politics in projects

The P-Word – the role of politics in project management

APM EVENT

17 SEPTEMBER 2013

KEVIN PA RRY, D IRECTO R, CO G EN IC HO N G KO N G

COPYRIGHT COGENIC HONG KONG LIMITED 2013

What do we mean by politics?


Politics is the exercise of power, by an individual or group

It can be overt or covert

It can be a positive or negative influence in projects

Culture

THE WAY THAT AN ORGANISATION WORKS THE THINGS WE TAKE FOR GRANTED


More about culture

CULTURAL NORMS

We value harmony

You have to be seen to be part of the team

It doesn’t pay to ask too many questions

The boss likes to see you working hard all the time

We always eat together

It’s OK to be sending email or text messages in meetings but not to be late

MODEL OF CULTURE: EDGAR SCHEIN 1990


Corporate culture and politics

Politics is about the way that power is exercised and by whom

So culture determines what is acceptable behaviour to those in power

It reinforces ideas, feelings and beliefs

It has a powerful effect on performance and adaptability to change

It affects motivation, communications and reward systems

So what does this mean for project and programme managers?


Negative politics and the effect on projects

UK Health Service example UK Health Service example UK Health Service example UK Health Service example NpfitNpfitNpfitNpfit

Objective widely supported, but change method was top-down and centralised

Organisation power structure is decentralised through medical profession

Insufficient research into existing investment and projects in Strategic Health Authorities

Resistance, technical problems

LessonsLessonsLessonsLessons

Motives

No buy-in by powerful stakeholders

More haste, less speed

Poor contracting process

Multi-sourcing strategy

Accountability - hard to stop when careers depend on delivery


Result Result Result Result HK$14B HK$14B HK$14B HK$14B write offwrite offwrite offwrite off

Positive politics

Portfolio Change Programme in Global TelcoPortfolio Change Programme in Global TelcoPortfolio Change Programme in Global TelcoPortfolio Change Programme in Global Telco

CEO-led change

Initially cost-driven but became a search for opportunity

Change seen as critical to survival

Directors saw this as career opportunity

Talent became easier to attract

Problem was to find quick wins to keep political alliance support

LessonsLessonsLessonsLessons

The CEO leadership gave the programme credibility and urgency

Instilling a sense of pride in what we were doing increased support

Linking the delivery of new products to the ambitions of senior managers

Keeping the momentum

Show that support pays in the short term –people need confirmation of value to them


Result Result Result Result was multiple new revenue streamswas multiple new revenue streamswas multiple new revenue streamswas multiple new revenue streams

The importance of the Sponsor

Guide to managing the political landscape

Encourages openness and dialogue

Provides support to the project manager and opens doors

Uses political influence to build and maintain momentum for the project

Takes ownership for the benefits but stays objective


Why politics is becoming more important to the project manager

International working

• Multi-national teams

• International importance of major projects

We are more inter-connected then ever

• Mobility

• Social Media

• IT Dependency

Complexity

• Scale of investment

• Complexity of objectives

The legacy of the 2008 financial crisis

• Risk aversion

• Power divide

Resource scarcity

• Labour

• Land

Changing influences

• Political alliances

• Competition in Asia


What the profession can do

SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR USING POLITICAL POWER TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Communicate often and follow up when you do

Listen carefully, but don’t gossip

Give and ask for favours sparingly


Be honest about your personal agenda –emphasize what you share and be authentic in your dealings with others

Take time to understand the perspective of influential stakeholders

Work with other cultures and organisations if you can

Be aware of your own political approach – learn how to influence and persuade more effectively

Use the political power of your sponsor but don’t abuse his power or yours

And finally…


“Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there

is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are

able to turn both to their advantage.”

Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince

politics in projects

Education