Human behavior: The key to PPM success

When it comes to Project Portfolio Management (PPM), success follows this formula: 20 percent of success is getting the process aspects right, and 80 percent is getting the human behavior aspects right. The problem is that the natural human response to change is resistance. For executives and senior managers, the introduction of PPM makes them feel like they have lost control, while middle managers and staff tend to feel less competent and confident because they are now required to follow a new process, with new forms and responsibilities. The solution: Welcome criticism, but shun unspecific and generalized disparaging comments and do it in public forums as much as possible. Have HR help write a contract to support change that spells out the expected role and expectations for a manager. Craft a communications plan that educates the organization on issues that justify the need for pursuing PPM, educate executives and managers on basic PPM terminology, train appropriate personnel, and provide forums to allow impacted employees to voice concerns and feedback.

Learn more about successful PPM:
- read the article at CIO Update