Are Program Managers the new CEO?
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What is Program Management?
Program management is the process of managing several related projects, often with the intention of improving an organization's performance.
Along with CEOs, Program Management leaders will apply Whole Brain Thinking by fully leveraging one's own preferences, stretch to other quadrants when necessary, and adapt to and take advantage of the preferences of those around them to improve performance and results.
They posses key skills to Power-up from Big Picture Thinking and Selling the Vision, Superior Analytical Skills, Leadership and Team building, Communication, Influencing and Negotiating, Conflict Resolution, Stakeholder Management, Tool Mastery and Consolidation and can Plan with Precision to create successful outcomes.
Program managers organize multiple projects and prepare for how they influence one another. This requires an array of knowledge and skills related to project management, business, and organizational leadership.
Today, we want to share the sources of Program Management power and why we feel they are on track to becoming a CEO.
Key Areas On How Program Managers Are Powering-Up To Level-Up
Think Big And Can Sell A Compelling Vision
They are thoughtful in assessing and developing the vision and mission statement to sell the program vision and benefits to the various stakeholders.
Have Superior Analytical Skills
Possesses Technical mastery to—quickly and thoroughly—gather and integrate information then use big data to make the right decisions for both the customer and organization.
Are Good Leaders In Team Building
They know how to build the culture across the organization, collaborate with different domain areas within the company with the ability to build relationships with key leaders of influence to increase overall success.
Effective Communicators
Program managers stay connected in the midst of uncertainty. They practice being master communicators and can use their voice to communicate with stakeholders on the priorities, data analytics and methodologies to make the program successful.
Good At Influencing And Negotiating
They have political savviness and can Influence and negotiate what they want and need for the program. They’re all about getting people to agree on the substance to drive towards the best outcomes.
Know How To Deal With Conflict
They know how to confront conflict and address it head on. They understand increasing performance velocity, includes removing conflict early in order to accelerate decision-making and the program to move forward.
Good At Stakeholder Management
They are good diplomats and uses their skills to manage expectations; understand stakeholder desires, needs, and requirements; and seek to collaborate with them to get the job done.
Manage Planning With Precision
They will assess the situation and put their project plans together to manage the risks so they can match, and manage resources to execute those plans. They will document the program artifacts and keep them transparent for the rest of the organization to learn.
Tool Mastery And Consolidation
They will possess the toolkit and techniques acquired over the years and use them throughout the program life-cycle to solve problems, gather and analyze information and increase the productivity of the program.
Remember
The first step in gaining proficiency towards the CEO role is to consistently assess your current knowledge and skills along with discussing out loud your wins and fails. As we mentioned in previous posts, you will need to conduct monthly pivot-or-persevere meetings to understand what areas you need to work on; however, don't forget to also reinforce your superpowers. Too often we waste time working on our weaknesses, when in reality we would be better off focusing on improving our strengths.
Gain Insight Today
Our Portfolio Program Managers have gained a solid understanding on how to address your current needs based on where you are today and need to go tomorrow. We encourage all CEOs and leaders to invest in Program Managers that are agile and can coach and advise you on the inner flow of the company deliverables so you too can stay Powered-up.
If you need more insights, please SCHEDULE a 1-on-1 with me to learn how we use our Principle Program Managers to build your companyDNA.