Harlan Bridges

Harlan Bridges works as a PMO Setup Practice Lead for BOT International.

Understand the business

Great project managers bring business acumen to the project and focus on results over process.  They think and act strategically and understand the business, the market, the competition and how projects fit in this mix. They know how the project brings value to the business and understand that project success is based on that value, not on cost, schedule and scope. We are slowly realizing that projects are not separate from the business but rather an integral part of the business and as such are only successful when they bring value to the business. Project managers must not abdicate the responsibility to deliver business value and must manage projects in such a manner that delivers the highest possible value to the business. Sadly some of the greatest resistance to this need comes from project managers. – Harlan Bridges, PMP, BOT International

Practice continuous improvement

I advocate that project managers attend formal leadership training as well as find a mentor with proven leadership skills. Solicit feedback from team members, stakeholders, peers, and other appropriate individuals regarding leadership skills. Seek to continually increase business, leadership and project management knowledge, skills and experience. Continually seek out assignments that are beyond their comfort zone, ones that “stretch” them. In other words, practice continuous improvement. – Harlan Bridges, PMP, BOT International

I understood that I had an impact 

My biggest “AHA” moment came when I understood that project managers are in a position to have significant impact on the success of the organization. Projects are the vehicle through which organizations execute their strategy. As such, projects have enormous impact on the overall health and success of the organization. – Harlan Bridges, PMP, BOT International