
Politics vs. Culture The Power of Influence vs. Formal
Authority 3 Levels of Politics
– Personal, professional and organizational
Establish Relationships at every Level Create Political Alliances
– Personal and business
20
Political - Tips and Techniques
General Awareness
You are an Expendable Resource
Cultivate Relationships at every Level of the Organization
Gate Keepers – Identify them Early & get to Know Them
Personal Power – you have it, use it !
21
The Cultural Landscape
Understand the Sector, Industry and Company you are working with
Become a Pocket Sociologist
Understand how Leadership is Practiced
Discover the Unwritten Rules and Attitudes
Attempt to Influence only once you Understand the Lay of the Land
Maintain your Own Style
22
Agenda Introduction PM Consulting Defined The Psychology of Consulting Adapting to the Customer Politics and Culture Customer Business Practices Survival Techniques – What not to do ! Summary Questions and Answers
23
Customer Business Practices
Must Work Within the Existing Context of the Customer’s Business Practices
Depends on the Type of Engagement: – Turnkey, body shop or independent
Working within an Existing PMO Reporting Structures Managing Multiple Parties
24
Agenda Introduction PM Consulting Defined The Psychology of Consulting Adapting to the Customer Politics and Culture Customer Business Practices Survival Techniques – What not to do ! Summary Questions and Answers
25
Survival Techniques:What not to do!
Don’t take politics and business matters personally Avoid negativity of any type Never take all the credit Avoid any forms of criticism Do not alienate internal stakeholders Avoid discussing or flaunting personal wealth Do not become emotionally engaged with project Avoid discussing your contract or engagement
details
26
Summary You must become a student of organizations
and their culture It is your job to adapt Be confident, true to yourself and always try
to add value Maintain your professionalism …
… let your work speak for itself Consulting is an exciting opportunity, which
will require all of your professional and social skills
27
What you have learned Understand the differences between in-house, vendor,
and independent based project management
How to quickly assess and understand a new customer environment
How to establish and build political alliances to ensure the viability of the project – and your success
Discover and diffuse hidden landmines, which could potentially de-rail your project
Quickly adapt to both formal and informal environments
28
QuestionsQuestions ??
29
Presented by:
Casey Worthington, [email protected]
Bruce Robertson, [email protected]
Thank You !