Governance. It’s one of those words that gets tossed around a lot in the world of PMO, but how many of us truly understand its power when it comes to delivering successful projects, programmes, and portfolios? We often hear about governance in relation to projects, but in this article we will look at why governance is just as vital for PMO success — and how the right governance frameworks can transform how we work.
If you’re already working in a PMO, you’ve likely faced challenges with things not quite going to plan. Whether it’s managing resources, keeping senior execs happy, or making sure projects are aligned with the big-picture strategy, governance is at the heart of it all. Without good governance, PMOs can end up lost in the details, spinning plates without any real control over which ones are falling. So, let’s explore why getting governance right is the key to success and how the P3G Governance course can help you put the right frameworks in place.
What is Governance Anyway?
At its core, governance is all about how decisions are made, who makes them, and how accountability is managed. It’s the system of rules, practices, and processes that ensure your PMO stays aligned with the organization’s strategy while delivering on its objectives. But here’s where it gets interesting: PMO governance is different from corporate governance.
Corporate governance tends to focus on keeping the business running smoothly — how you hire people, pay staff, manage suppliers, and report to shareholders. But PMO governance? Well, that’s a whole different beast. You’re dealing with temporary structures, pulling people from different parts of the organization, and running projects that often clash with existing business processes. That’s why PMO governance needs its own set of rules — rules that align with corporate governance but also allow you the flexibility to deliver real change.
Why Governance Matters for PMOs
You might be thinking, “I’m already dealing with enough processes and frameworks, why do I need to worry about governance?” But here’s the thing: Governance isn’t about adding more bureaucracy. It’s about creating clarity.
With the right governance structures in place, you can ensure that everyone knows what they’re responsible for, how decisions will be made, and how projects will stay aligned with the organisation’s strategy. More importantly, governance gives you the authority to challenge decisions that don’t make sense or aren’t supported by evidence.
Take decision-making as an example. How many times have you seen a project pushed through because it’s someone’s pet project, even though the business case doesn’t stack up? With strong governance, the PMO can step in and make sure that decisions are being made based on evidence, not just opinions.
The Governance Triangle: Projects, Programmes, and Portfolios
When we talk about P3M governance, it’s about making sure the right governance bodies are in place — project boards, programme boards, investment boards — and ensuring they have the authority to make tough decisions. But here’s the rub: these governance structures need to align with corporate governance while still being fit for purpose in the project environment. It’s all about balance.
The P3G Course: Governance in Action
That’s where the P3G Governance course comes in. This course takes you through the ten principles of effective governance for projects, programmes, and portfolios, helping you understand how to apply these principles in your organisation.
One of the biggest challenges I hear from PMO professionals is that their governance frameworks lack teeth. The P3G course doesn’t just teach you the theory — it walks you through how to set up governance that works in practice. You’ll learn how to:
- Create governance bodies with real authority.
- Align project governance with corporate governance.
- Ensure accountability across the board.
- Support decision-making with evidence and proper reporting.
Whether you’re just starting out with governance in your PMO or looking to refine what you’ve already got, this course will give you the tools and insights to make governance a game-changer for your PMO.
Bringing It All Together
So, why is governance the secret weapon for PMO success? Because it gives you the structure to support projects that are not only completed on time and within budget but also aligned with the organisation’s strategy. It ensures that decisions are made for the right reasons and that everyone involved is accountable for delivering value. With solid governance in place, your PMO can move from being a support function to a true enabler of strategic success.
If you’re ready to unlock the power of governance in your PMO, why not join us on our next P3G Governance course? You’ll not only walk away with a certification but also the confidence to implement governance frameworks that drive real results.
f you haven’t already watched our Lunch and Learn: Why Governance is Key for PMO Success, the recording is available below.
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