Program Manager (PgM) role  

The Program Manager is the experienced agent to the PMO or a strategic initiative. They are responsible and accountable for the coordinated management of multiple, related projects directed toward strategic business and organizational objectives. Project Management Institute states; program managers build credibility, establish rapport and maintain communication with stakeholders at multiple levels, including those external to the organization. They also  provide oversight and guidance of projects and project managers to manage cost, schedule and performance, while working to ensure the ultimate success and acceptance of the program. They are not just program managers, they are the Competent Program Governors, possessing the knowledge and skills needed to be effective in the project, business and/or government environments, and to make decisions that accomplish strategic objectives. 

The Competent Program Governor - Key skills and attributes includes: 

• Program alignment and integration: One of the key skills is the ability to align and integrate the various projects, resources, stakeholders, and risks that are involved in a program. This means ensuring that the program objectives are aligned with the organizational strategy and vision, that the project deliverables are integrated into a coherent and consistent whole, and that the program benefits are realized and measured. Program alignment and integration also involves establishing and maintaining effective governance and oversight mechanisms, such as steering committees, program boards, and reporting systems, to monitor and control the program performance and quality. 

• Stakeholder engagement and communication:  Another essential skill is the ability to engage and communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internal and external to the organization. Stakeholders include sponsors, customers, users, suppliers, regulators, and team members. Program managers need to identify, analyze, and manage the expectations, needs, and interests of these stakeholders, and to communicate with them clearly, frequently, and transparently.  

• Leadership & Team Management: There is responsibility for leading and motivating a large and diverse group of people across multiple projects and functions. They need to set the vision and direction for the program, inspire and empower the project managers and team members, and foster a culture of learning and innovation. Leadership and team management skills also involve delegating tasks and responsibilities, providing feedback and coaching, managing conflicts and performance issues, and recognizing achievements. 

• Problem-solving and decision-making:  Dealing with a high level of uncertainty, complexity, and change, which often leads to problems and challenges that need to be solved or addressed are other challenges that come with program management. Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills come into play, which enable them to identify, analyze, and evaluate the root causes, impacts, and alternatives of the problems, and to select and implement the best solutions.  Applying critical thinking, creativity, and judgment, as well as using appropriate tools and techniques, such as risk management, change management, and lessons learned in involved with the role. 

• Adaptability and resilience:  Finally, program management requires a high degree of adaptability and resilience, the need to cope with the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the program environment may present itself. Exercising the ability to be flexible and agile, to adjust and respond to changing requirements, expectations, and situations, and to embrace new opportunities and challenges will be needed. Adaptability and resilience also involve having a positive and proactive attitude, a growth mindset, and a willingness to learn from mistakes and failures.