Ever feel isolated while working on a strategic project? Recently, an experienced project management officer said, “Sometimes the PMO world can be a lonely space with stakeholders not always understating the value you bring to an organisation……” That hit home for me.
It reminds me of times before I founded a community. I was leading complex projects, feeling isolated, trying to drive change, and lacking anyone at my level that would get what I was feeling. It can be frustrating when you’re pushing for transformation, and no one quite gets the stakeholder complexity you face.
A few weeks ago, I received a message from Enterprise Project Office Manager, Michael Reynders from Mediclinic Southern Africa, which really resonated on this topic:
“Great article that served the purpose of confirming that our organisation is on track with setting up the correct governance structures right at the start of a massive systems transformation portfolio of projects. We have successfully established the exact 3 tips, including the seconding of a dedicated executive as Senior Responsible Owner. It was great to realise that I did not dream everything up and that there is a solid basis for doing things this way at the start, even before things go wrong!”
A big thank you to Michael for sharing his insights and for allowing me to share them here. His reflections highlight that even when we’re navigating tough strategy execution, we don’t have to be alone in facing these challenges.
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If you’re feeling isolated in your strategic initiatives, here are three steps to help you find connection and support:
1. Find allies inside your organisation. Identify a colleague you can trust who is tackling similar challenges in a different part of the organization. Set up regular catch-ups to share experiences and insights. This creates a support person within your organization that can provide encouragement, advice, and perspective when you need it.
2. Grow an internal change community
Reach out in your organisation and grow an internal community of others in similar roles. You can nominate someone different every meeting to seed the conversation with something topical, or a problem they are working on that all members could help solve.
3. Connect with professional communities outside your organization
For a broader perspective, find a professional community where you can meet like-minded leaders faced with similar issues. I’ve found real value in being part of multiple communities, from women’s business groups such as Women on Boards, consultant networks such as Umbrex, to global entrepreneur groups such as Lenny’s community. I particularly like the ones that actually meet LIVE, whether they are remote or in person, as long as I can get to talk to people. These connections bring new energy and ideas into my work. Get in touch if you’d like to find out about The Turbochargers Hub, which offers a space for leaders of strategic projects to exchange insights LIVE, share experiences and learn together.
Loneliness in leadership is real, but by actively building connections both inside and outside your organisation, you’ll find the support you need. Whether it’s through catch-ups with colleagues or professional groups, the power of community is astounding in improving what we do, and propelling us to move forward with confidence.
Wishing you a week of great connections and renewed energy.
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*** Please forward this article to someone who will also find it valuable. ***
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Quote of the week
If you improve by 1% every day, you will be approximately 37.78 times better at the end of the year.
I have calculated this with Perplexity.
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____________ Keep turbocharging with a culture-friendly approach 😊🌱📈 |
PS Turbocharge your strategic influence 😊🌱📈
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About Lisa Carlin
Lisa Carlin is a Strategy Execution Specialist. She works with business leaders to plan and execute their strategies in tough environments. Her clients love having her expertise and guidance to navigate their workplace culture and use AI to achieve success.
Lisa created The Turbochargers Hub, so leaders can master the art of strategic influence and generate momentum for organizational change.
Lisa is author of the globally acclaimed newsletter, Turbocharge Weekly, read by 8,000 business leaders.
Lisa’s career includes roles at McKinsey and Accenture, then running her own business since 1999. Over this time she has delivered over 50 implementations with a 96% success rate.