Effective Programme Management: The Need for Unique Competencies

Programme management is an essential discipline that differs from project management and portfolio management, and requires a unique set of competencies. The Levin-Ward Competency Model defines programme management as “the coordinated management of projects and change management activities to achieve beneficial change.” It involves the management of multiple projects, alignment with business strategy, and delivery of benefits. As businesses become more complex and competitive, the need for effective programme management becomes increasingly important.

The Talent Triangle: The Ideal Skill Set for Programme Managers

The Talent Triangle framework developed by PMI highlights the ideal skill set required for today’s increasingly complex and competitive global marketplace. This combination of technical, leadership, and strategic and business management expertise is essential for elevating the value of a project or programme manager as a strategic partner in business success.

#1 Technical Skills: Essential for Project and Programme Management

Technical skills are essential for project and programme management. Project and programme managers must have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of their projects and programmes, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and quality management. They must also be familiar with relevant regulations, industry standards, and best practices.

#2 Leadership Skills: Crucial for Success in Programme Management

Research shows that additional competencies in leadership, business intelligence, and strategic management are crucial for success in programme management. These competencies include communication, leading, building relationships, negotiation, thinking critically, facilitating, mentoring, and embracing change. Effective programme managers must be able to inspire and motivate their teams, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and navigate complex organisational structures.

#3    Strategic and Business Management Skills: Essential for Elevating the Value of Programme Managers

Strategic and business management skills are also essential for effective programme management. Programme managers must be able to align their programmes with business strategy, understand market trends and customer needs, and make informed decisions based on data and analytics. They must also be able to manage budgets and resources effectively, and measure and report on programme performance.

Personal Competencies for Effective Programme Management

To become an effective programme manager, it is necessary to develop personal competencies that align with the Levin-Ward Competency Model. These include communication, leading, building relationships, negotiation, thinking critically, facilitating, mentoring, and embracing change. Each competency will be covered in a separate article in this series, providing insights and personal tips on how to improve in each area.

The Role of an Intelligent PMO in Programme Management

An intelligent PMO can greatly enhance programme management by utilizing technology and data analytics to optimize programme performance, enhance communication, and provide strategic insights. This results in greater efficiency, cost savings, and improved project outcomes. The benefits of an intelligent PMO include:

• Improved decision-making: By providing real-time data and analytics, an intelligent PMO enables programme managers to make informed decisions and adjust their programmes as needed.
• Enhanced communication: An intelligent PMO enables programme managers to communicate more effectively with stakeholders, and facilitates collaboration and knowledge-sharing among team members.
• Greater efficiency and cost savings: An intelligent PMO automates routine tasks, streamlines processes, and identifies opportunities for cost savings.
• Improved project outcomes: By optimizing programme performance, an intelligent PMO helps to ensure that programmes deliver their intended benefits and achieve their strategic objectives.

The Importance of Developing Personal Competencies for Effective Programme Management

In conclusion, effective programme management necessitates a unique set of competencies distinct from project and portfolio management. Developing personal competencies aligned with the Levin-Ward Competency Model is essential for success, and an intelligent PMO can significantly enhance programme performance. Follow this article series to deepen your understanding of programme management competencies and improve your effectiveness as a programme manager.

Join our LinkedIn Group for Programme Management Insights

As a professional mentor with Project-Mentors™, I am committed to supporting the development of programme management competencies in the next generation of project and programme managers. I invite you to join our LinkedIn group to share and discuss ideas on talent management, programme management, and other topics related to project management.

Cheers, Peter