Tailored for Success: Bespoke PMO Training

What is Bespoke PMO Training?

Bespoke PMO training goes beyond off-the-shelf modules. It’s about designing a tailored program that addresses the unique challenges and goals of an organisation. It considers the specific type of PMO in place, its objectives, and the existing expertise within the team. Ultimately, it’s a personalised approach that builds on the strengths of PMO professionals while addressing areas for growth.

Real-World Success Story

Case Study – Bespoke PMO Fundamentals Training

Delivering change in organisations through projects, programmes and portfolios is most often done with the use of a supporting PMO function and ensuring that the PMO is knowledgeable and skilled to support the myriad of change both now and in the future is crucial to successful change.

One leading UK retailer wanted to ensure their PMO function is able to overcome challenges and spot opportunities for improvement invested in a bespoke PMO Fundamentals Training program tailored to their own unique needs. This initiative didn’t just enhance their team’s knowledge but transformed their capabilities, setting them up for greater success. Here’s how this tailored training made all the difference.

The Challenge: Building Expertise

The retailer’s newly appointed Head of Portfolio Office faced a clear challenge: upskill their PMO team to support the rollout of innovative hubs and services aligned with their refreshed PMO vision. The team, comprising professionals new to projects, needed a strong foundation to thrive in their roles as project administrators.

Solution: Bespoke PMO Fundamentals Training

After an in-depth consultation to understand the organisation’s goals, PMO Learning developed a bespoke two-day workshop tailored to the retailer’s context and vision. The training program was based on the House of PMO Competency Framework and the PMO Service Catalogue, customised to reflect the retailer’s culture, terminology, and strategic objectives.

Course Highlights

The bespoke training focused on equipping participants with the essential skills and knowledge to establish and run an effective PMO. Key areas of learning included:

Building an Effective PMO
Understanding how to design a PMO using an Integrated PMO Model (IPM) to ensure alignment with organisational goals.
Defining PMO Services
Distinguishing between support-based and service-based PMOs to provide clarity on the scope and responsibilities of the office.
Operational Excellence in PMO Services
Learning how to implement and manage services that directly support the PMO vision.
Role Clarity and Competences
Exploring the various roles within a PMO, along with the essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to excel in them.
Cultural Alignment
Integrating the retailer’s values and behaviours into PMO practices to drive alignment and ensure long-term success.

Engaging Learning Through Practical Exercises

The workshop wasn’t just about theory—it included tailored exercises that encouraged participants to address their organisation’s specific challenges. These hands-on activities provided actionable insights and outputs that the team could immediately apply in their day-to-day roles.

Results and Outcome

The course highlighted the need for capability enhancements in their team (KPI’s, service catalogue etc.).
The exercises were collaborative and insightful, fostering good discussion and engagement.
The course felt like a comprehensive overview, covering the full A to Z of PMO fundamentals.
It highlighted the need to get closer to other PMO teams within the organisation.

“Eileen was a great trainer, allowed us to discuss and ask questions, and her knowledge is encyclopaedic, which added immense value to the course”.

This case study underscores the value of tailored PMO training in aligning teams with organisational objectives. Whether you’re building a PMO from the ground up or enhancing an existing one, bespoke training can provide the foundation your team needs to succeed.

Looking to upskill your PMO in a cost effective way? Contact us today to design a training program tailored to your needs and unlock the full potential of your PMO team!

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