145. Why projects fail and how to fix them: A masterclass with Laura Barnard

Welcome to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.

In this episode, we’re joined by Laura Barnard, also known as “The PMO Lady” and the 2021 World's Top PMO Influencer. Laura is the founder of PMO Strategies and creator of the IMPACT Engine, a revolutionary approach to managing projects and accelerating strategy delivery.

She shares her deep insights on why most projects fail, how to make sure your brilliant ideas don’t fall apart, and how to structure your project management office (PMO) for success.

We discuss why effective project management is critical for employee engagement and business success. Most employee disengagement stems from overloaded teams and inefficient processes. In a small business, where workloads are often high, efficiency becomes key—people should spend their time on tasks that truly add value.

In this episode, we aim to answer three key questions:

1. Why do we need project managers or Project Management Offices (PMOs)?
2. Why do most projects fail, and how can we fix them?
3. Why do my brilliant ideas never seem to pan out the way I expect?

Key Takeaways:

1. What is a PMO (Project Management Office)? Laura breaks down the role of a PMO and why it's essential for businesses of all sizes, especially small teams.
2. Why Projects Fail Laura highlights common reasons projects fail, including lack of clarity on business goals and failure to prioritize effectively.
3. The IMPACT Engine System Laura shares how her IMPACT Engine system can help organizations drive successful projects.
4. Methodology Debate: Agile vs. Waterfall Laura provides a fresh perspective on project management methodologies like Agile and Waterfall.
5. The Strategy Execution Gap Laura explains why organizations often struggle to close this gap and offers solutions on how to integrate strategy development and execution for smoother outcomes.

Links and Resources:

• Learn more about Laura and her resources at PMO Strategies
• The Impact Engine book, available now: Read More
• Follow Laura on LinkedIn

Get involved in the podcast:

If you like hearing from experts who share powerful strategies and insights for success in the workplace, tune in every Thursday for more interviews with thought leaders like Laura.

Don’t forget, every Tuesday we bring you the latest in workplace news, our Hot Takes from experts, and of course, the world-famous Workplace Surgery, where Leanne answers your toughest workplace questions.

Support with Mental Health and Well-being

If any of the topics in this episode have affected you, or if you need mental health support, please reach out to one of the following resources:

• UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. For those in distress, call Samaritans at 116 123 or email [email protected].
• US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country.

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