Engagement of a project manager

Is there a hidden secret to the success of software projects?

Of course there is not. No silver bullet. But often was I asked for such a secret and often have I wondered on the subject.

My My.Fragility framework grew out of an attempt to describe my recipe. And although I firmly believe in this toolbox, there is simply… more. An undefinable extra?

Intrigued by the term ‘Engagement Manager’ I ran into a great blog post that essentially states that a Project Manager must be involved in Sales. And Legal, technology, Accounting, etc. To act cross-functional.

– Hey! That’s not new. That’s my way of doing Project Management.

– Okay, okay. I understand. Finally. It’s not the traditional view.

So, there you have it. My secret. Vision and attitude. Beyond pure delivery. A continuous and steady focus on satisfying and lasting working software, beyond politics, small talk and short-term reactivity.

Dedication, engagement, commitment. The will and the force to be more than a Project Manager, to be… Engagement Manager.