This article from the Harvard Business Review explores how organizations can become purpose-driven to improve employee engagement and performance. It contrasts the conventional economic view of employees as self-interested agents with the idea that connecting individuals to a higher organizational purpose can lead to increased dedication, creativity, and a willingness to go beyond basic job requirements. The authors provide eight key steps that leaders can take to cultivate a purpose-driven culture, including envisioning an inspired workforce, discovering the existing purpose within the organization, ensuring authenticity, and consistently communicating the message. The text also highlights the importance of empowering midlevel managers and frontline employees, and leveraging the power of "positive energizers" within the workforce. The article uses real-world examples like DTE Energy and KPMG to illustrate the transformative effects of embracing an authentic higher purpose.

Understanding the Project Management Office (PMO)

Understanding the Project Management Office (PMO)

This briefing document summarizes key concepts and important information regarding Project Management Offices (PMOs) based on the provided source, "Understanding the Project Management Office (PMO): A Comprehensive Tutorial".

Overall Purpose and Importance of the PMO:

The core message of the source is that a Project Management Office (PMO) is a strategic, essential organizational function that acts as a "central nervous system" for project management. Its primary goal is to standardize processes, policies, and methods to achieve consistent success, ensure projects align with strategic goals, and ultimately deliver organizational benefits. As of 2020, nearly nine in ten organizations globally had established a PMO.

Main Themes and Key Ideas:

1. Defining the PMO: A PMO is a formal group, agency, or department responsible for defining and maintaining project management standards within a company.

• Key Fact: "A project management office is a group, agency, or department that defines and maintains the standards of project management for a company."
• Key Idea: The PMO is the organizational hub for consistent project management practices.
• Quote: "Think of it as the organizational hub that ensures all projects speak the same language and follow consiste...