Part three\u00a0of a series<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n By this point in the project prioritization process, project ideas have been collected, evaluated and analyzed against qualitative and quantitative criteria. These analyses have yielded a concise list of projects, informed by facts, supported by a collaborative environment leveraging impartial tools and consistent ratings. Now, it is time to select projects, which is easier said than done.<\/p>\n Below\u00a0are some critical items to consider.<\/p>\n As much as we try, selecting the right projects is not achieved by numerical analysis alone. It is an art and a science.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s face it: Decision makers have preferences and personal agendas despite repeated encouragement to \u201cthink enterprise.\u201d<\/p>\n The enterprise PMO<\/a> must demonstrate neutrality and unbiased facilitation throughout the process<\/strong>. The emotions and natural biases of decision makers can be managed by defining the process upfront, communicating consistently, and sharing feedback.<\/p>\n Furthermore, good stewards of this process know how to anticipate sources of contention and drama. Engaging decision-makers who express discontent early, especially highly influential ones, is critical to obtaining buy-in and avoiding last-minute derailment of the process.<\/p>\n In summary, the final decision process requires sensitivity and patience with these individuals, carefully balancing it with the goal to achieve the optimal portfolio for the organization<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The power of a strong program office lies in the ability to communicate. Take the extra time to \u201ctell the story\u201d by creating optional points of view<\/strong>. For example:<\/p>\n This approach provides decision makers the ability to examine different scenarios and determine which combination of projects create the most favorable outcome<\/strong>. When looking holistically across the scenarios, consider the following questions:<\/p>\nUnbiased Facilitation to Select the Right Projects<\/h2>\n
Tell the Story \u2013 Bundling and Sequencing<\/h2>\n
\n
\n