What does a PMO actually do?

- This may surprise you, but there's no definitive list of what a PMO should do. It's true. Every organization is unique and the project related challenges they face are extremely varied. However, there are common areas that all PMOs should focus on. First, PMOs must keep all projects focused on outcomes, not outputs. A project is expected to deliver a set of features by a certain date and for a given cost, but those features are only a means to an end. The company doesn't succeed when it develops a new product, the output of the project, it succeeds when that product is sold and revenue is generated, the business outcome. PMOs must work with project sponsors to understand those expected outcomes and then explain them to project managers and teams, helping them adjust how they manage the project accordingly. Changing the what of the project, if needed, so the why can be achieved. Next, PMOs must ensure project…