The Grumpy Project Manager
Why do so many projects suck? Is it lack of communication, poor requirements, incompetent team members, or sloppy project managers? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. But you probably know all that.
Let’s start with the PMPs.
So you’re a PMP, congrats. Really – I mean it. The PMP is no easy accomplishment, but lately I’ve been scratching my head over the value of project management certifications, or more accurately, certified project managers. Do we really need certified project managers?
Just because you’re certified doesn’t mean that you’re a good project manager. Having a certification, particularly the PMP, does mean that you’ve project management experience, are competent, educated, and that you’ve passed on rigorous test on the project management body of knowledge.
But your projects could still suck.
Over and over I’ve read on message boards, in articles, on blogs, and lately in emails how some of the worst project managers in the world are PMPs. There’s no qualifier in the PMP certification that you have to be a good project manager, just be a project manager. Add to this a certain type of project manager that loves the analytic nature of the PMBOK, the nerdiness of passing a test that others can’t, and the migraine-inducing bureaucracy some organizations embrace and it’s a wonder that some projects ever get started.
If I could take the whole PMBOK and cook it into something meaningful I’d scoop this out of my pot: Project management is about getting things done.
Yeah, yeah, I know that’s really simple, and simple doesn’t mean easy, but that’s really what project management is about. Not scope statements, your 42 processes, and stuffy theories. Just suck it up and get the damn thing done. Project management isn’t about feelings, certificates, and lapel pins: it’s about getting the work done.
Too many project managers, in my grumpy opinion, lose sight of that. People need to quit whining and start working. It’s called work for a reason. Take your forms, your processes, and exam scores and stuff ‘em. Until you actually apply what you’ve been taught, what you’ve studied, and what you’ve been tested on it’s all worthless.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Agree with most of your points. Your article fits nicely with the one I’ve wrote:
What You Will NOT Earn From a PMP Certification
Although the title of this post is a little bit strange, I liked who you are saying about those project manager who have got a PM certification but do not have a broad experience in managing projects and people.
Thanks for the article.