It’s a law of nature: adapt or die. The same is true in business. An Agile PMO structure subverts rigid, traditional project management to focus on adaptability. It should empower teams to tackle projects with fewer roadblocks and greater dexterity – or agility. Read on to learn more about how adopting an Agile PMO approach can help your business thrive.
What is an Agile PMO, Exactly?
Distinct from traditional project management methods, an Agile PMO aims to increase the efficacy and efficiency of project delivery. Adopting a decentralized approach to managing project health instead of an old-fashioned top-down approach reduces the time spent waiting for approval. With less focus on set-in-stone procedures, teams can do what they need to in order to provide valuable results.
The Agile PMO structure is a dynamic approach to project management. It recognizes that rigid structures can limit a team’s ability to produce quality results in a timely manner. As a result, its goal is to provide value throughout the project lifecycle.
It does so by establishing clear deliverables at each step and leveraging collaborative work management. Agile project management promotes a creative, solution-oriented mindset by removing barriers to success and creating a more fluid, functional system for tackling projects.
Become an Agile PMO, or Become Obsolete
Flexibility and timely adaptation are key for businesses striving to remain relevant in an ever-changing marketplace. Resistance to change is a recipe for failure. By adopting an Agile PMO methodology, organizations can ensure they are resilient and ready for the unique needs of each project.
Delivering value should be the ultimate goal of any PMO, and inelastic processes can create unnecessary hoops to jump through. The Agile transformation process may take some effort, but when done right, it can set the stage for long-term success for project-oriented organizations.
Agile PMO Structure & Goals
The fundamental goal of a well-organized Agile PMO is to deliver maximum value while accruing minimal risk. By prioritizing collaboration, adaptability, and creative problem-solving, PMOs can be more responsive and attuned to organizational needs.
An Agile PMO has no definitive head or lead. Instead, it relies on decentralized decision-making, meaning that responsibilities vary depending on the project. Various team members may be responsible for different aspects of a project, collaborating and supporting one another throughout the process.
The Agile approach is a great option for businesses keen on innovation. It cultivates an adaptive mindset and accelerates workflows without sacrificing efficiency.
Key Benefits of Adopting an Agile PMO Approach
While it may be clear by now that there are many “pros” to adopting an Agile PMO structure, here are some of the core reasons it is becoming an increasingly popular methodology:
Flexibility
Business agility is a key factor in an entity’s ability to remain competitive and competent in a volatile economic ecosystem. Viewing projects through a dynamic, adaptable lens means that you can address the unique needs of each task, team, and client.
Team Empowerment
The Agile PMO structure enables teams to perform tasks effectively by eliminating the prominence of top-down controls.
A key principle of this method is allowing teams to self-organize and operate. The goal is to maximize their ability to deliver results on time and within budget. Using the right PPM software can help your team maintain clear communication and maximize collaboration.
Reduced Risk
The Agile approach enables PMOs to prioritize projects and allocate resources with a more realistic view of project scope and requirements.
Uncertainties and risks are unavoidable in project management. The Agile method aims to mitigate those risks by focusing on how to create the most value quickly, even with limited resources. In doing so, this approach helps you avoid unpleasant surprises further down the road.
Constant Improvements
The nature of the Agile method prompts PMOs to constantly evaluate and tailor their practices to each project, highlighting potential areas for improvement.
Visibility, transparency, and communication are cornerstones of an Agile PMO. This means that it can help maximize the potential for positive change and fruitful collaboration with an organization.
Increased Client Satisfaction
Client involvement and collaboration throughout the project management process is what makes the Agile method work.
Aligning expectations is crucial to developing an effective project roadmap. An Agile PMO keeps clients in the loop so they can see results and key developments as the project progresses. This nurtures a closer client relationship, and the resulting transparency improves overall customer satisfaction.
Make Your PMO Agile & Support Business Agility with Sciforma
Agility in a PMO requires smooth collaboration and even clearer communication. If you are ready to adopt the Agile PMO method, make sure your team has the tools they need to solve any problem that comes their way.
Sciforma’s portfolio and project management platform equips you with the information, analytics, and organizational software you need to tackle the ins and outs of every task. Reach out today to request a demo and see how Sciforma can help transform the way you manage projects.
