TEPM 045: Mastering The Skill Of Secure and Consistent Project Delivery

In this episode, I talk with Karen Ditz, PMP, commercial manager, and Phil Tunnah, P.E., operations director, from Stanley Consultants about the importance of consistent project delivery and adapting program management strategies to meet various client needs. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Karen and Philip: How important is it to maintain consistent project delivery practices, and what impact does this have on an organization's project success? How important is it to maintain consistent practices across all projects to ensure the team understands the scope, schedule, and budget? In consulting, how does program management help address client needs like growth, compliance, and infrastructure challenges? Are there any other client business drivers or program management challenges you'd like to discuss? How can project managers customize their approach to meet specific client needs while maintaining consistency, especially in larger projects with multiple stakeholders? How does empathy for clients' and stakeholders' challenges influence your approach as a project manager? What strategies do you use to connect with clients and build relationships early on in projects? What approaches to program management does Stanley use, and what program strategies promote operational and project delivery efficiencies? What final advice would you offer engineering professionals aiming to transition into project management? Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Mastering The Skill Of Secure and Consistent Project Delivery: Maintaining consistent project delivery practices is vital for an organization's project success, as it ensures coordination, accountability, and informed decision-making across all teams. This consistency leads to smoother operations and better outcomes, regardless of the project's size. Consistent practices across all projects are crucial for ensuring that the team fully understands the scope, schedule, and budget. This approach streamlines operations, enhances communication, and ensures that projects are completed successfully and efficiently. In consulting, program management addresses growth, compliance, and infrastructure challenges by efficiently coordinating projects. This ensures aligned costs, schedules, and practices, leading to effective solutions. Projects within the portfolio are efficiently delivered within the program's framework, addressing any client business drivers and program management challenges. Project managers can tailor their approach by incorporating empathy and data-driven insights to understand and address specific client needs. Empathy for clients' and stakeholders' challenges drives the project manager's approach, emphasizing understanding and addressing their needs. This approach enhances communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement, contributing to successful project outcomes. Connecting with clients and building relationships early in projects involves prioritizing open communication and active stakeholder engagement. Stanley focuses on thorough planning and clear objectives from the start of projects, using strategies like "well begun is half done" and "start with the end in mind." They prioritize organizational alignment, process adaptation, and transparent systems to improve operational and project delivery efficiency. For engineers moving into project management, focus on flexibility, communication skills, and patience. Recognize team strengths, keep learning, and document rigorously for better problem-solving throughout projects. More Details in This Episode… About Karen Ditz,