Summary

In this conversation, Dave Prior and Dennis Stevens explore the evolving definition of project success as outlined in PMI's recent report. They discuss the implications of this new definition, emphasizing the need for continuous transformation in organizations and the role of project managers in delivering value. The conversation also touches on the importance of reducing friction in project management, the impact of AI on the profession, and the necessity for project managers to navigate the political landscape of project success. Ultimately, they highlight the need for project managers to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and the skills required to thrive in this new landscape.

Takeaways

• A successful project delivers value worth the effort and expense.

• Transformation is continuous, not stepwise.

• Project success must include stakeholder perception and value delivery.

• Project managers need to focus on reducing friction in processes.

• AI will change the role of project managers significantly.

• Friction is not the same as constraints; it impedes progress.

• Project success should be measured by the ability to adapt and deliver value.

• The role of project managers is evolving to include more strategic responsibilities.

• Continuous evaluation is essential for project success.

• Navigating politics is crucial for achieving project success.

Links:

PMI Article on Reframing Project Success https://www.pmi.org/blog/reframing-project-success

Agile for Project Managers - What is Project Success? w/ Dennis Stevens, Jesse Fewell, Jenny Tarwater, Sally Sloley, Jimi Fearless, and Semira Allen and (on The Agile Network) https://theagilenetwork.com/content/1d2a0a72-4d33-4145-b80a-3728f45b1947/item/0

Redefining Project Success and How it Impacts Project and Product Leaders with Lenka Pincot, Mike Griffiths and Dave Prior (on The Agile Network) https://theagilenetwork.com/content/926c08d0-52c7-4444-8f2a-732ac6acea61/item/0

Contacting Dennis

Website: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=orgwright&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisstevens/

The Agile Network Profile: https://theagilenetwork.com/celebrity/fa0c1ba5-2373-4750-a3a2-86e37bc3ab03

Chapters

00:18 Introduction to Project Success Redefined

03:25 Transformation in Project Management

06:14 The New Definition of Project Success

09:21 Challenges in Project Management

12:08 Reducing Friction in Project Success

15:16 The Role of Project Managers in Value Delivery

18:39 The Politics of Project Management

22:18 Evolving Role of Project Managers

25:08 AI and the Future of Project Management

28:08 The Changing Landscape of Project Management

30:18 Concluding Thoughts and Future Conversations