Project management is a fascinating field, as it often involves human potential. However, many managers lack the necessary knowledge to effectively manage projects and motivate employees, leading to subpar work results. They need to be aware of their responsibilities and work towards maximizing their resources.
James McCoy, a seasoned PMO Manager with over 30 years of experience, has successfully led such complex program and project transformations nationally and internationally through his impactful leadership and dedication. Currently at the helm as the PMO Manager for SSP Innovations, LLC in Colorado, McCoy’s journey began with a degree in Electronics Engineering from ITT Institute. He furthered his education at the University of Phoenix, attaining a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and later secured a Master’s certification from George Washington University in Project Management. McCoy, a PMI Mile High Chapter member since 2001, the current President, has been dedicated to enhancing his influence on the community and the industry.
McCoy, as a PMO, prioritizes building relationships and collaborating with others to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. He believes that by keeping an open mind and having conversations that go beyond the scope of the job, you gain a better understanding and would be able to refine the process accordingly. “Project management is not just a profession but a continuous learning journey. Individuals can succeed and contribute to their organizations’ growth by improving teamwork, navigating diverse departments, and accomplishing business objectives,” McCoy affirms.
Drawing from his extensive experience, McCoy highlights key lessons from his career. Project managers must comprehend the objectives, deliverables, and budgets across various stages of project management. Typical phases include the initiation phase, followed by the execution, quality, and finally the closure phase. However, McCoy points out that each organization has its own set of phases and that the project scope is often tracked from start to finish.
Understanding the project scope is another aspect of McCoy’s Project Management methodology. The scope provides a comprehensive overview, outlining the specific tasks and phases undertaken. He stresses the need for a comprehensive understanding of project requirements, assumptions, scope, cost, and tasks. This understanding, he believes, is pivotal in creating a thorough plan for any project.
For McCoy, project management is more than just overseeing tasks. “Success is not just about completing tasks; it’s about engaging with others, understanding processes, and making things more efficient. It’s the art of seeing the bigger picture,” he adds. McCoy’s leadership style revolves around socialization, caring, and building trust – elements he considers crucial for effective leadership.
McCoy addresses the challenges companies face when lacking the full mechanics of project management, or as he prefers to call it, “initiatives.” The success of an initiative hinges on a clear focus, a comprehensive plan, effective risk management, efficient task execution, adequate resources, and understanding.
Project management offers invaluable benefits for individuals opting to progress in the organization. It serves as a learning ground, providing opportunities to work with diverse resources, contribute to team efforts, and enhance social and interaction skills. As project managers, individuals can succeed in their projects while contributing to organizational growth.
The corporate world has been recognizing the importance of project management, with demand increasing despite job fluctuations. James McCoy believes this trend should continue positively by ensuring professionals are well-versed in all aspects of the project. Growth in the project management industry will mutually benefit businesses and professionals, fueling economic growth and supporting career development.
Published by: Martin De Juan
