This interview with a project manager, took place during the 2017 PMI® PMO Symposium® and was conducted and condensed by Kyle Brownell.

Q. This event focuses on two key topics: Agile transformation and the evolving PMO. Can you speak to the importance of those topics for PMO’s today?

A: Agile is important because of the ability to be flexible. I like what they talked about over the last couple days … about it being more about agility, than Agile methods. I am enjoying that the discussion has been about leadership skills, good communication, and stakeholder management. We can all see that the PMO is really about managing resources and making sure chosen projects support strategic goals.

Q. Are there any specific takeaways from the sessions you have attended that you will bring back to help your PMO or organization?

A: One fact stands out that has really been reinforced here. That is, what I know from my experience plays into a larger environment. It really is all about relationships, about communication, and about setting priorities and helping people see the reason these priorities are helping the company be agile. I love the quote, “If the outside world is more agile than we are flexible inside our organization, it’s really a symptom of failure for the company because the world is changing so fast.”

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