We continue our blog series recapping key takeaways from International Project Management Day in this Part 2 blog focusing on transforming project delivery with a new approach. As part of International Project Management (IPM) Day 2024, Joe Pusz, “PMO Joe,” delivered an engaging presentation titled Treating the Source of Poor Project Delivery. In this live event celebrating the project management profession, Joe explored why many projects fail and introduced a fresh approach to overcoming these challenges: Organizational Project Delivery (OPD).
Why Do Projects Fall Short?
The session began with addressing the reality that most projects fail to meet expectations. Referencing insights from Forbes and CIO, Joe highlighted “inattentive blindness” as a root cause - a phenomenon where extreme focus on solving specific issues blinds us to obvious solutions already within our reach. This “Project Management Blindness,” hinders our ability to take a holistic view of project delivery.
The OPD Journey: A Systems Dynamics Approach
In the session, Joe introduced Organizational Project Delivery (OPD) as the remedy for systemic project delivery failures. Rooted in System Dynamics, this methodology models the relationships between all parts of an organization’s ecosystem and illustrates how they influence behavior over time. By leveraging data and technology, OPD fosters a comprehensive understanding of organizational processes and enables effective management of change.
From Blindness to Breakthroughs
One of the standout moments of the presentation was Joe’s alignment of OPD principles with Tony Robbins' quote: “All personal breakthroughs begin with a change in beliefs.” This mindset shift is central to OPD, challenging organizations to reimagine their project delivery frameworks.
Why OPD Matters
The session outlined how OPD shifts organizations away from reactive, “accidental” project management practices. Key elements include:
- Organization Structure: Building integrated, cross-functional teams.
- Feedback Loops: Establishing intentional and iterative processes.
- Capability Development: Elevating organizational maturity in project delivery.
The Path Forward
As Joe wrapped up the session, sharing key findings from The PMO Squad’s 2024 PMO Research Report, showcasing the measurable benefits of OPD. For instance, organizations that adopted OPD saw 87% utilization of project and portfolio management (PPM) software features at advanced stages, a testament to its effectiveness.
The presentation was a rallying cry for project professionals to confront inattentive blindness and embrace systemic approaches like OPD. The vision for a future where project management exceeds its traditional limitations resonated deeply with the audience, making this a highlight of IPM Day 2024 and a top 10 attended session of the day! You can still catch the session on-demand till February 10th - use code PMOSQUAD for $12 off event access.
What’s Next?
If you’re inspired by this approach and eager to learn more, explore the OPD methodology further. Let’s celebrate project management not just as a profession but as a catalyst for transformative change in organizations worldwide.
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