You’re a program manager who wants to excel. What are the best practices to follow?

As a program manager, it’s vital to understand the structure of the program and the cross-project, cross-program dependencies. As stated in 7-habits, begin with an end in mind - what the program is expected to deliver along with why and how of that delivery.

The first step to achieving success in project and/or program management is to clarify the objectives, scope and stakeholders involved in the project/program. Based on this information, establish the critical milestones to be achieved, as well as the form and flow of communication with the related stakeholders. Always keep in mind the target of aggregated value to the business. A good way is to identify indicators that reflect the value of the project/program for the business and align them with the stakeholders. This way, management will be transparent and effective for the entire chain involved.

Excelling as a programme manager starts with aligning every aspect of the programme with the organisation's vision and objectives. I ensure clear communication of expected outcomes, benefits, and value to all stakeholders, grounding every decision and plan in the strategic priorities of the organisation. This alignment guides my prioritisation, scoping, and monitoring of activities, ensuring each step contributes meaningfully towards our shared goals.

In addition to ensuring alignment with the vision, I will also focus on finding ways of delivering the capability or capabilities rapidly so that organisations can reap the benefits of the change early as possible. This will involve a true and accurate understanding of risks and benefits from the beginning and through out.

For me as a program manager aiming to step up, I've learned that keeping communication crystal clear, encouraging teamwork, and being open to change are key strategies for success!

Clear Communication: Explain IT topics plainly to all involved, avoiding technical jargon. For instance, when updating software, clarify benefits, risks, and impacts on work. Strategic Planning: Create a clear roadmap for projects, like defining app features, deadlines, and budgets. Risk Management: Identify and address potential issues early, such as technical glitches or security risks in website development. Throughout the process, don’t get pigeonholed into building a solution which works amazing in just one specific scenario. Stakeholder Engagement: Keep stakeholders happy and involved. Involve stakeholders like users and clients in decision-making and updates to ensure their needs are met, preventing project failures.

Ensure that your program objectives and activities are closely aligned with the overall vision and goals of your organization. Regularly communicate the program's alignment with the broader strategic priorities to stakeholders and team members to maintain focus and momentum.

Rightly said, aligning with the organisation's vision is key to steering a Program effectively. From my experience, clear communication of this vision can make a world of difference in team engagement and the overall success of a project. I've always found it helpful to revisit these goals regularly to keep everything on track.

Firstly, it's crucial to establish clear objectives and expectations with stakeholders. This ensures everyone is on the same page. Regular updates through concise reports or meetings keep everyone informed of progress and any hurdles encountered. Active listening is key; understanding concerns and feedback fosters trust and collaboration. Moreover, adapt your communication style to suit different audiences, ensuring clarity and engagement. Lastly, don't underestimate the power of transparency—be honest about challenges and successes alike. By prioritizing effective communication, you create a solid foundation for success in program management.

Prioritize clear and transparent communication with stakeholders, team members, and other relevant parties. Use a variety of communication channels and methods to convey information, updates, and expectations effectively. Listen actively to feedback and concerns, and address them proactively to foster trust and collaboration.

In large or complex projects, it can be helpful to pull together a stakeholder map of different personas to track different perspectives, expectations, and specific actions, messages, etc. This can also be extremely helpful in aligning with as well as delegating to other team members and setting expectations for work as well as gathering feedback in an organized way as you roll out various initiatives or deliverables. For example, to understand where you are connecting, and where you still have work to do in communication, results, or both.

Effective communication is crucial to project success. Tailoring communication to meet stakeholders' diverse needs and using the right tools, like dashboards or detailed reports, keeps everyone on the same page and fosters engagement. Regular check-ins can help prevent issues from turning into roadblocks.

To excel as a program manager, establish clear goals aligned with organizational strategy, engage stakeholders, and maintain effective communication. Build a strong, empowered team, and foster continuous learning. Proactively manage risks with thorough assessments and mitigation plans. Optimize resource allocation, monitor performance through KPIs, and adapt to changes with agile methodologies. Maintain comprehensive documentation, transparent reporting, and a feedback loop for continuous improvement. Stay informed of industry trends, network with peers, and balance work and personal life to sustain long-term success.

