Doing Things Right

Here’s something disputable:

A project manager shouldn’t be interested in the project’s business objectives too much.

This fuzzy statement comes from a recent discussion with a friend of mine. When dealing with projects we often hear about business cases. Project Managers are obliged to update business cases. However, from the PRINCE 2 methodology’s point of view (for example), business cases are owned by Sponsors. And that’s good.

A Project Manager is not responsible for the business results specified in the business case; he or she is responsible for developing the agreed product, preferably within standard time, budget & scope constraints.

The project manager’s goal is the deliverable. The what, not the why.

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Once again the quote comes to my mind:

“Management is doing things right, Leadership is doing the right things!” – Peter F. Drucker

Choose.