Programme vs Project Management

I have been asked what is the difference between programme and project management. Don't they both look after projects? Aren't they doing similar roles?

In my 25 years of experience, we all begin as project managers, but some of us transition to programme management.

Project managers usually only look after one project at a time.

Programme managers have to juggle several projects, competing priorities, clashing timelines, egos of different stakeholders, resource constraints... etc. Its like juggling several balls at once and making sure they all stay up!

I know, we are all time-constrained and have limited attention span...so I will keep it to just 5 hints and tips on how to be a good Programme Manager.

? Patience - Everyone will try your patience. So learn to be patient. Listen to people. Figure out what the root cause of their concerns are before deciding on your next course of action.

?? You are not GOD! - Address issues you can and escalate what you can't to the relevant business owners. Its not sloppy shoulders, its sharing the responsibility with the right stake holders and decision makers.

?? Coordinate - Work with other project managers, management, vendors and 3rd parties to get the work done. You can't do everything by yourself. Plan and coordinate work so that it is fairly distributed and no one is overwhelmed by it - including YOU!

?? Keep Calm and Carry On - The more 'together' you are, the better others around you will feel. As a Programme Manager, you have to learn to be calm. You have to project that calmness in your voice, action and emails for others to feel you are in control of the situation.

?? Take care of your own mental and physical health - Go for walks, meditate, eat well and sleep well. You have to take care of your own health to be strong enough to take care of your team, your customers and for the portfolio of projects you are managing.

Cultivate patience and keep calm!

Here are things I can do for you -

?? Manage your portfolio of projects - sw/hw development, deployment, change management & strategic transformation.

?? Coach your team on leadership, team building, well being, growth mindset and developing emotional intelligence.

?? Book a call using my Calendly link below to discuss your requirements with me.

Calendly - Bhagwat Shah