Managing dependencies and risks is crucial for program success. Dependency maps and risk registers ensure transparency and prevent oversights.

Identify and document program dependencies, risks, and constraints early in the planning process. Develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans to address potential risks and minimize their impact on program delivery. Regularly monitor and reassess dependencies and risks throughout the program lifecycle, adapting plans as needed to ensure successful outcomes.

Empowering your team with trust and providing a set of skills required to perform a certain function is the best way to excel

Effective project management goes beyond technical skills - it requires a strong foundation of human side traits that drive success. Leadership abilities, coupled with empathy, building immense trust and rapport within the team, providing adequate support such as exposure to different situations / contexts, delegating tasks as per their skill set keep team motivation level high thereby enhance morale and overall performance. One of the most overlooked things that project managers often fail to do is to focus on the scope of continuous learning and improvement, which otherwise helps empower project managers to evolve and adapt in dynamic and evolving situations.

By empowering team members to make decisions, take ownership of tasks, and contribute their expertise, a program manager cultivates a high-performing team capable of innovating, problem-solving, and achieving project success.

Delegate responsibilities and decision-making authority to team members, empowering them to take ownership of their work and contribute to the program's success. Provide support, resources, and opportunities for professional development to help team members grow and excel in their roles. Foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and accountability within the team to maximize performance and morale.

Drawing from my experience, I would advise struggling programme managers to prioritise team empowerment. Equip your team with the necessary resources and guidance, and ensure they receive constructive feedback. It's essential to foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and accountability. This approach not only strengthens internal dynamics but also enhances stakeholder relations. Remember, acknowledging and celebrating your team's successes is incredibly important. Such recognition not only motivates but also affirms their contributions towards achieving programme objectives.

Equip individuals and team by enhancing their capacity on six fundamentals 1.meeting effectiveness, 2.program planning and implementation, 3. Problem solving, 4.voice of stakeholder, 5.Managing change 6. Visualization. Bring best practices from high performing organization's across the sector to deliver results effectively and efficiently.

Remain flexible and adaptable in response to changing priorities, requirements, and circumstances. Continuously monitor program performance and outcomes, and be willing to adjust plans and strategies as needed to achieve desired results. Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and learning, where team members are encouraged to share lessons learned and best practices.

Invest in your own professional development by seeking out opportunities for training, certifications, and skill-building relevant to program management. Seek feedback from supervisors, peers, and team members to identify areas for growth and development. Actively network with other program managers, industry professionals, and thought leaders to expand your knowledge and expertise.

I completely agree! The journey of a program manager can be both difficult and fulfilling. It is essential to regularly update our skillset and expand our knowledge about the industry to remain relevant and effective.

Drawing from my own journey, advancing in programme management demands a proactive stance on career growth. It's a path where you can significantly influence organisational strategies and outcomes. My advice is to immerse yourself in continuous learning, expanding your expertise not just in programme management but also in your specific domain. Networking is invaluable; connecting with peers and seeking mentorship opens new perspectives and opportunities. Always be open to feedback—it's a cornerstone for development and excellence in this dynamic field.

Stakeholder engagement: Prioritize building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure their support and buy-in throughout the program lifecycle. Ethical leadership: Lead with integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior, setting a positive example for your team and fostering a culture of trust and respect. Work-life balance: Strive to maintain a healthy balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being to sustain long-term success and fulfillment in your role.

To excel as a program manager, focus on key practices: 1. Define Objectives: Clearly articulate what the program aims to achieve, aligning with organizational goals 2. Engage Stakeholders: Identify and maintain regular communication with all stakeholders, addressing their needs and expectations 3. Effective Communication: Develop a clear communication plan tailored to different audiences for optimal clarity. 4. Plan and Organize: Use comprehensive planning that includes timelines, resources, and milestones, utilizing project management tools for tracking. Adhering to these condensed practices enhances your effectiveness and success as a program manager.

Effective leadership entails sound decision-making through inspiring and guiding team members, fostering collaboration, and aligning efforts toward achieving project goals