The human factor in PRINCE2^® project success

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Transcript

Welcome aboard the Knowledge Train. In this podcast we explore insights and tips to help you manage your way to success in your career and business. I’m Simon Buehring, your conductor on this journey to knowledge and I’m thrilled to have you with us today.

In today’s episode, we’re going to delve deep into the world of PRINCE2 and the pivotal role people play in ensuring project success. We’ll uncover why understanding the nuances of people in PRINCE2 is crucial for any project manager looking to enhance their skills and effectiveness. So, let’s get started!

PRINCE2, the renowned project management method, is built upon five key components: principles, practices, processes, the project environment, and most importantly, people. Today’s guide is a deep dive into the ‘people’ aspect of PRINCE2, tailored to furnish you with essential information for the PRINCE2 Foundation exam.

This episode is part of a quartet of study guides, all updated for the 7th edition of PRINCE2 released in 2023—ensuring you’re getting the most current and comprehensive overview. Remember, people are the beating heart of PRINCE2, influencing every process, practice, and principle within the framework.

Let’s talk about the ecosystems within which projects exist; they’re a complex intertwining of business operations, individuals, and external relationships. Whether it’s the internal dynamics of an organisation or the multitude of external connections, the success of a project is heavily tied to these ecosystems’ health and efficiency.

The way a project team interacts, the capabilities at their disposal, and the way they manage to introduce changes—these are the ingredients for successful project outcomes. Leadership needs to foster a culture that not only embraces change but actively motivates its people to navigate it effectively. Decisions should be made with proximity to knowledge, ensuring they are as informed and relevant as possible.

Projects are agents of change, and this change management is critical. It bridges the gap between the current operational state and the envisioned future. Without effective change management, projects risk becoming investments with no payoff. It’s all about the transition from ‘what is’ to ‘what should be,’ and leadership plays a vital role in navigating this journey.

Now, on to stakeholders—these are the individuals, groups, or organisations that a project can impact or that perceive an impact. A project’s success hinges on the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders. It’s about building bridges across the project and organisational ecosystems, fostering a shared vision, and crafting a culture that respects the diverse values and attitudes within an organisation, while aligning with its broader goals.

Collaboration and co-creation are the twin pillars of project execution. By involving users and key influencers in the design process, we ensure that products are welcomed by the ecosystems they’re meant to serve. Leadership is about inspiring and guiding people toward these objectives. It’s about facilitating relationships, creating consensus, and continually seeking feedback to ensure everyone is aligned and committed.

Project management is more than just directing tasks. It’s about shaping a team’s approach to work, ensuring clarity of purpose and impact. This is where a communication management approach comes into play, defining how to maintain a flow of information that supports alignment and engages stakeholders effectively. Bear in mind, project teams often span across organisational lines, which means they require a deft touch to manage effectively—distinct from traditional line management.

Creating effective teams is akin to curating a fine balance of competencies, capabilities, and respect for diversity. PRINCE2 advocates for building this balance through a series of tools like project plans, team structures, communication strategies, and documentation detailing agreed-upon ways of working. Moreover, whether teams work virtually, in-person, or a mix of both, fostering social cohesion is key—through regular, meaningful interaction, trust-building, and providing avenues for organic relationship development.

Finally, people factors aren’t just a part of the PRINCE2 framework—they’re woven into its very fabric. They influence the seven PRINCE2 principles from ensuring continued business justification to learning from experience and tailoring the approach to fit the project’s unique context.

Understanding the human element, the people factors in PRINCE2, is like unlocking a treasure trove of project management wisdom. By integrating these insights into your approach, you can elevate the way you manage projects, ensuring they are as effective and impactful as possible.

Thank you for joining us on the Knowledge Train as we explored the human element in PRINCE2. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insight-packed episodes, and swing by the Knowledge Train website for resources galore. Until the next episode, keep learning, keep managing, and I’ll see you further down the track. Goodbye!