A program is a group of projects that together form a single goal. In this way, a program is similar to a portfolio but is more broad in nature and targets broader organizational goals.
There are four characteristics of a program that make it unique from projects and BAU work: size, scope, strategy, and goals. These characteristics make programs a good choice for achieving long-term business goals.
Size: Since programs often involve a large number of projects, they’re typically larger than other categories. They also tend to be more complex and employ multiple strategies to reach their goals.
Goal: In a program, the goal is a higher-level, longer-term objective that focuses on improving the company’s performance. These goals can range from reducing waste, to increasing employee satisfaction, to boosting customer service.
Scope: In a program, the scope is more narrow and specific than in a project. This allows program managers to focus on a smaller group of key deliverables and be more effective in completing the work.
Strategy: In a program, the strategy is focused on achieving the company’s strategic goals. This strategy can include implementing new products, developing a new business model, and integrating technology across the enterprise.
This kind of strategy can be particularly useful for a company that’s experiencing rapid growth and is trying to maintain stability in the face of shifting consumer trends. It can also help a business to focus on delivering core services and maintain competitive advantage in a crowded market.
Traits of a successful program manager:
A good program manager will have a strong vision for the future of their company and be able to communicate that effectively to the organization. This will allow them to get buy-in for a program, and ensure that everyone on the team is aligned with the same goal.
They will be able to identify key deliverables and create action plans that ensure the program stays on track and meets its objectives. They will also be able to resolve issues that arise as the program moves forward.
Their responsibility is to manage all projects that are related to their program, ensuring that these projects do not jeopardize the program’s goals or objectives. This means that they need to have a lot of patience, as problems, challenges, and resistance are almost always present throughout the lifecycle of a program.
These traits are especially important for a program manager who’s managing a large-scale, high-profile initiative. They must be able to work with senior leaders and demonstrate that they have the authority to approve projects that fall under their program.
They must also have the ability to communicate complex information in an easily understood way, and be able to lead their teams through change. This is often a difficult challenge because it involves changing people’s mindset and the ways they operate.
A good program manager will be able to build strong, enduring relationships with their key stakeholders. This will help them to gain their support, and it will also ensure that they can be consulted and provide guidance when necessary. It is also essential that they have a solid understanding of the business and its needs, so they can make sure their initiatives are relevant and beneficial to the company’s overall goals.