Tips for Program Managers

by Margaret A. Lynch, PhD 

March 31, 2010

 

Timely delivery of innovative, high quality products in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and technology industries requires top-notch program management. At a recent WEST event*, two experienced program management professionals led a well-attended, interactive workshop on key factors for successful program management. 

 

1. It’s all about relationships

Develop and maintain relationships with team members. To foster these relationships, meet with people on your team outside of formal meetings. Hallway and elevator conversations can elicit feedback, ideas, and information that you would never get in a formal setting.

 

2. The challenge is influencing without authority

The cooperation of people who are not your direct reports is a prerequisite for your program’s success. Hone your abilities to persuade and convince. You will need to tailor your approach for each person.

 

3. Advance planning is essential for the success of your program

Save time and money by creating a project plan in advance of the project launch. Anticipate potential challenges. Be prepared for contingencies. A fly by the seat of your pants attitude will not serve you well.

 

4. Have a communication plan in place before issues arise

When constructing your plan, ask yourself the following questions:

  • What information do stakeholders need?
  • How are you going to get that information, and how often?
  • What reporting tools will you use?
  • Do you have a system in place to document mistakes, so you can learn from them, and not repeat them?

Incorporate the answers to these questions into your plan.

 

5. Most of your work occurs behind the scenes

Your work in between those meetings is what gets the job done. Check in often with team members to build rapport.  Your success depends upon their support and cooperation.

 

6. Kickoffs aren’t just for project launches

Consider kickoffs for relaunches, initiation of alliances, involvement of CROs, and even for achieving milestones along the way.

 

7. Managing up

Manage expectations.  Do not overpromise and then underdeliver. Incorporate your knowledge of company culture into your strategy for managing up.  Prepare for your meeting with leaders as if you were planning a new project.

 

8. And again—it’s all about relationships

Program management buzzwords and cutting-edge project management software can’t replace the work of building and nurturing relationship with the people on your team.

 

 

*The WEST workshop “Project Management 101“ was held on March 4, 2010 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Click Here for more information.