PROGRAM & PROJECT MANAGER COACHING
“If you are a Senior Project Manager who is moving to the role of Program Manager,” states Suzanne McGugan, “you are taking one of the most significant leaps in the Project Management Profession.” And she should know. As Project Director of teams of up to 27 Project Managers, Chair of the Project Management Council at BMO Financial Group. and most recently through her Stakeholder Management training programs and Project/Program Manager coaching practice, Suzanne has successfully coached hundreds of Project/Program Mangers and has witnessed the common struggles they go through in making the transition.
Why is this such a difficult transition? Explains Suzanne, “The Project Manager role tends to focus primarily on process. Moving to a Program Manager role, means that the majority of the process role needs to be delegated and there is a shift in focus to communication, primarily to supporting and dealing with the Program's Key Stakeholders. This is what we refer to as “Stakeholder Management” or "Influencing without Authority" and this is where the true test of courage, confidence and commitment comes in." The shock of going from working almost solely with team members and a project sponsor, to dealing with several senior stakeholders, all with different perspectives and priorities, and usually far more seniority than you, can be stressful to even the most experienced Project Manager. Knowing what to expect and how to handle it means a much easier transition and faster buy-in/results.
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